Improving Language Skills

On this page:
Assistance on arrival in Victoria
Interpreting and translation services
Further information

English is the official language in Australia - however Victoria is home to people from more than 200 countries, who speak over 180 languages and dialects.

Research has shown that migrants with good English language skills are much more likely to make a successful transition to living and working in Australia. Therefore, most migrants are required to have levels of English appropriate to their job type, and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is used to determine capability for the visa points system.

For migrants with professional occupations, a 'competent' standard of English is required. This is assessed as an IELTS score of six in each of the four tested categories: speaking, reading, writing and listening.

For migrants with trade occupations, a 'vocational' standard of English is required, assessed as an IELTS score of five in each of the four tested categories.

Assistance on arrival in Victoria

Adult Migration English Program (AMEP)

If you need help with your English skills, you can register for the Adult Migration English Program (AMEP). AMEP is run by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship so that new migrants can learn basic English. It also offers some information about Australian society, culture and customs, and a chance to meet other recently arrived immigrants. There are around 50 AMEP providers in Melbourne, and another 30 in regional Victoria.

English language classes

There are a wide range of language services available in Victoria, including interpreter and translation services, as well as English language tuition.

In Victoria, English courses are provided by training and further education (TAFE) institutions, community centres and other service providers.

English Australia is the representative body for quality public and private English language colleges in Australia. The English Australia website features a search facility for English language courses in Victoria.

Adult Multicultural Education Services (AMES) offers a migrant English program, as well as other settlement services.

Community-based Migrant Resource Centres in Victoria offer beginner-level English classes for migrants not eligible for AMEP. A list of Migrant Resource Centres is available on the Victorian Multicultural Commission's Multicultural Resources Directory.

Interpreting and translation services

Interpreter card

The Victorian Interpreter Card is a free wallet-sized card that makes it easier for people with limited English language skills to access government services. It identifies that the person holding the card needs interpreter assistance, and indicates which language is required.

Interpreter symbol

The interpreter symbol indicates that a place or service offers language assistance to people with limited English language skills. It is generally shown in government and community services, such as public hospitals, police stations, state schools, community centres, housing and employment offices, local councils and migrant resource centres.

Finding an interpreter or translator

A range of organisations providing interpreting and translation services are listed on the Victorian Multicultural Commission's Multicultural Resources Directory.

Government information

Printed government information is often translated into different languages. Both the Victorian Department of Justice and Victoria's health services have created directories of translated information.

For more information about interpreting and translation services, visit the Victorian Multicultural Commission website.

Further information

For more information on language help available, visit the DIAC website.

Also See

Related Sites

Last updated: 27 July 2009

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State Government of Victoria