Free Adult Migrant English Program

Adult Migrant English Program from the AMEP

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.

What is the Adult Migrant English Program?

What is the Adult Migrant English Program? The 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. The AMEP is an Australian Government funded program.

Am I eligible for the 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 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 and 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?

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.

For more information, you can call the Department of Immigration and Citizenship enquiry line on 131 881 (for the cost of a local call from anywhere in Australia).

Information about the AMEP, including your closest service provider, can be found at immi.gov.au/amep/

If you need interpreting help, contact the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) National on 131 450 (local call cost from anywhere in Australia). They provide translating and interpreting services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.