Learn English with the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)

English is Australia’s national language. People in Australia speak many languages, but to participate fully in Australian life you need to learn to speak and understand English. Without English, you will find it hard to access important services and to become independent.

You will need to know how to speak English if you wish to become an Australian citizen. To help you learn English, you may be able to attend the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP).

What is AMEP?

AMEP is funded by the Australian Government and from April 19, 2021 provides English language lessons to eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants until they reach Vocational English. If you have been granted a permanent visa or eligible temporary visa and speak little or no English, you may be eligible for AMEP. Some migrant youths aged between 15 and 17 years of age may also be eligible.

In an AMEP class, you will learn English language skills and information about Australian society. You will meet other new arrivals, with similar backgrounds, experiences and goals, and you may make new friends. All of these together will help you and your family settle successfully in Australia. English language skills are also very important if you wish to work in Australia.

AMEP is delivered by approved service providers with classes taught by teachers who are trained to teach English to speakers of other languages.

Am I eligible?

You may be eligible for the AMEP if you are a permanent resident of Australia or you hold an eligible temporary visa.

In addition, you must meet the following time frames from the date of your visa commencement or arrival in Australia to remain eligible if you arrived after October 1, 2020:

  • register with an AMEP service provider within six months (or 12 months if you are under 18 years of age at the time of registration)
  • commence your tuition within 12 months
  • complete your tuition within five years.

Eligible temporary visas for AMEP

Access to AMEP is extended to some temporary visa holders as specified in the legislative instrument for English courses for holders of certain temporary visas.

These include the following classes of temporary visas:

  • Bridging F (Class WF)
  • Business Skills (Provisional) (Class UR)
  • Business Skills (Provisional) (Class EB)
  • Interdependency (Provisional) (Class UG)
  • Partner (Provisional) (Class UF)
  • Partner (Temporary) (Class UK)
  • Resolution of Status (Temporary) (Class UH)
  • Safe Haven Enterprise (Class XE)
  • Skilled – Designated Area-sponsored (Provisional) (Class UZ)
  • Skilled – Independent Regional (Provisional) (Class UX)
  • Skilled – Regional Sponsored (subclass 475)
  • Skilled – Regional Sponsored (subclass 487)
  • Skilled – Regional Sponsored (subclass 489)
  • Temporary (Humanitarian Concern) (Class UO); and
  • Temporary Protection (Class XD). 

What if I can’t go to class?

If you can’t get to your class, speak to us. We may be able to help you to learn English with a home tutor or online with AMEP teacher assisted distance learning.

AMEP sub programs

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. In addition, additional tuition is available to AMEP clients through the Settlement Language Pathways to Employment and Training (SLPET) program. SLPET offers clients an employment focused course to assist them to learn vocation-specific English while gaining familiarity with Australian workplace culture and practices.

Locations

Chisholm AMEP is available at:

  • Dandenong, 121 Stud Road, Dandenong 3175
  • Berwick, 25 Kangan Drive, Berwick 3086
  • Hampton Park, Hampton Park Community House, 16-20 Stuart Avenue, Hampton Park 3976
  • Cranbourne, New Holland Drive, Cranbourne 3977
  • Frankston, Fletcher Road, Frankston 3199
  • Springvale, Corner Boulton Street and Springvale Road, Springvale 3171
  • Lynbrook, Lynbrook Community Centre, 2 Harris Street, Lynbrook 3975.

Topics covered in your AMEP course may include:

  • Australian society
  • Health
  • The law
  • Transport
  • Services
  • Employment
  • Further study

You can view a list of courses available below.

AMEP child care

AMEP 75th anniversary logo

Your AMEP service provider can arrange free child care for your children while you attend class. Free child care is only offered for children who are under school age.

Want to know more?.

Watch our 75 year AMEP anniversary celebration event video

Contact us on 1300 517 459 or amep@chisholm.edu.au.

Read more about AMEP on the Department of Home Affairs website:

Chisholm delivers the AMEP as part of Melbourne AMEP, a coalition of TAFE and Learn Local organisations which deliver the AMEP across regions in Victoria

The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.