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Reform of the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)

​Future AMEP program settings

The Australian Government will deliver a new AMEP business model from 1 January 2026.

The new model will provide greater flexibility and enhanced client and teacher supports to further improve English language and settlement outcomes for AMEP clients.

For further details about the new model, see the AMEP Business Model.

Details about the planned procurements for the AMEP will be published on AusTender in due course. For more information see AusTender.

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 C​onsultation 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 Fe​edback - Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) future settings paper​​ and received 74 written responses​.​​

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December 2023 to March 2024 – the Department undertook a final internal review of the business model.


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