Australia Awards Scholarship Indonesia: Complete Guide 2027
Last updated: June 2026 The Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS) is one of the most comprehensive government-funded scholarships available to Indonesian citizens, covering full tuition, return airfare, living allowance, and health insurance for Master’s and PhD study at Australian universities. Administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the program has operated since 1953 and has supported thousands of Indonesian alumni now in leadership roles across government, research, and the private sector. This guide covers everything you need for the 2027 intake: eligibility requirements, full benefits, the four AAS scholarship streams, the step-by-step application process, and the one eligibility detail that quietly lowers the chances of hundreds of qualified applicants every year. For a broader overview of all available programs, see our complete guide to scholarships in Australia 2026 for Indonesians. What Is the Australia Awards Scholarship? The Australia Awards Scholarship is an Australian Government program that funds Indonesian citizens to complete a Master’s degree (maximum 2 years) or a PhD (maximum 4 years) at one of 47 participating australiaawardsindonesia.org partner universities. The program sits under the Australia-Indonesia Development Partnership Plan 2024-2028, which expanded priority funding areas and added new scholarship streams for Indonesian emerging leaders. The 2027 intake typically opens in February 2027 and closes in April 2027. Shortlisted applicants hear back mid-year, with final results by August. All official dates are confirmed at australiaawardsindonesia.org. Check that page directly rather than relying on third-party summaries, since intake timelines can shift slightly year to year. What the Scholarship Covers The Australia Awards Scholarship provides one of the most complete support packages available to Indonesian students going abroad. The table below summarises what scholars receive, per australiaawardsindonesia.org: Benefit Details Tuition fees Full tuition for the entire degree duration Airfare Return economy airfare between Indonesia and Australia Living allowance Monthly stipend for accommodation and daily living costs Health cover Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the scholarship period English training Full-time English for Academic Purposes (EAP) in Indonesia before departure Professional development Networking activities and enrichment programs during and after study For most recipients, the net out-of-pocket cost of studying in Australia on a full AAS award is effectively zero, a significant difference from self-funded study where how much it costs to study in Australia can run well into the tens of thousands annually. Eligibility Requirements General Requirements To be eligible for the Australia Awards Scholarship 2027, applicants must meet the following criteria, per australiaawardsindonesia.org: Academic and English Proficiency Requirements Most AAS programs require a minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. English proficiency requirements for the 2027 intake are as follows: Test Master’s Minimum PhD Minimum IELTS Academic 6.0 overall 6.5 overall TOEFL iBT 80 88 PTE Academic 56 61 Test results must be valid as of January 1, 2027. IELTS and PTE test slots fill weeks in advance in major Indonesian cities. If your current score falls short, allow 3 to 6 months for structured preparation and retesting before the application window opens. Equity Target Group: The 15 Priority Provinces Here is what most guides skip, and what directly affects your chances. The AAS designates an Equity Target Group (ETG) that receives priority consideration in the selection process. The ETG covers three categories: If you qualify under any ETG criteria, apply under the ETG category. The most common and most avoidable mistake RACC consultants see at this stage is eligible ETG applicants submitting under General, placing themselves in a larger pool with fewer priority seats. Checking your category before you open the form takes two minutes and can meaningfully shift your odds. Priority Fields of Study for 2027 DFAT gives priority to applicants whose target field aligns with Indonesia’s national development goals under the Australia-Indonesia Development Partnership Plan 2024-2028. Priority areas for the 2027 intake include: If your field of study connects to one of these areas, make that connection explicit in your study proposal. Applicants whose proposals bridge two priority areas have a stronger case in the selection process. Australia Awards Scholarship Streams in 2027 The Australia Awards program in Indonesia now operates across four streams. Identifying the right stream for your background before you start preparing documents will save you significant time. Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS) The flagship program, open to all eligible Indonesian citizens. Covers Master’s and PhD study across a wide range of fields at 47 participating universities. The most widely available stream, with the broadest eligibility criteria and the highest number of available places. LPDP-Australia Awards Scholarship A joint program between Indonesia’s Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP) and the Australian Government via DFAT. Benefits are comparable to the main AAS, but this stream suits applicants who have existing LPDP ties or who want to maintain Indonesian government backing throughout their studies. The 2027 application window is expected to open in mid-2027, per lpdp.kemenkeu.go.id. Australia Awards Garuda Scholarships Announced at the 2025 Annual Leaders’ Meeting between Australian Prime Minister Albanese and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, this stream is specifically for principals and teachers from the Sekolah Garuda Transformasi program. It supports Master’s study in education and related fields at Australian universities, with study commencing in 2027. Applications are managed through beasiswa.kemdiktisaintek.go.id. Australia Awards Nusantara Scholarships A dedicated stream targeting Indonesian applicants under specific development priorities. Full eligibility criteria and application details for this stream are published at australiaawardsindonesia.org. If your profile fits an underrepresented province or sector, check this stream alongside the main AAS. How to Apply: Step-by-Step Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility Category Before opening the application form, confirm whether you qualify under the ETG category (see the eligibility section above). Then identify two to three target universities that offer your intended field. Having backup options matters, as intake capacity varies by institution and specialisation. Step 2: Prepare Your Documents Allow 8 to 12 weeks to assemble your application. Most applicants underestimate how long referee reports and certified translations actually take. Standard AAS documentation includes: Step 3: Submit Before the Deadline Applications are submitted through the portal at australiaawardsindonesia.org. Indonesia does not
