TOEFL Certificates for Garuda School Applicants Can Be Submitted Later

Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Stella Christie stated that prospective teachers and principals wishing to apply to Garuda Schools can still participate in the selection process even without a TOEFL or IELTS certificate. The English proficiency documents can be submitted after registration.

“If you really want to apply and are confident in your achievements but do not yet have an IELTS or TOEFL certificate, it can be submitted later. Take the test now, but we understand the results may not be available yet—they can be submitted afterward,” Stella said, as quoted from her personal Instagram account on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

Stella also noted that expired IELTS or TOEFL certificates can still be accepted as an indicator of an applicant’s English proficiency. The government, she said, simply wants to ensure teachers have adequate English competency. “We just want to know your English ability, because teachers need to be able to speak English,” she said.

Garuda Schools are scheduled to begin operating in the 2026–2027 academic year. The government is currently opening selection for 96 teachers as well as 20 vice principal and principal positions. Registration closes on February 15, 2026.

Stella invited accomplished teachers from across Indonesia to take advantage of the opportunity. She emphasized that Garuda Schools are specifically intended for high-achieving educators who are ready to contribute to the government’s priority program.

In addition to flexibility in English proficiency requirements, the government is also offering housing facilities for educators who pass the selection. Teachers will receive a 60-square-meter landed house, while principals will receive a 120-square-meter landed house.

“Every teacher will receive a landed house—not dormitory housing—a 60-square-meter landed house. In addition, teachers will receive highly adequate salaries commensurate with their responsibilities, on par with top schools across Indonesia,” Stella said.

Salaries and allowances are described as competitive and adjusted to the responsibilities of each position. Regarding the Professional Teacher Education program (PPG), Stella said differences in academic disciplines can still be accommodated as long as the applicant’s academic background is relevant to the position applied for.

The government hopes that the flexible requirements and facilities offered will attract the best teaching talent to build a premier educational ecosystem through Garuda Schools.