A free government program, not a commercial course
People who arrive in Australia with limited English often assume they must pay for a language school. The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is a separate option: a government service that provides English tuition at no cost to eligible people. This article summarises the Department of Home Affairs page “About the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)”. The program is run by the Australian Government and applies across Australia. It does not cover other English courses such as commercial schools or university programs. Eligibility depends on visa status and can change, so the department’s page should be checked directly.
What the program is
Home Affairs describes the AMEP as a free service to help eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants improve their English language skills and settle into Australia. The department says learning English will help people take part more fully in life in Australia, learn new skills to help them work and make friends.
While in an AMEP class, free childcare is available for children under school age, and the service provider helps families find out about it. People who receive Centrelink payments can earn points toward their mutual obligation requirements by learning English with the AMEP, and job seekers can be referred by their provider if they are in Workforce Australia.
Who can join
For people aged 18 or over, the department says they can join the AMEP if they speak little or no English and are a permanent resident, hold an eligible temporary visa, or are a citizen who held an eligible visa in the past. People aged 15 to 17 may be able to join and are told to talk to a provider.
The page directs readers to a separate list of eligible visas, so the visa held should be checked against that list before enrolling.
Time limits depend on the visa start date
The department says the eligible visa start date decides how much time a person has to join and learn English. If the visa started on or before 1 October 2020, the person can stay in the AMEP until they reach a vocational level of English, with no time limits for starting and finishing. If the eligible visa started after 1 October 2020, there are limits from the visa start date: the person must register with an AMEP provider within six months, start the course within 12 months and complete it within five years. The page adds that in some cases a person may be allowed to register later or stay in the program longer, and advises talking to the provider.
The difference matters for planning. A recent arrival who delays enrolment while looking for work could pass the six-month registration window, so registering early is the safer course.
Learning options
Face-to-face AMEP classes may include full-time, part-time, evening and weekend options, and are offered at around 300 locations across Australia, in major cities and regional areas. A volunteer tutor can also provide help. Learners can study remotely with a teacher’s support through distance learning, or learn at their own level for free through AMEPOnline or the program’s app on the App Store or Google Play.
The department also runs a Volunteer Tutor Scheme, which asks volunteers to support a migrant or humanitarian entrant for one to two hours a week, with free training. It says employers can get involved by offering work placements or hosting English classes for their staff.
Getting information in other languages
Fact sheets about the AMEP are available in 53 languages, according to the department, and the program can be contacted by telephone on the Department of Home Affairs enquiries line from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call. The department also promotes AMEP promotional flyers in many languages for sharing with family and friends who may be eligible.
Other services for people settling in Australia
The same page says that people settling permanently in Australia can use free document translation, provided by the Australian Government to support participation in employment, education and community engagement. It also points to the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National), which provides interpreting services for people who do not speak English.
Comparing the AMEP with other options
For those who qualify, the AMEP is likely to be the first option to check because of its cost and its childcare provision. A paid course might still suit someone who is not eligible, who has already reached the vocational level, or who needs preparation for a specific test. A person who needs a particular exam result should check what the provider offers, or look at other courses.
The bottom line
The Adult Migrant English Program gives eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants free English tuition in Australia, with free childcare while in class and several study formats. Time limits depend on when the eligible visa started, and people whose visas started after 1 October 2020 have to register within six months. Eligible people should contact an AMEP provider as early as they can.
Sources
- Department of Home Affairs (Australia), “About the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)”