Alternative learning options for new migrants
Adult Migrant English Program funded English tuition is available through alternative learning options for new migrants:
- Distance Learning Program
- Online Certificates in Spoken and Written English
- Home Tutor Scheme
- Special Preparatory Program (SPP) for clients who are eligible
- Individual Learning Centres
Distance Learning Program
The Distance Learning Program provides for people who are unable to attend classes but wish to learn English by themselves. It offers flexible, individual courses to cater for individual needs.
Distance learning offers:
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high quality learning materials including books, CDs or tapes and DVDs
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individual telephone teaching and support
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email, fax and mail
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access to the support of a volunteer tutor where possible
Students can study:
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Course in Preliminary Spoken and Written English
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Certificates I to III in Spoken and Written English
Phone: (07) 3278 1633 or 1800 017 015 (free call outside Brisbane)
Email: MSIT.DistanceEnglish@deta.qld.gov.au
CSWE Online Certificates in Spoken and Written English
CSWE Online is for people who wish to access their AMEP tuition via the net on their home computer. Once assessed and enrolled, students progress at their own pace.
Students have access to teacher and library support and may also access the support of a volunteer tutor.
Certificate 2 of Spoken and Written English online
This is a 280 hour course at Post-beginner level. The course has 14 units which give skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing on topics of everyday life such as shopping, health and jobs. Access to the program is for one year.
Certificate 3 of Spoken and Written English online
This a 280 hour course at Intermediate level containing 14 units which give skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing and cover relevant topics for everyday life such as leisure, jobs and the media. Access to the program is for one year.
Phone: (07) 5581 8635
Email: enrolments.gcit@deta.qld.gov.au
Home Tutor Scheme
Learners who cannot attend English classes, or who wish to supplement classroom tuition may be eligible for a tutor.
Tutors are volunteers who have been trained to help migrants learn English. Meetings with a tutor will usually take place in the student's own home for one to two hours a week.
Eligibility
Home Tutor Scheme students matched with a home tutor:
- must be eligible for the Adult Migrant English Program
- must not be enrolled in more than 6 hours per week of formal classroom tuition
- may also be enrolled in the Distance Learning Program.
Special Preparatory Program
The Special Preparatory Program targets newly arrived humanitarian and refugee students who are likely to have difficulty learning in a mainstream class due to traumatic experiences.
To be eligible for the Special Preparatory Program, a client:
- needs to possess a Refugee or Humanitarian Visa sub class and be eligible for the Adult Migrant English Program;
- would benefit from participation in the program as decided through consultation with case managers or other professionals involved in settlement
- agrees to participate in a preparatory class before entering formal classes
- has not previously been enrolled in Adult Migrant English Program formal classes, or has attended less than 50 hours of Adult Migrant English Program formal classes.
The Special Preparatory Program offers:
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up to 100 hours of English language tuition for humanitarian entrants 18 years and older who have had difficult pre migration experiences
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up to 400 hours of English language tuition or humanitarian entrants aged between 16 and 24 years who have low levels of schooling i.e. between 0 to 7 years of formal schooling. Conditions apply.
Individual Learning Centres
Some TAFE institutes have an Individual Learning Centre, staffed with specialised tutors or teachers, where individual learners can practise their English language skills to:
- improve their employment prospects
- prepare for other courses
- join in a conversation group
- access a wide range of learning materials, including:
- cassettes and videos
- integrated media packages
- computer-assisted language learning
- reference materials.
For more information about the Adult Migrant English Program entitlement, refer to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) website.

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