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Introduction
The English as a Second Language - New Arrivals (ESL-NA) Program provides Australian Government funding to state and territory non-government education authorities to assist with the cost of delivering intensive English language tuition to eligible newly arrived migrant primary and secondary students in Catholic and independent schools. The Program aims to improve the educational opportunities and outcomes of newly arrived students of non-English speaking backgrounds by developing their English language competence and facilitating their participation in mainstream educational activities.
A checklist of ESL-NA eligibility requirements and an updated list of eligible permanent and temporary residency subclasses are available to assist in determining students’ eligibility for funding. Should any permanent or temporary visa that is not on the list be presented, eligibility can be established by contacting the ESL-NA Program Manager in DEEWR by telephone (02) 6240 5299 or e-mail eslna@deewr.gov.au
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Administration and Applications
Non-government education authorities in each state and territory are responsible for the detailed administration of the ESL-NA Program in accordance with the Schools Assistance Act 2008 Administrative Guidelines: Commonwealth Programs for Non-government Schools, 2009 to 2012. For information on applying for ESL-NA Program funding, Catholic schools should contact the Catholic Education office in their state or territory and Independent schools should contact the Association of Independent Schools in their state or territory.
State and territory non-government education authorities (Catholic and Independent school systems) are required to submit a claim form, indicating the number of eligible students the specific school system is claiming on behalf of.
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Payment Arrangements
Australian Government funding for schools for the 2009-2012 quadrennium is provided through the Schools Assistance Act 2008 Administrative Guidelines: Commonwealth Programs for Non-government Schools, 2009 to 2012. Payments are made under the Agreements between the state and territory non-government education authorities and the Australian Government in accordance with the Act.
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Contact Details
Catholic and independent schools seeking information on ESL-NA Program funding should contact their relevant education authority. Catholic schools should contact the Catholic education office in their state or territory and independent schools should contact the Association of Independent Schools in their state or territory.
Australian Government Contact Details for the ESL-NA Program:
ESL-NA Program Manager
Regional Access Team
Director
Inclusive Education and Engagement Branch
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
GPO Box 9880
CANBERRA CITY ACT 2601
Queries about the ESL-NA Program in the non-government school sector may also be directed to the ESL-NA Program Manager in the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations on telephone (02) 6240 5299 or email eslna@deewr.gov.au
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More information
• Frequently Asked Questions