AMEP: The Free English Program for Migrants in Australia

What is AMEP?

AMEP (the Adult Migrant English Program) is a free English learning program funded by the Australian Government and administered by the Department of Home Affairs. It is one of Australia’s longest-running settlement programs, operating since 1948.

The aim of AMEP is to help newly arrived migrants and refugees develop English skills so they can integrate into the community, study and work. The program is completely free for eligible people.

Who is eligible for AMEP?

To take part in AMEP, you need to meet the following conditions:

Visa type:

Permanent residents (PR) through skilled migration or family migration
Humanitarian visa holders, including refugees
Some temporary visas may be eligible — check with an AMEP provider

Age:

18 years and over (people under 18 may be able to access other education programs)

Enrolment timeframe:

There used to be a 5-year limit from the date of arrival in Australia, but the government has broadened the conditions — there may now no longer be a time limit. Check with an AMEP provider for the most up-to-date conditions.

English level:

AMEP suits all proficiency levels, from people with no English at all to people at an intermediate level who want to improve further.

How many hours of tuition does AMEP provide?

Eligible people can receive up to 510 hours of free English tuition. Not everyone uses the full 510 hours — it depends on each person’s current level and rate of progress.

510 hours is roughly equivalent to a year of full-time study, or two years part-time.

What AMEP covers

The AMEP program includes:

Everyday communication English: shopping, getting around, using public services, talking with neighbours and the community.
Workplace English: skills needed for the Australian workplace, writing a CV, preparing for interviews.
Understanding Australian society: culture, the law, the rights and responsibilities of migrants.
Reading and writing skills: from basic to advanced depending on your starting level.
Preparation for further study: some AMEP classes can help learners prepare for English tests such as IELTS or PTE, but this is not the main aim of the program.

How classes are delivered

AMEP offers several flexible study options:

Face-to-face: at AMEP centres across Australia
Online: which expanded particularly after COVID-19
Blended learning: combining classroom and online
Home tutor scheme: for people who cannot attend class due to caring for young children, disability or living in a remote area

Classes are usually offered in morning, afternoon or evening sessions to fit learners’ work schedules. Some centres provide free or reduced-cost childcare for parents who are studying.

How to enrol in AMEP

The process for enrolling in AMEP:

Find an AMEP provider: a list of providers is on the DHA website or the official AMEP website. Providers include TAFE colleges, community settlement organisations and some private education providers.
Contact the nearest provider: book an initial assessment. This step helps determine your current level and place you in a suitable class.
Prepare your documents: bring your visa or permanent resident card, your passport, and any previous English study results.
Start learning: once enrolled, you can begin in the next or nearest available term.

The difference between AMEP and private English classes

AMEP differs from private English classes in the following ways:

Cost: AMEP is completely free; private classes can cost from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
Aim: AMEP focuses on community integration and practical use; private test-preparation classes focus on achieving an IELTS/PTE score.
Pace: AMEP usually moves at a slower pace, suited to beginners. Private test-prep classes are more intensive.
Community: AMEP is a good opportunity to connect with migrants from many different countries.

If your goal is to achieve an IELTS or PTE score to lodge a visa, you should look into specialist test-preparation classes. But if you need a solid English foundation for life in Australia, AMEP is an excellent and free starting point.