What research says about studying with the AMEP
The Department of Home Affairs and the Telethon Kids Institute have completed a longitudinal research study analysing the effectiveness of the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP).
The study found that participation in the AMEP was associated with better labour market outcomes. There was also reduced reliance on income support.
Information held within the Australian Bureau of Statistics was analysed for the study.
Key findings of the study:
- The AMEP improved the English of clients, especially when clients studied for longer periods (research paper A).
- Migrants with higher levels of English:
- had better labour market outcomes
- had higher income levels
- had lower rates of public housing tenancy
- were less likely to receive income support (research paper B).
- A high rate of eligible migrants (79%) participated in the AMEP (research paper C).
- AMEP participation was associated with reduced reliance on income support
(research paper D). - AMEP participation was associated with improved labour force participation. There were also higher incomes for both male and female participants (research paper E).
The study was conducted by researchers from the Telethon Kids Institute and The University of Western Australia. The study is supported by the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course [CE200100025].
This is the most comprehensive study of AMEP participation undertaken in the program’s 75 years of operation.
Read more about the results in the following research papers:
