If you are eligible, you can get free English language tuition through face to face classes and online courses.
Who can join
Depending on your age, you may be able to join the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) classes. If you are 18 or over, you can do AMEP if you speak little or no English. One of the following must also apply:
- you are a permanent resident
- you hold an eligible temporary visa
- you are a citizen who held an eligible visa in the past.
If you are 15 to 17, you may be able to do AMEP, even if you go to school. Talk to one of our providers to find out. You can find a provider near you on the Department of Home Affairs website.
If you are under 15, you cannot do AMEP.
You can read more about the AMEP program on the Department of Home Affairs website.
How long you can study
Your visa start date will decide the time you have to learn English in the AMEP.
If you arrived in Australia on or before 1 October 2020
You can access AMEP until you reach a vocational level of English.
You have no time limits for starting and finishing the program.
If you arrived in Australia after 1 October 2020
You have time limits for registering, starting and finishing the program from your visa start date.
If you are 18 or older you must do all of the following:
- register with an AMEP provider within 6 months
- start your course within 12 months
- complete your course within 5 years.
If you are 15 to 17, you must do all of the following:
- register with an AMEP provider within 12 months
- start your course within 12 months
- complete your course within 5 years.
In some cases, the Department of Home Affairs may agree to let you stay longer in the program. Speak with your AMEP provider if you need more time.
Find an AMEP provider
You can find a service provider on the Department of Home Affairs website.
There are around 300 course locations across Australia, including distance learning options.
Get child care assistance
If you have children under school age, you may get free child care while you attend face to face classes. Your AMEP service provider may arrange this.
If your AMEP service provider can’t arrange this for you, you may be eligible for either:
Learning options
The AMEP has a range of options, including full-time, part-time, evening and weekend classes. There are face-to-face classes, online classes and a volunteer tutor scheme.
You may also be able to do distance learning. Read about distance learning on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Get help with costs
This is a free course. If you are eligible, you may get Education Entry Payment to help with any costs of doing AMEP.
Where you can get more information
Read more about AMEP in your language on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Contact your nearest service provider from the list on the Department of Home Affairs website.