Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)
Learn English and digital skills to further your education, start a new career or get greater independence
What is the AMEP?
The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), funded by the Australian Government, gives migrants and refugees the opportunity to improve their language and digital skills to live their best life in Australia.
This is a FREE pathway to further education, a new career, or a chance to transfer existing skills to the Australian workplace.
The AMEP is also an opportunity for you to improve your English language and digital skills to help you communicate with businesses, banks and service providers so you can remain independent.
Learn new skills with our amazing teachers and benefit from free childcare across our colleges.
Our students find there are many reasons to learn English with the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), including:
- A faster way to settle into life in Australia
- Learning new skills
- The confidence to start work
- Meeting life and work goals
- Making new friends
- Creating a community network
- Getting into further education
The AMEP also contributes to PBAS points:
25 points per week (contact hours over 15 hours per week)
OR
15 points per week (contact hours up to 15 hours per week).
Benefits of face-to-face learning at our colleges
- Face-to-face learning builds your skills and confidence quickly as it involves different ways of learning such as reading, writing, discussion, group work, problem-solving and practice.
- In a classroom setting, you can ask questions and get instant answers and help with issues you might be having. Discussions in class will help you express your ideas and opinions.
- You will connect with others and feel a sense of community and belonging at the college. Many report making long-term, supportive friendships.
- You will have access to staff at the college such as your teacher, bilingual support staff and Pathways Guidance Advisors who will be able to provide you with personalised support and feedback.
- Classes are held in a set place, on set days and for a set time. Learn from your peers and teacher and be free of home distractions. You may also feel more comfortable in a familiar classroom setting and be more motivated to learn.
- You will have access to college technology such as Chromebooks and Wi-Fi for your learning.
- If you have young children, you may be eligible for free* childcare.
What our students say about our colleges
Students supporting each other for settlement success
“I saw all the teachers and other staffs are doing their jobs in a professional way, I really admire how friendly they are which made me feel comfortable. While I was studying they helped me not only with studying English but also with building my confidence. I found all the time I was studying there very precious.”
Anas Qasimi, Bankstown College, AMEP & PtW
“First the staff are very friendly and helpful. I met a lot of friends from different backgrounds, and I learned about a lot of different cultures. I learned a lot of different things about Australia. My teachers are excellent teachers (Tim and Annie). Thank you to Micheline is very nice and helpful. I would encourage everyone to come in enrol into Navitas it is a place to motivate students to learn better, I’m so glad to be here. Thank you everyone in Navitas.”
Chen Kam Po, Bankstown College, AMEP
“I enjoy speaking and reading English in my class, this course helped me a lot. I’m more independent now with my daily tasks, I do everything by myself. I recommend Navitas to all my friends and family. This course helped me to learn English and know more about Australia. I would like to thank everyone in Navitas Bankstown because they care about me and all the students.”
Habibah Jafari, Bankstown College, AMEP
Are you eligible?
The AMEP is available to migrants with a permanent visa or an eligible temporary visa, as well as Australian citizens who previously held a permanent visa or an eligible temporary visa.
Recent changes to the AMEP mean that there is no longer a limit on study hours or duration. If you have previously studied the AMEP and reached the limit, you are able to re-enrol in the program, or join us for the first time with no limits to your study.
If you do not meet the above eligibility requirements, you can still study with us! Learn more about the Invest In You program by Navitas Skilled Futures.
Watch the video below to find out more!
Which AMEP course?
Everyone has a different settlement journey. That’s why we have designed two AMEP pathways to make sure your learning journey is right for you.
Pre-employment English: is a great course for people who want to improve their English and digital skills to help them find work in Australia.
Social English: focuses on improving everyday language skills to help people settle in their community and access a range of services.
We will assess your English levels when you enrol to decide which stream is most suited to your needs.
Below is a full list of locations offering the AMEP:
| State | Location | Address |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Liverpool | 24-30 Scott Street Liverpool NSW 2170 |
| NSW | Cabramatta | Level 1, 2 Hughes Street Cabramatta NSW 2166 |
| NSW | Campbelltown | Level 6, Suite 6.02/171 Queen Street Campbelltown NSW 2560 |
| NSW | Fairfield | 6-8 Alan Street Fairfield NSW 2165 |
| NSW | Bankstown | 2 Jacobs Street Bankstown NSW 2200 |
| ACT | Canberra | Saraton Building, Level 1, 34 East Row Canberra City ACT 2600 |
| ACT | Tuggeranong | 175/245 Cowlishaw St, Greenway ACT 2900 |
| ACT | Belconnen | Belconnen Community Centre, 23 Swanson Ct, Belconnen ACT 2617 |
| ACT | Gungahlin | 108 The Valley Ave Gungahlin ACT 2912 |
| ACT | Woden | Woden Library, Corinna St & Furzer St, Phillip ACT 2606 |
What you will learn
The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) will improve your:
- Language skills, including listening, speaking, reading, writing and numbers
- Digital skills, including using an iPad, the internet and social media
- Knowledge of Australian culture and customs
- Conversational skills with people on everyday topics, such as money, housing, work and transport
- Communication skills to enable you to interact with government departments and services
- English for computers and other technology
- Ability to apply for a job and manage a job in English
- English to apply for further study
Find out what to expect once you have registered.
There are also a number of specialist courses available as part of the AMEP including:
Is the AMEP a recognised qualification?
All Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) clients are enrolled in accredited courses including the English as an Additional Language (EAL). These nationally recognised qualifications help you learn the skills you need to settle in Australia.
By studying with the AMEP, you could obtain the below qualifications:
10725NAT Course in Preliminary Spoken and Written English
Absolute / Pre-beginner English for learners who may need skills to enter formal learning environments
General education outcomes include:
- English language proficiency at the equivalent of ISLPR® 1-, IELTS 3 or CEFR A1
- English language proficiency to meet performance features ranging between ACSF Pre B and ACSF 1 indicators.
10727NAT Certificate I in Spoken and Written English
Beginner English for learners who may need skills to enter formal learning environments
General education outcomes include:
- English language proficiency at the equivalence of International Second Language Proficiency Ratings (ISLPR®) 1+, International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 4 or Common European Framework (CEFR) A2+
- English language proficiency to meet some performance features of Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) 1 indicators.
10728NAT Certificate II in Spoken and Written English
Post-beginner English for learners who have had some formal or informal exposure to English and numeracy
General education outcomes include:
- English language proficiency at the equivalent of International Second
- Language Proficiency Ratings (ISLPR®) 2+, International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 5.0, or Common European Framework (CEFR) B1+
- English language proficiency to meet some performance features of Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) 2 indicators.
10729NAT Certificate III in Spoken and Written English
Intermediate English for learners who have already developed a basic level of English language competence and numeracy skills, but require ongoing English language learning opportunities.
General education outcomes include:
- English language proficiency at the equivalent of International
- Second Language Proficiency Ratings (ISLPR®) 3, International
- English Language Testing System (IELTS) 5.5, or Common European Framework (CEFR)B2
- English language proficiency to meet some performance features of Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) 3 indicators.
22636VIC Course in Initial EAL
Absolute beginner English for learners who may have had interrupted education and little or no previous education or learning experiences.
General education outcomes include:
- English language proficiency at the equivalent of ISLPR® 0
- English language proficiency to meet performance features at ACSF Pre level 1.
22637VIC Course in EAL
Initial level basic English for learners who may have had little prior educational experience.
General education outcomes include:
- English language proficiency at the equivalent of ISLPR® -1
English language proficiency to meet performance features at ACSF Pre level 1 – ACSF 1
22638VIC Certificate I in EAL (Access)
Beginner English to meet immediate personal and social needs, and to prepare learners to successfully transition to work or further study.
General education outcomes include:
- English language proficiency at the equivalent of ISLPR® 1+
- English language proficiency to meet performance features at ACSF 1
22639VIC Certificate II in EAL (Access)
Simple English for everyday communication and community participation, and to prepare learners to transition to work or further study.
General education outcomes include:
- English language proficiency at the equivalent of ISLPR® 2
- English language proficiency to meet performance features at ACSF 2
22640VIC Certificate III in EAL (Access)
English language skills to enable learners to access a range of work and further study options that may require some specialisation.
General education outcomes include:
- English language proficiency at the equivalent of ISLPR® 2+/ 3
- English language proficiency to meet performance features at ACSF 3
You can find out about the nationally recognised qualifications delivered by Navitas Skilled Futures here.
15 points per week (up to 15 hours per week )
25 points per week (over 15 hours per week)
How to enrol
You can register online today and a member of our team will be in touch to provide you with further information. Remember, we speak your language and can arrange a phone call in the language of your choice. Complete this enquiry form.
Alternatively, call your local college to find out more.
When you come to see us at your local Navitas Skilled Futures College, remember to bring your passport, visa or travel documents so we can check your eligibility and options.
Please ensure that you review program information in this handbook prior to enrolling with us.
Initial Assessment Process
Once you have submitted an Assessment Booking Form to request an appointment for AMEP assessment, Navitas Skilled Futures will book an appointment for you and notify you via SMS.
This initial assessment will take between 1-2 hours and will assess your English language level as well as your current skills, previous experience and also any support that you may need to reach your full potential and live your best life in Australia. Find out more about the Initial Assessment here.
Volunteer Tutor Scheme
Are you wanting to support your community to learn English? Or would you like a little extra help in learning English yourself?
The Volunteer Tutor Scheme has been created to provide a little extra support to migrants and refugees who are unable to attend AMEP classes, or simply those who would like some extra help to learn English.
By choosing to volunteer as a tutor, you’ll play a key role in supporting students who complete the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), helping them to develop their skills in English and feel more comfortable settling into life in Australia.
Everyone is welcome to support the community as a tutor, even if English is not your first language. Teaching experience is not necessary, only a passion to help others.
To find out more, see how to become a volunteer tutor.
*Eligibility criteria apply. The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is funded by the Australian Government.
Contact your local college to find out how we can help you study online.
The AMEP has changed!
Recent reforms by the Australian Government means more people can study for longer!
- No more limit on hours
- No more limit on years of study, if you arrived in Australia before 1 October 2020
- No time limit to enrol if you arrived in Australia before 1 October 2020
Start dates
AMEP NSW & ACT Semester 1: Monday 29th January – Friday 5th July
AMEP NSW & ACT Semester 2: Monday 22nd July – Friday 20th December
Good news stories
- A history of the AMEP
- Double celebrations for AMEP at NSF
- How Fairfield rose to historic AMEP challenge
- Collaboration and quality the key to past and present Program success
- Marcella’s silver service
- Architect’s change of plans
- Students supporting each other for settlement success
- Yasameen’s art will help heal others
- Celebrating Refugee Week 2023
- Afghan Refugees ‘Finding Freedom’ in Fairfield
- Mai feeling ‘at home’ in Cabramatta
- Etem’s tailor-made life
- NSF staff recognised for excellence at AMEP conference
- Reforms prove ‘life changing’ for AMEP students
- NSF wins 2023 NSW Premier’s Award for ‘outstanding achievements’
- Busy mum now making English a priority
- Handyman Idwer worked hard for own business
- Sewing program providing Afghan women with skills for independence
- Free AMEP childcare benefiting parents and children
- From fruit farming to Fairfield, Albert’s success story
- “Living my dream”: Aieshee’s amazing journey with Navitas
Thi Bao Ngoc (Nancy) Doan
Nancy arrived in Australia from Vietnam in 2013 and could not speaking any English. She enrolled in an English course but shared, “…after two months I found it too hard for me then I gave up. I probably suffered from depression, which led me to serve in Temples and tried to hide myself for more than 11 years. I finally made a decision enrol in an English course run by Navitas Skilled Futures. I am getting more confidence in communication skills, better pronunciation skill and more vocabularies. I went to Service NSW, fill forms at the clinic and bank by myself, which I used to need my son’s help. I am able to have great contribution to my family business with my English and my customer service skills. I would like to express my appreciation for Navitas Skilled Futures where I have many opportunities to enrich quality of my life.”
Rafia Afrin
Rafia was born in Bangladesh but migrated to Australia in search of a better life and prosperous future. Studying at Navitas Skilled Futures has been an enjoyable experience for Rafia, as it provided a safe space to make mistakes without feeling judged. “I strongly recommend Navitas Skilled Futures to anyone who is seeking personalised solutions to improve their skills and knowledge. Thanks to their guidance, I have been able to secure a job offer from Service Australia as an APS3 position starting from April 2023. With the confidence that Navitas has instilled in me, I am excited to progress further in my career.”
Nasima Chowdhury
“I felt I needed to improve my English and find a job that I would like. I wanted to contribute to society and thought I could still work and create value for myself and my family.”
Mai Phan
Mai is Vietnamese and from Ukraine. She moved to Ukraine when she was young. Due to the conflict that began in 2022, Mai and her family had to flee Ukraine and were offered a pathway to Australia. Mai is working full-time as an individual support worker. To improve her English, Mai is attending English classes under AMEP at Navitas Skilled Futures Cabramatta College. Mai is “having the best time learning English and making connections. I am very grateful to the Australian Government and Navitas Skilled Futures particularly for giving an opportunity to live life to the fullest.”
Jingyi Li
Jingyi Li, a talented radio presenter from China, embarked on an adventure to Canberra in 2018 to experience freedom of speech. With eight years of experience in radio broadcasting, she was eager to explore new opportunities in Australia.
Jingyi began her language learning journey in the AMEP program, starting at Level 3. This laid a solid foundation for her skills. Later, she enrolled in the Pathway to Work course, which proved to be a game-changer. During the course, she had the exciting opportunity to intern at ABC Canberra, which fuelled her passion for the media industry. With immense pride, Jingyi recently secured a freelance job at ABC Chinese. She is grateful for the transformative impact of the AMEP Pathway to Work program, which empowered her to pursue her passion and thrive in the media industry.
Cao Zhiqiang
Cao began his language learning journey at Navitas Skilled Futures Canberra. Over the span of seven months, he wholeheartedly engaged in the AMEP, an experience that proved invaluable for his personal and professional development. Through the program, he gained valuable skills and knowledge that enabled him to secure employment in the construction industry. With unwavering determination, Cao set his sights on becoming a builder. The AMEP served as a stepping stone, equipping him with the necessary language skills and confidence to pursue his desired career path.