Group work is one of the effective learning models that can improve students’ ability in understanding the meaning of words and issues. This study was conducted to investigate the ideal criteria of group work based on students’ experiences. To answer the research question, this study employed descriptive qualitative research as the approach. The participants of this research were three students of ELED of Universitas of Yogyakarta. This research used standardized open-ended interview to collect the data. Then, in analyzing the data the researcher used open coding, analytical coding, axial coding and selective coding. The result showed that the criteria of ideal group work based on students’ perception of ELED of Yogyakarta were the member has good participation, the discussion in group work discussion is continuing, the discussion in group work focusses on the topic, the group work should have problem solution, the member of the group work present the result of the discussion, the members share each other, the members of group work get something new, the members respect each other, the material should be explained before. Eventually, those criteria could make a group work effective