Language support

Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)

The AMEP is a DIAC-funded program offering free English language tuition to migrants and humanitarian entrants who do not have functional English. Refugee and humanitarian entrants under the age of 25 with low levels of schooling are eligible for up to 910 hours of English classes. Humanitarian entrants over 25 years old are eligible for 610 hours. All other migrants are eligible for 510 hours.

The AMEP offers a range of learning options – from full or part time study in formal classrooms or community settings or home study, either through Distance learning or through the Home Tutor Scheme. Click here for more information.

AMEP Providers

AMEP classes are delivered by service providers around Australia in over 250 locations.  The Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s Settlement Services Locator is an online searchable database of SGP and AMEP services.

To download a PDF list of AMEP providers from the DIAC website, click here.

ESL in schools

From 1 January 2009, Australian Government funding to the states and territories for English as a Second Language (ESL) provision in government schools will be provided through the National Education Agreement (NEA). As state and territory governments are responsible for managing their schools and prioritising funding allocations (including ESL resources), there are varying models of ESL provision for newly arrived school-age students across the different states and territories. Models include Intensive English Centres (IECs) where newly arrived young people can learn English for six to twelve months before entering mainstream schools, through to new arrivals going directly into mainstream schools but with additional in-class ESL support.

The English as a Second Language - New Arrivals (ESL-NA) Program provides Australian Government funding to state and territory non-government education authorities to assist with the cost of delivering intensive English language tuition to eligible newly arrived migrant primary and secondary students in Catholic and independent schools. The Program aims to improve the educational opportunities and outcomes of newly arrived students of non-English speaking backgrounds by developing their English language competence and facilitating their participation in mainstream educational activities.

For more information about ESL in schools, go to the DEEWR website.