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The Australian Government’s English as a Second Language (ESL) – New Arrivals Programme aims to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for newly-arrived students from non-English speaking backgrounds by developing their English language competence and by making it easier to fully participate in schooling.
A once-off grant is paid to schools for each eligible student undertaking a specifically organised programme of initial intensive English language instruction. It is expected that students will be provided with a minimum of 10 hours of ESL assistance per week for a minimum of 24 weeks. In 2007, schools received $5,534 per eligible student.
The eligibility criteria for students are that:
- they do not speak English as a first language and require intensive instruction in ESL
- they have never been enrolled in an English language school or centre, either in Australia or overseas
- those entering the Prep year enrol in the programme within 18 months of arrival in Australia
- those entering Years 1 to 12 enrol in the programme within 6 months of arrival in Australia
- students be Australian citizens, have permanent residency status or be one of a small number of temporary residency classes.
To confirm a student’s eligibility, schools must provide evidence of the student’s date of arrival into Australia, visa category and, where appropriate, details of the student's previous language and education experiences. (See download 'Eligibility Form' below).
Funding is available in two claim periods each year. The first claim period runs from November 1 to June 30, and the second claim period runs from July 1 to October 31. Schools must apply for ESL New Arrivals in the claim period in which the child first enrols at the school.
Students entering Australia on New Zealand passports, exchange students and full fee paying overseas students are not eligible.
Humanitarian New Arrivals Funding
Eligible students who are in Australia under any part of the Australian Government’s Humanitarian Programme, who enrol on or after 1 January 2008, will attract double the amount of Australian Government funding, i.e. to assist with the provision of intensive English language tuition to improve their educational prospects.
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