Future AMEP program settings
A new AMEP business model was due to be implemented from 1 January 2026, to provide greater flexibility and enhanced client and teacher supports to further improve English language, settlement and employment outcomes for AMEP clients.
To implement the new AMEP business model, the Department of Home Affairs released three separate Requests for Tender to open market, being for the provision of AMEP General Services, AMEP Quality Assurance services and AMEP Academy services.
The Department has since terminated these procurement processes on public interest grounds, as the new AMEP business model is unable to be delivered within the existing funding allocation and a value for money determination was not able to be made. The Australian Government has approved delaying the implementation of a new AMEP business model while these issues are resolved.
The Australian Government is committed to ensuring that the AMEP continues to provide high quality English tuition to support migrants and humanitarian entrants to settle in Australia.
An update on when a new AMEP business model will come into effect will be provided as soon as possible, with details about the planned AMEP procurements to be published on AusTender in due course.
To ensure the continued provision of AMEP services beyond 31 December 2025, the Department is extending current contract arrangements with existing providers for 12 months, to 31 December 2026.
Further questions about the AMEP procurements should be directed to the Contact Officer for the General Services procurement.
Overview of reforms and consultations
In August 2020, the Australian Government
announced major legislative reforms to the AMEP that came into effect on 19 April 2021. This means that more migrants can now access free English language classes through the AMEP for longer and until they reach a higher level of proficiency.
Over recent years there have been various Departmental reviews of the AMEP. These include:
December 2019 - the Department sought feedback on improving the AMEP and received responses from 43 stakeholders, ranging from AMEP service providers, teachers, settlement services and not-for-profit organisations, with a focus on the following areas:
- student attendance
- teaching, curriculum and resources
- student outcomes
- volunteer
- pathways
August 2020 – April 2021 - the Department established the AMEP Advisory Committee. This provided advice on:
- curriculum and assessment
- teacher qualifications
- online learning
- program outcomes
May 2021 - the Department published the Reform of the Adult Migrant English Program Discussion Paper and received 92 written submissions.
May – July 2021 - the Department held public consultations to discuss a proposed outcomes-based funding model, with over 300 attendees Stakeholders can also access the Reform of the Adult Migrant Program PowerPoint Presentation delivered during these forums.
November 2021 - the Department published the AMEP Consultation and Funding Model Comparison Report.
December 2021 - the Department held further public consultations with over 130 attendees. The Department’s response to questions raised during the forums is presented in
Reform of the Adult Migrant English Program: Responses to commonly asked stakeholder questions.
November 2022 - the Department published the
Request for Feedback - Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) future settings paper and received 74 written responses.
December 2023 to March 2024 – the Department undertook a final internal review of the business model.
