Finding your feet in a country that speaks a different language from yours is challenging, and everyday communication can feel overwhelming. While translators and other professionals can help you with the big tasks—such as getting your visa and opening a bank account—the sooner you learn English, the more comfortable you will feel in your day-to-day life.
The primary way to get free English classes in Australia is through the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), a government-funded organisation tasked with helping eligible individuals build their English knowledge.
Here at Remitly, we’re all about helping to make the challenges you face when you move to another country as easy as possible. In this article, you’ll find insights on different ways to learn English in Australia, from free online tools to government and nonprofit initiatives and community-based options like libraries and cultural centres.
Understanding the importance of English proficiency
Although Australia has not declared any official language, and English coexists alongside many indigenous and immigrant languages, English is unquestionably the most spoken language in the country. Everyday survival, work, social connections, and long-term integration in Australia all require some knowledge of English. Mastering
English will help you gain independence, settle in, and get to know people in your community.
Doors that English can open for you
When you develop a good grasp of English, the following key aspects of daily life will come more naturally to you:
Building connections
Language barriers can limit you as you strive to create meaningful social connections. Speaking English makes it easier to form friendships, join community activities, and develop a sense of belonging.
Navigating healthcare
Not understanding English may make communicating with healthcare professionals and understanding health-related details challenging, leading to delayed care. Once you feel comfortable using English, you will have a much easier time booking appointments, discussing health concerns, and making informed decisions about your health.
Expanding job opportunities
Many companies require some level of English. Improving your language skills can help you as you fill out job-related paperwork, attend interviews, and communicate with potential employers, increasing your professional opportunities.
Feeling confident
The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you will feel in daily interactions. With a solid foundation in English, you will be able to adapt, connect, and thrive in your new home country in no time!
Introduction to the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)
The Adult Migrant English Program is an initiative by the Australian government to help new immigrants and refugees learn the language for easier communication.
Eligibility criteria for joining the AMEP
The AMEP enables new immigrants to enrol in free English lessons if:
- You are a permanent visa holder, an eligible temporary visa holder, or a refugee.
- You are an Australian citizen who held an eligible visa before gaining citizenship.
- Your English is below a functional level. They will assess your English level to determine this.
- You are 18 or older, although this is flexible depending on whether the applicant meets specific criteria.
As of October 1, 2020, those who are interested in the AMEP must register within 6 months of their visa start date and must start the course within 12 months. The course should take a maximum of 5 years.
If you moved to Australia before October 1, 2020, you can stay in the program until you reach a vocational level of English proficiency. There are no specific timelines for starting and finishing the course in this case.
Step-by-step guide to enrolling in the AMEP
Enrolling in the AMEP is a brilliant decision for immigrants who don’t know English. Let’s take a step-by-step look at how to join the program.
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Ensure you’re eligible
First, you must be eligible. You can find information about the eligibility criteria in the previous section of this article. You also need to submit a few documents, including your passport or travel document, visa grant notice, and proof of arrival date. If you’re an immigrant-turned-citizen, you must bring your Australian citizenship certificate to prove your citizenship.
You can learn how to apply for Australian citizenship here.
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Find an AMEP provider near you
Next up is finding an AMEP provider near you. There are around 300 of them across the nation. Visit the Department of Home Affairs website and search “AMEP providers” or call 131 881 for a list. You can opt for the one nearest to your home or school, or you can register for online classes, if you prefer.
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Reach out
When you’ve found a provider, reach out via a phone call, email, or in person. Don’t worry if you can’t express yourself perfectly in English yet—just express your interest in learning it in whichever way you can. In most cases, the friendly person on the other end of the line will either find a translator to assist or will use other resources or tools available to make your communication easier.
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Book an appointment
The AMEP staff will take care of you, asking basic questions like your name, date of arrival, and visa type, and then they will set up an appointment for you. When the appointment arrives, make sure to have your documents together. They will go through them and make copies of what they need. They will then assess your English to understand your current level. They may ask you to fill out additional forms.
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Start classes
After the test, they will confirm your studentship and outline your lessons. That’s it—you’re in! Depending on their schedule, you can start classes within days or a week.
Learning outcomes and benefits
The expected outcome after joining the AMEP is that you will gain an adequate level of reading, writing, speaking, and listening to the English language so you can communicate comfortably.
Key skills and knowledge gained from the AMEP
The AMEP intends to help immigrants learn English and ensure every applicant leaves ready to fit into society comfortably. Below are the skills and knowledge you will gain through the course.
Reading
- Decoding everyday text such as bills, advertisements, bus timetables, etc.
- Understanding academic or workplace documents at a vocational level.
Writing
- Constructing simple sentences.
- Writing emails and notes.
- Filling out forms for jobs or services.
Speaking
- Ability to talk clearly in day-to-day scenarios.
- Clear pronunciation of words.
- Answering questions in interviews.
Listening
- Understanding fast Australian speech.
- Picking up key information in discussions.
- Following class lectures or workplace briefings.
But that’s not all; you also gain additional knowledge on the culture, traditions, community connections, law, and systems in the country.
Alternative resources for learning English in Australia
While the AMEP is a fantastic resource, there are countless alternatives to help you on your English learning journey as you settle in. Some of these options come with a cost and others are free—read on to see if any of them may be right for you!
Community-based language classes
Unlike formal initiatives such as the AMEP, community-based classes are typically run by community organisations, councils, volunteer groups, churches, or libraries.
Community centres: Places like neighbourhood hubs or migrant resource centres run free or affordable English lessons. Some organisations, like Settlement Services International, provide conversation clubs or extra workshops.
Libraries: Public libraries in Australia often provide free English classes or organise conversation groups for speech practice. Go to a nearby library or visit your local council website to inquire about schedules.
Volunteer tutors and free classes: The AMEP has a volunteer tutor scheme that pairs volunteers with students to teach them English. Other institutions like RMIT University in Melbourne and many local churches offer free English lessons.
Online platforms and tools for English language learning
If you are a new immigrant in Australia and are looking for free English classes online, you might consider trying these platforms to improve your English:
Duolingo: This is a free, gamified app with bite-sized English lessons. It is not specifically tailored to Australian English but is excellent for grammar, vocabulary, and listening practice.
ABC Learn English: The Australian Broadcasting Corporation runs this site. It provides users with free English videos, lessons, and podcasts in Australian English.
Aussie English: This is an online platform and podcast by Pete Smissen, an Australian teacher. It features lessons on culture, pronunciation, and slang. Some content on Aussie English is free, but some premium courses cost money.
BBC Learning English: This is a free global site offering videos, podcasts, and quizzes to sharpen listening and reading.
YouTube channels: There are plenty of Australian creators who explain grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary for free on the YouTube platform—you may even learn some Aussie slang!
TAFE courses: TAFE colleges like TAFE NSW offer English programs, such as a certificate in written and spoken English.
ELICOS programs
English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students applies to immigrants studying in Australia on a student visa. As the name suggests, they are intensive and require students to complete 20-25 hours per week full-time. Here are more details about the fees and requirements of these courses.
Australian universities
Major universities like the University of Queensland, Monash, or UNSW run English programs, typically for academic preparation or community outreach. They can also be quite helpful in preparing you for overseas success.
Benefits of learning English for integration and employment
It cannot be overstated how English proficiency directly impacts how easily you settle into Australian society and how far you can reach in the Australian job market.
Being able to do basic tasks like sorting out a bus pass or paying bills without depending on someone feels liberating. Fluency in English sounds even more appealing when you take a look at all the social and professional benefits that come with it:
Social connections
Forming friendships with the locals becomes natural if you can communicate freely. You get to pick up on jokes, idioms, and local customs, and locals will begin to understand you with ease.
Job opportunities
Most employers prefer a job applicant who can read and write in English. They need operations to flow smoothly, including proper communication within the organisation, and your language skills will help you to be an ideal candidate.
Better pay
Research shows that immigrants with English proficiency earn more than those without. They also get jobs more easily compared to those with limited English skills. Plus, with good language skills, you will feel more confident in negotiating for a higher salary.
Visa approval
English proficiency is also tied to visa requirements for skilled immigrants. This means you need to have the ability to communicate in the language before your visa is approved. Keep in mind that you’ll be required to take an English proficiency test before your document is approved.
Access to education
If you are thinking of pursuing further studies in Australia, you need to have some knowledge of English because nearly all courses are taught in the language. Understanding English is a valuable key to pursuing your studies in the country.
FAQs
How can migrants learn English for free in Australia?
Migrants can learn English for free through different methods. The AMEP is an official initiative run by the government to help people learn the language for free. Other resources include the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program, TAFE NSW Courses, Community and Settlement Services Courses, as well as a wide variety of online English courses.
How long do free English courses for Australia last?
The duration of free English lessons in Australia varies depending on the provider and the level of proficiency of the learner. The official government course (AMEP) typically has a duration of 510 hours.
What other language resources does the Australian government provide?
Depending on your situation and what type of visa you hold, the Australian Department of Home Affairs may offer free document translation to help you get settled in terms of work, education, and community.