Adult Migrant English Program
The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) offers free and basic English language classes to help you settle into your new life in Australia. The AMEP is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.
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AMEP is offered in streams to meet your specific learning needs and goals. Whether you want to improve your English language skills for living, working, or studying in Australia, we have a pathway that's right for you.
The pre-employment English stream is perfect for people who want to develop their English language skills to get a job in Australia or complete further studies at TAFE or university. Learn how to write job applications, prepare for job interviews, and participate effectively in the workplace. You'll also learn about Australian workplace culture and practices and develop valuable computer skills.
The social English stream will help you develop the language and life skills required to settle into life in Australia. This stream will help you improve your conversational English skills for everyday life, engage with your local community, and live independently in Australia. You will learn how to access government and community services, meet other new arrivals to Australia, make friends, and develop a support network in your new home.
Moving to another country can be a big change, especially for younger members of the family. TAFE Queensland understands the unique challenges facing young migrants, with many locations now offering classes specifically for people aged between 15 and 24. In addition to important English language skills, students participate in group activities such as sport, music, art, and excursions. These opportunities allow them to meet other young people in similar situations and develop meaningful friendships.
Study options
In class
You can study AMEP full time or part time at any of our Queensland locations. Depending on your location, classes may be held during the day, in the evenings, on or Saturdays. Studying in class is great if you prefer to speak with your teacher face-to-face and meet and interact with your fellow classmates.
Distance learning
Distance learning is perfect if you need to fit your study around your lifestyle and family commitments. You can choose to complete some or all of your course through this study method, and you can start studying at any time. You'll receive books, CDs and other learning resources and will be expected to complete at least five hours of study per week. You will also be in regular contact with a qualified teacher to help you progress through your studies.
Tutor support
If you can't attend classes, you may be eligible to receive support from a trained tutor for one hour per week. You will be matched with a tutor based on your gender, location, common interests, and availability. You can arrange for your tutor to come to your home or meet you in a public venue such as a library or cafe.
Self-paced e-learning
All AMEP students have the option to complete self-paced learning online. This is a great option for anyone wanting to study both during term and in holiday periods.
Eligibility
AMEP is available to migrants who need to improve their English language skills.
You are eligible if you meet the following criteria:
- hold a family, skills, humanitarian, spousal, or approved temporary visa (approved temporary visas do not include the work and holiday visa, working holiday visa, or visitor visa)
- have low English speaking, reading, or writing skills
- be over 18 years-of-age (some migrant youth aged 15 to 17 may also be eligible)
In order for TAFE Queensland to check your eligibility, you will need to supply:
- your full name (as shown on your passport)
- your date of birth (as shown on your passport)
- your most recent visa documents
- your passport
If you're not eligible for AMEP, you may still be able to study English at TAFE Queensland through one of our ELICOS courses.
Our locations
Atherton
TAFE Queensland Atherton campus
Cnr Vernon & Mabel Street, Atherton Qld 4883
Cairns (Manunda)
TAFE Queensland Cairns campus
Gatton, Newton, Eureka & Wilkinson Streets, Manunda Qld 4870
Cairns (Manunda)
Manunda Library
63 Alfred Street, Manunda Qld 4870
Innisfail (Johnstone)
TAFE Queensland Innisfail campus
45 Flying Fish Point Road, Innisfail Qld 4860
Mareeba
28 Peters St, Mareeba, Qld 4880
Aitkenvale
Community Hub – Aitkenvale State School
67 – 85 Wotton Street, Aitkenvale Qld 4814
Townsville
TAFE Queensland Pimlico campus
57 Fulham Road, Pimlico Qld 4812
Biloela
22 Gladstone Road, Biloela Qld 4715
Emerald
Central Queensland University Emerald campus
Capricorn Highway, Emerald Qld 4720
Gladstone
Level 3, 72 Goondoon Street, Gladstone Qld 4680
Rockhampton
42 William Street, Rockhampton Qld 4700
Mackay
Central Queensland University Mackay campus
90-92 Sydney Street, Mackay Qld 4740
Whitsundays (Cannonvale)
TAFE Queensland Whitsundays campus
Shute Harbour Road, Cannonvale Qld 4802
Bundaberg
TAFE Queensland Bundaberg campus
118 Walker Street, Bundaberg Qld 4670
Gympie
TAFE Queensland Gympie campus
71 Cartwright Road, Gympie Qld 4570
Hervey Bay
TAFE Queensland Hervey Bay campus
47-95 Urraween Road, Pialba Qld 4655
Kingaroy
TAFE Queensland Kingaroy campus
2 Geritz Road, Kingaroy QLD 4610
Maryborough
TAFE Queensland Maryborough campus
Suite 1, 131 Bazaar St, Maryborough Qld 4650
Burnside
TAFE Queensland Nambour Campus
91 Windsor Rd, Burnside 4560
Mooloolaba
TAFE Queensland Mooloolaba campus
34 Lady Musgrave Drive, Mountain Creek Qld 4557
Noosa
Noosa Boardroom "The Civic"
Eenie Creek Road, Noosaville Qld 4566
Bracken Ridge
TAFE Queensland Bracken Ridge campus
157 Norris Road, Bracken Ridge Qld 4017
Browns Plains
61 Grand Plaza Drive, Browns Plains Qld 4118
Caboolture
TAFE Queensland Caboolture campus
Cnr Tallon and Manley Streets, Caboolture Qld 4510
Grovely
TAFE Queensland Grovely campus
76 Fitzsimmons Street, Keperra Qld 4054
Inala
TAFE Queensland Inala campus
54 Thrush Street, Inala Qld 4077
Ipswich (Bundamba)
TAFE Queensland Ipswich campus
Cnr Mary Street & Byrne Streets, Bundamba Qld 4304
Loganlea
TAFE Queensland Loganlea Campus
50-68 Armstrong Road, Meadowbrook Qld 4131
Mt Gravatt
TAFE Queensland Mt Gravatt campus
1030 Cavendish Road, Mt Gravatt East Qld 4122
Marsden
Marsden State School
32 Hickory St, Marsden 4132
Redcliffe
TAFE Queensland Redcliffe campus
64-68 Klingner Road, Redcliffe Qld 4020
South Bank
TAFE Queensland South Bank campus
66 Ernest Street, South Brisbane Qld 4101
Sunnybank
462 Beenleigh Road, Sunnybank Hills Qld 4109
Sunnybank
Souths Sunnybank Rugby League Football Club
77 Woff St, Sunnybank 4109
Woodridge
Woodridge North State School
3/11 Arthur St, Woodridge 4114
Woodridge
Wembley Rd & Railway Pde Woodridge 4114
Woodridge
Booran Neighbourhood Centre
10 Pendrey Ct, Woodridge Qld 4114
Gatton
TAFE Queensland Gatton campus
34 Lake Apex Drive, Gatton Qld 4343
Toowoomba
TAFE Queensland Toowoomba campus
100 Bridge Street, Toowoomba Qld 4350
Warwick
TAFE Queensland Warwick campus
176-202 Dragon Street, Warwick Qld 4370
Coolangatta
TAFE Queensland Coolangatta campus
5 Scott Street, Coolangatta Qld 4225
Coomera
TAFE Queensland Coomera Campus
198 Foxwell Road, Coomera Qld 4209
Robina
TAFE Queensland Robina campus
Building 3, 94 Laver Drive Robina Qld 4128
Southport
TAFE Queensland Southport campus
91-99 Scarborough Street, Southport Qld 4215
You may be eligible for free childcare during your AMEP classes. To access this service, your children must be younger than school age or be waiting to begin their first year of school. This service is only available while you attend AMEP classes and is not available for tutor or distance learning students.
Watch the video to find out more about becoming a volunteer tutor. If you're ready to contribute to your community by becoming a volunteer tutor then register your interest.
Work Ready is an AMEP program which prepares migrants for work in Australia.
Course content includes work experience in a local workplace, creating resumés and job applications, preparing for job interviews, employability skills, and occupational health and safety. Contact us for more information.
TAFE Queensland joins the rest of Australia in celebrating International Volunteer Day on December 5th, honouring the countless volunteers who make significant contributions throughout Australia. Among these volunteers is Laura Lombardozzi, who is volunteering in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) and has played a particularly crucial role in assisting Maryna Vyrva.
Ploy Thaowanpiput is living her own Australian dream – raising her family and finding work that she loves.
Toowoomba's AMEP Youth students raised funds for an overnight stay at Camp Cooby, located by Lake Cooby, offering rock climbing, archery, and canoeing.
Suruchi travelled from Nepal to Australia to seek better opportunities and ultimately found her calling within the AMEP team at TAFE Queensland. An initiative she holds close as she understands the challenges and triumphs.
Sophya's inspiring journey from AMEP student to dedicated volunteer at TAFE Queensland is a testament to the impact of the Adult Migrant English Program. Having experienced the challenges of settling in a new country, Sophya is now using her knowledge and experiences to support other migrant and refugee women through the 'Stronger Women, Stronger Communities' program
After a life-changing move to Australia, 18-year-old Pitak found safe ground at TAFE Queensland.
In Rockhampton, three migrants have found employment in their fields since joining the Adult Migrant English Program at TAFE Queensland.
AMEP student Karina is reaching new heights! Her journey from being the first female fighter pilot in Chile to passing the Australian Aviation Exams and resuming her commercial aviation career is nothing short of inspiring.
Monica Agoth is from South Sudan, having relocated to Australia as a refugee with her mother and seven brothers and sisters in August 2003. What followed was a very tough journey of education, working hard and career successes — with TAFE Queensland playing an integral role, every step of the way.
Awards, degrees, and new business ventures: Brisbane refugees are forging impressive pathways after finding settlement support at TAFE Queensland.
After brushing up on her English skills at TAFE Queensland through the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), Candice is now working as a dental assistant with Queensland Health.
Escaping genocide in 2014, for Maysaa Shani Baqi the past 10 years have included both challenges and opportunities — from moving to Toowoomba and studying with the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) to employment with TAFE Queensland and now a new career focus.