What is the AMEP?

The Adult Migrant English Program, or AMEP, is an Australian education and settlement program for newly arrived migrants and refugees. As the only language program of its kind in the world it is hailed internationally for its contribution towards the successful settlement of migrants.

The AMEP is Australia's most important migrant settlement program. The program is administered by the Australian Government's Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA), and is delivered throughout Australia by various providers.

Under the program, eligible migrants and refugees are provided with reading, writing, speaking and listening skills to a level deemed to be 'functional' English, that is, to a level that will assist each client to settle satisfactorily in Australia. These skills are based on the nationally accredited Certificates in Spoken and Written English — a competency-based curriculum framework specially developed for the AMEP. Clients also receive information on the Australian way of life and advice on accessing essential services.

Eligible migrants receive tuition up to a maximum of 510 hours to enable them to achieve 'functional' English.

Clients who have entered Australia under Australia's Humanitarian Program may need a Special Preparatory Program before they begin their regular 510 hours of AMEP.

This Program offers up to an extra 100 hours for those clients who are in need of extra settlement support because of their experiences prior to arrival in Australia. Eligibility for this Special Program will be determined at the time of the initial interview with the client.

As part of the AMEP clients can choose to study Let’s Participate, a course in Australian citizenship.

More than 1.5 million migrants and refugees have learnt English and received settlement assistance under the AMEP.

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