Future AMEP program settings
The Australian Government has announced targeted changes to the AMEP in the 2026-27 Budget.
The government has committed to deliver a new AMEP business model from 1 January 2029.
The new AMEP business model will retain flexible tuition and strong student supports, to improve English language, employment and settlement outcomes for migrants.
Targeted changes to AMEP eligibility are being proposed to better focus the program on migrants with the greatest need for structured English tuition. Any changes will be subject to the government’s legislative process. Current eligibility arrangements will stay in place until the legislative process is complete. Further details will be provided as part of that process.
The department will publish details about the planned AMEP procurements on AusTender in due course.
Overview of consultations
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 further internal review of the business model.
January – April 2026 – the department undertook a final internal review of the business model, taking into consideration the extensive consultation over several years as well as a review of the recently terminated AMEP procurement process.
