Studying abroad, especially in English-speaking countries, is a dream for many Indonesian students, but financial barriers often pose significant challenges. Scholarships, such as the prestigious LPDP scholarship offered by Indonesia's Ministry of Finance, provide an excellent opportunity to overcome these obstacles and pursue higher education locally or internationally. However, a key requirement for securing this scholarship is demonstrating English proficiency, typically through the IELTS exam.
To meet the LPDP IELTS score requirement, applicants need a strong preparation strategy. Focus on developing essential skills such as listening, reading, writing, and speaking through regular practice. Incorporate familiarisation tests and time management techniques to simulate real exam conditions, ensuring you maximize your performance.
The LPDP scholarship is highly competitive, and achieving a high IELTS score can significantly strengthen your application. Effective IELTS preparation tips include expanding your vocabulary by reading academic articles, listening to English podcasts, and writing practice essays. Consistent practice with sample IELTS tests will help familiarize you with the exam format and boost your confidence in achieving your target score for the LPDP scholarship.
Why choose IELTS for LPDP scholarship applicants?
IELTS has become a preferred choice for LPDP scholarship due to its comprehensive evaluation of English proficiency. Here's why IELTS stands out:
1. Globally recognised
Over 12,000 organizations worldwide, including universities, training institutions, government departments, immigration authorities, and professional organizations, accept IELTS as a trusted indicator of English proficiency.
2. Flexible locations and dates
IELTS is available at numerous IELTS test centers in Indonesia, with flexible IELTS test dates in Indonesia to suit your schedule. Choose between IELTS on Computer, which offers faster results and more test date options, or IELTS on Paper if you prefer a traditional format.
3. Fair and reliable assessment
Developed with rigorous international standards, IELTS ensures accurate and fair results that reflect your English proficiency.
4. More than just an English test
IELTS not only measures general English language skills but also supports your academic and professional needs. With four test components—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking—IELTS ensures you are ready to face the challenges of studying and living abroad.
5. Valid for two years
Your IELTS score remains valid for two years, giving you ample time to plan your LPDP scholarship application and study preparation.
By understanding these advantages, you’ll see why IELTS is the right choice to meet the IELTS score for LPDP scholarship requirements.
Top IELTS preparation tips for success
To achieve the required score, thorough preparation is essential. Here are practical IELTS preparation tips tailored to LPDP scholarship applicants:
IELTS Speaking test tips
1. Practice daily
The most important IELTS Speaking tip is to practice consistently. You can start by using English in everyday conversations. Ask friends to help you discuss and ask for feedback on things that need to be improved. Another alternative is to record yourself speaking English. Listen to the recording again to evaluate your pronunciation, intonation and answer structure, then make corrections if necessary.
Get used to speaking English on general topics such as family, hobbies, education and work. This will help you in Part 1 and Part 2 of the Speaking test.
2. Speak clearly and naturally
Both during practice and the actual test, focus on pronunciation, fluency, and coherence. Avoid memorizing responses; instead, practice forming spontaneous answers.
Memorising answers does not reflect your true English skills. Examiners can also tell if you memorize answers, and this can affect your final band score. Click this for more free IELTS Speaking Practice test questions!
IELTS Reading test tips
The IELTS Reading section may look simple, but there are many details that you should not miss.
1. Pay attention to the time limit you have
You have 60 minutes to complete the 40 questions, so managing your time is important. There are three parts to the Reading test, and you should spend no more than 20 minutes on each part. Mastering pacing in the IELTS Reading section is important if you want to ace for this component.
2. Develop skimming and scanning skills
Skimming is a reading technique to find out the essence and understand the main idea, while scanning is a fast-reading technique to find certain information.
You can learn to skim for main ideas and scan for specific details to save time and improve accuracy.
3. Answer easy questions first
Check questions quickly and identify questions you can answer easily. Solving these questions first will increase your confidence and give you more time to answer the more difficult questions later. Avoid spending too much time on any one question.
IELTS Writing test tips
1. Understand the tasks given
Learn how to organize your responses for Task 1, for example, describing a graph, and Task 2, which is essay writing. Use formal language and answer all parts of the question.
2. Practice writing within the specified time limit
Allocate 20 minutes for Assignment 1 and 40 minutes for Assignment 2. Regular practice will help you complete the assignment on time without compromising the quality of your writing.
3. Expand your vocabulary
Use a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures to demonstrate your language skills, but avoid making your words too complicated.
IELTS Academic Writing free practice questions
IELTS General Training free practice questions
IELTS Listening test tips
1. Practice with different accents
The IELTS Listening test recording displays accents from English-speaking countries. Listen to various accents through podcasts or videos to improve your understanding.
2. Read the questions before listening
Use the time given before starting each section to read the questions and predict the type of information required. Here are some free practice questions for the IELTS Listening component.
3. Focus on the first try
Since each recording only plays once, concentrate completely on getting the answer or details in real-time.
Preparing for the IELTS test requires consistent practice, strategic planning, and a thorough understanding of each section. By focusing on specific skills such as time management, vocabulary development, and recognition of question types, you can face the test with more confidence. Remember, every effort you put into IELTS test preparation can take you one step closer to achieving the score you want.
Don't forget to take regular breaks and maintain a balanced study routine to avoid burnout. With the right mindset and preparation strategy, you can maximize your potential and perform well on test day.
Comprehensive IELTS preparation material
Preparing for the IELTS test becomes more effective when you use trusted material sources that are tailored to the test format.
To make your IELTS preparation journey easier, here is a list of resources that can be adapted to suit different learning styles:
1. Free IELTS practice test
Access IELTS practice test free on the official IDP website. These materials include sample questions, model answers, and expert tips.
2. Learn from books
Books that can develop your English skills such as The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS, Barron's IELTS Practice Exams, and IELTS Trainer are very informative because of their structured content and practical exercises. These books are ideal for self-study, offering sample questions, explanations of answers, and helpful test-taking strategies.
3. IELTS preparation app
For easier and more fun learning, try apps like IELTS by IDP or IELTS Official Practice App. The app includes practice tests, vocabulary exercises, and interactive features that make learning convenient and interesting.
4. IELTS preparation course in Indonesia
For personal guidance, consider signing up for the IELTS preparation courses available in Indonesia. IDP Indonesia offers Masterclasses, workshops and face-to-face training sessions led by experienced IELTS experts. Many language institutions also provide IELTS courses tailored to different skill levels.
5. Free preparation resources
If you're on a tight budget, there are many free online resources for preparation materials. As co-owner of IELTS, IDP offers a variety of free preparation materials, including study tips and expert advice.
Apart from preparing for IELTS, choosing the right test format can also make a significant difference in your IELTS experience. Understanding the key features of each format will help you feel more confident and in control on test day. Find out the advantages of IELTS on Paper and IELTS on Computer to help you decide which format best suits your preferences and needs.
Choose between IELTS on Paper and IELTS on Computer
When preparing for IELTS, choosing the right test format is an important decision. Both IELTS on Paper and IELTS on Computer have their respective advantages, so you can choose based on your comfort and needs.
Advantages of IELTS on Paper
Doing directly on paper: If you are used to taking notes and marking directly on the question paper, this format allows you to take notes while reading.
More familiar: For those used to paper-based exams, this format provides a more natural experience. Writing essays and answering questions manually on paper can be the best option if you are confident in the clarity and speed of your handwriting.
Advantages of IELTS on Computer
Faster results: IELTS on Computer test results are generally available within 1 day, much faster than the paper-based format.
User-friendly features: Typing answers, especially the Writing section, can save time and make it easier for you to correct mistakes. The Listening section is also equipped with several features such as volume control and an on-screen timer.
Flexible schedule options: Computer-based tests typically offer more test dates and sessions, providing flexibility in scheduling.
Step closer to your LPDP scholarship
After deciding between IELTS on Paper or IELTS on Computer, the next step is to ensure your preparation is in line with your academic and scholarship goals. Understanding how to get LPDP scholarship is crucial, and achieving the right IELTS score is a key part of the process.
With the right preparation, you can meet the IELTS score for LPDP scholarship requirement and unlock the doors to your dream of studying abroad. Whether you’re utilizing IELTS speaking test tips, honing your IELTS listening practice, or attending an IELTS preparation course in Indonesia, every step brings you closer to success.
Ready to take the first step? Book your test at one of the IELTS test centers in Indonesia today and start your journey toward the LPDP scholarship. Let IELTS be your partner in achieving academic excellence and global opportunities.