Learning English with the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)
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Why should I learn English?
English is Australia’s national language.
People in Australia speak many languages, but to take part fully in Australian life you will need to speak and understand some English. Without English, you will find it difficult to get a job and become independent. English is also needed if you wish to become an Australian citizen.
What is the AMEP?
The Adult Migrant English Program, also known as AMEP, provides basic tuition in the English language to help eligible adult migrants and refugees settle successfully in Australia.
The AMEP will teach you more than just English. You will also learn about Australian society, culture and customs. You will meet other new arrivals, who may have similar experiences and goals to yours, and you will probably make many new friends.
The AMEP is an Australian Government funded program.
The Welcome to the Adult Migrant English Program brochure will help you understand the program and what will be expected of you in the AMEP. The brochure is available in English and 24 community languages.
See: Welcome to the Adult Migrant English Program
Am I eligible for the program?
You may be eligible if you are a migrant or refugee settling in Australia and have been granted a permanent visa, you are at least 18 years old and you speak little or no English. Some migrants with provisional visas may also be eligible to join the program.
You need to register with one of the AMEP service providers within three months of arriving in Australia or gaining permanent residence. You should begin classes within one year.
You can study English with the AMEP for up to 510 hours or until you reach functional English, whichever comes first.
You may be eligible for additional tuition if you have special needs because of difficult pre-migration experiences (for example torture and trauma) or limited schooling.
What will the program cost?
There is no charge for most people who are eligible to study through the program.
Who will teach me?
Local organisations, called service providers, offer AMEP tuition. These service providers employ teachers who are trained in teaching English to speakers of other languages.
Your local service provider will tell you whether you are eligible for the program. They can recommend the best way for you to learn English. They can arrange free childcare for children not yet at school while you attend classes. They can seek approval for you to defer the start of your classes if you need to for family or work reasons.
Your service provider will advise you which course will best fit your needs. They will do this based on your work and family circumstances and your current level of English. They can also help you plan for further study.
Where will I learn?
Service providers offer full–time and part–time courses at different times (days, nights and weekends) and in different venues including schools, colleges and community centres such as churches and mosques.
Service providers offer courses in rural and regional areas as well as in the major cities.
Telephone contact numbers and address details for AMEP Service Providers are provided in the following document for each state and territory.
See: Where can I learn English? (115KB PDF file)
Childcare in the AMEP
If you have children under school age and need childcare to attend your AMEP class, your AMEP service provider can arrange this at no cost to you. Information on childcare in the AMEP is available to download in English and 24 community languages.
See: Childcare in the Adult Migrant English Program
More information
For further information about the AMEP, including queries about your eligibility, you can contact your local service provider.
See: Where can I learn English? (115KB PDF file)
For information about AMEP service providers' websites throughout Australia.
See: Links to Websites
For further information contact the department.
See: Contact Us
Telephone: 131 881
For further information about the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS).
See: Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS)
Telephone: 131 450
Printable translations
Information about the AMEP in English and 24 community languages is available in an easy to print format.
See: We can help you learn English
Help with translations
Document translation services are available to eligible clients from select AMEP service providers.
See: Help with Translations
National Client Satisfaction Survey
The department conducted surveys of AMEP clients in 2000 and in 2006. The objective of the surveys was to determine the extent to which the program was meeting the needs of clients. A report was published following each survey.
See:
National Client Satisfaction Survey Report 2001 (418KB PDF file)
National Client Satisfaction Survey Report 2007 (614KB PDF file)