Skip to main content

Eligibility

Each year over 6000 students study for free with NSW AMES because they are eligible for government funding.

Adult Migrant English Program

Funded by the Australian Government, through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) provides up to 510 hours of free English study to eligible migrants and refugees. Humanitarian entrants may be eligible for additional hours.

You may be eligible for free English tuition under the AMEP if you:

  • are a newly arrived migrant, refugee or humanitarian entrant from overseas
  • are at least 18 years old
  • have a less than functional level of English
  • arrived in Australia after 1 July 1991
  • are a temporary resident who holds a gazetted visa
  • have been granted permanent residence in Australia since 1 January 1998
  • are aged between 16 and 18 years and unable to attend English classes at school
  • register within 3 months of arriving in Australia

More information is available on the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.

How to Register

Bring your passport to a NSW AMES centre or one of our DET AMEP Consortium Partners to register and be interviewed for the AMEP. You must register within 3 months of arriving in Australia.

Language Literacy and Numeracy Program

Funded by the Department of Education, Science and Training, the Language Literacy and Numeracy Program (LLNP) helps registered unemployed people develop the language and literacy skills needed to find employment.

You may be eligible if you are:

  • aged 15 – 64 years
  • registered with Centrelink as unemployed
  • not a full-time student

Other eligibility conditions also apply. Please contact your local Centrelink or Job Network Member.

How to Register

Register at Centrelink to obtain your Jobseeker ID and complete the Centrelink forms. When you have your Jobseeker ID please visit a NSW AMES centre or NSW TAFE institute to enrol in an LLNP course.

Skillmax Program

Funded by the NSW State Government, the Skillmax Program assists unemployed and underemployed skilled migrants to improve their jobseeking and workplace communication skills.

You may be eligible if you:

  • have overseas qualifications, skills and training
  • are a migrant from a non-English speaking background
  • are a permanent resident of Australia

How to Register

Bring your passport to a NSW AMES centre.