Learning English
Learning English will help you get the most out of your time in Australia.
Whether you want to study, live or travel here, you will need English to:
- interact with others in everyday life
- learn and participate in school, vocational training and university
- improve your job and career opportunities.
Queensland English language courses are designed to meet your needs and level of English proficiency.
Types of English courses
General English
General English courses give you the basic written and verbal communication skills needed to interact in daily life in Australia.
Many education providers offer this type of English language course.
Adult Migrant English Program
The Adult Migrant English program (AMEP) provides basic English language tuition for eligible adult migrants.
You will also learn about Australian society, culture and customs.
To be eligible for this program you must:
- have been granted a permanent residency visa
- be aged 18 years or over
- register with an AMEP provider within 6 months of arriving in Australia or gaining permanent residency.
Some provisional visa holders or youth aged between 15 and 17 may be eligible to join.
Find an AMEP provider with the Settlement Services Locator and select AMEP services.
TAFE Queensland English language programs
TAFE Queensland is one of Queensland’s largest public vocational education and training providers and delivers a number of English language programs including:
Contact TAFE Queensland on 1300 308 233 to find out more about English language programs.
English language support in schools
If your child is currently studying in a Queensland Government school and English is not their first language they may be eligible for English language support.
English language support in schools is known as English as a Second Language or ESL support.
Find out more about ESL support in Queensland schools.
English for academic purposes
Some education providers and English language schools offer intensive courses that prepare students for the academic challenges of university study.
Find out more about studying at a Queensland university.
Find an English language school.
English for special purposes
If you have already decided on a preferred career path, a specialised English language course may help you get there.
English for a special purpose courses can help you get skills in:
- industry specific vocabulary
- written and verbal communication skills.
Find an English language school.
Secondary school preparation
Secondary school preparation programs are designed to help students from non-English speaking backgrounds get ready for high school.
Students can benefit from:
- improved literacy and numeracy skills
- skills to help with study and homework
- access to a support network to help with the transition to high school
- sharing experiences with other international students and migrants.
Find out more about international student programs.
Examination preparation
An examination preparation course will help you prepare for internationally recognised English proficiency examinations like:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Find an English language school.
What to expect
Course structure and enrolment dates
You can enrol in English language courses at any time of the year.
Full-time courses range from 4 to 48 weeks.
During your studies you can expect to spend at least 25 hours a week studying in class and independently.
Your preferred education provider can tell you more about specific course structure and dates.
Requirements and fees
Each education provider has different entry requirements and fees for their courses so talk to your preferred provider to find out what may apply to you.
If you are a migrant you may be eligible for free English language skills courses and support.
