More support for multicultural education

If English is not your main language, or if you need assistance with literacy, TAFE NSW can help. We have specific courses and services so you can get the most out of your study experience. We can help you find programs that will improve your English reading, writing, speaking and listening skills and prepare you for work or further study.
 

Adult Migrant English Program

The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) can help you to learn English. The AMEP provides up to 510 hours of free English lessons and childcare to newly-arrived eligible migrants, refugees and humanitarian entrants. 

The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training. The program provides English tuition to new migrants and refugees to help them settle into life in Australia. Through the AMEP, you can attend English language classes at TAFE NSW and if you are a new migrant, refugee or hold a temporary visa you may be eligible to study free of charge.

What will I learn?

You will learn English to help you settle successfully in Australia. You will also learn about Australian society, culture, customs and working in Australia. You will learn speaking, listening, reading and writing skills - for everyday living, for work and for further study.

How can I study?

• Full-time or part-time classes during the day, evening or Saturdays
• at home with a tutor
• on the computer with self-paced eModules
• by distance education 

How do I enrol?

To enrol you will need to attend an interview at one of our campuses so we can assess your English level and arrange a suitable learning plan for you. You must register for the AMEP within 6 months of your visa commencement date or arrival in Australia.

How do I know I'm eligible?

You can phone us or visit the AMEP office at a campus near you to find out if you are eligible for the AMEP. Your visa and passport details will tell us if you are eligible.

Is childcare available?

We can arrange childcare while you attend classes. Free childcare is available for children under school age. 

Where are classes held?

At TAFE NSW North Coast our AMEP classes are held at the following campuses:

Ballina

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour Education Campus

Grafton

Great Lakes

Lismore

Kempsey

Kingscliff

Macksville

Maclean

Murwillumbah

Port Macquarie

Taree

Wauchope

Wollongbar

To find out about other AMEP locations visit the Department of Education and Training website.

Free Translating Service new delivery model

From 1 July 2017, applications for the Free Translating Service will be made directly to the new service provider (The Migration Translators) using the Free Translating Service website: translating.dss.gov.au.

Free Translating Service Helpdesk

To support the online delivery model, respond to client enquires and provide assistance in lodging applications, The Migration Translators will be providing an email and telephone helpdesk from 1 July 2017. The helpdesk includes access to interpreters for people with limited or no proficiency in spoken English. Please note the helpdesk is only available during business hours, Eastern Standard Time. 
From 1 July 2017, clients needing assistance to lodge an online application form can be directed to the Free Translating Service helpdesk:
Email: fts@migrationtranslators.com.au 
Online: Using the ‘Contact us’ form available at translating.dss.gov.au.
Phone: 1800 962 100
With an interpreter: Call TIS National on 131 450, state the language interpreter that you require, then ask to be connected the Migration Translators on 1800 962 100.
Paper application forms are also available, by request to the Migration Translators’ helpdesk.

How can I become a volunteer English tutor? 

The Smith Family facilitates the Home Tutor Scheme for migrants and refugees who need further assistance to develop their English language skills. The Scheme involves matching volunteer tutors with newly arrived migrants and refugees to provide one-to-one English tuition in students' homes.

As a volunteer tutor you will receive comprehensive training – no previous teaching experience is required. For volunteers this is a great opportunity to get to know other cultures while helping the students settle into their new life in Australia.

For more information about volunteering with the Home Tutor Scheme, please see The Smith Family website.

Here at TAFE NSW we also offer free training and workshops for volunteer English language tutors in community settings.  If you would like more information, contact us on 1300 628 233 or email nci.amep@tafensw.edu.au.

Further information

If you wish to contact us about an AMEP program please contact the campus or email us on nci.amep@tafensw.edu.au.

Temporary visa holders

If you hold a temporary visa, you may be able to enrol in courses at TAFE NSW. Enrolment conditions apply depending on the visa subclass. An audit of residency status will be conducted following enrolment.

Contact us to find out more about the multicultural services we offer