English Language Training Assistance (ELTA)
Since 2011, AAI has supported an English Language Training Assistance (ELTA) Program to support prospective Master's level applicants from Equity Target Groups who demonstrate strong scholarship potential but whose English language proficiency levels are below the standard entry requirements. The ELTA Program develops essential English language skills across all four core areas: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Integrated Program Delivery from 2025
Starting in 2025, registration for the ELTA program will be integrated into the AAI scholarship application process. Successful applicants with lower English skills will undertake ELTA as a foundational component of Pre-Departure Training (PDT). This approach will provide a more direct scholarship pathway for Equity Target Group applicants with low English proficiency
The AAI scholarship application process now features an adjusted minimum English language proficiency requirement for applicants from Equity Target Groups. The minimum International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score (or equivalent in TOEFL or PTE) is now 4.5.
Registration to Australia Awards Scholarship application for Intake 2026 is open until 30 April 2025 and can be accessed here: australiaawardsindonesia.org/id/Intake2026
The lower English score requirement applies only to Master's level applicants who identify as belonging to one or more of the following Equity Target Groups:
- Applicants with disabilities from any province in Indonesia;
- Women from disadvantaged backgrounds, which is defined as women who experience marginalisation and have obstacles to developing their potential, for example, women who are heads of households, women with disabilities, indigenous women, or women from other groups who are vulnerable due to their socio-economic status;
- Applicants from Equity Target Provinces, including East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, North Maluku, Papua, South Papua, Highland Papua, Central Papua, West Papua, Southwest Papua, West Sulawesi, West Kalimantan, Gorontalo, Central Sulawesi, and Lampung.
Accessible Testing Arrangements for Applicants with Sensory Disabilities
Australia Awards Indonesia is committed to ensuring the application process is accessible to all. Applicants with sensory disabilities (blind or deaf) who encounter difficulties in accessing standard English proficiency tests (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE) are encouraged to contact AAI for support.
Please email infotl@australiaawardsindonesia.org with the subject "AAS Intake 2026 Applicant English Test for People with Disabilities" to discuss your circumstances. You may apply for a waiver of the English Language certificate requirement as part of your Australia Awards Scholarship application. Waiver applications will be carefully reviewed by the Australia Awards team and may be approved with certain conditions.
Program Structure
Successful Australia Awards Scholarship applicants who are accepted into the ELTA pathway will participate in a comprehensive Pre-Departure Training (PDT) program for a maximum duration of 12 months, prior to commencing their Master's degree studies in Australia.
Applicants must obtain the necessary permission from their institution or workplace to participate in this full-time program in Denpasar, Bali.
The training will aim to enhance English language proficiency, prepare for academic success, develop cross-cultural competencies, and promote inclusivity and leadership. In addition, the training also includes strategies for taking the test to achieve an IELTS score to meet the requirements for enrolling in universities in Australia.
Training will be delivered by experienced instructors from the Indonesia Australia Language Foundation (IALF, Yayasan Bahasa Indonesia Australia) at their campus in Denpasar, Bali. IALF is a reputable language training organisation with a long-standing history of delivering high-quality English language programs.
Further Information
For any further inquiries regarding the program, please do not hesitate to contact us at infotl@australiaawardsindonesia.org.