Whether you're preparing for an exam or simply using them as a resource, our AMEB Syllabuses are now FREE do download.
The wait is over. As of 2026, all AMEB Syllabuses are now available for free, and can be downloaded as PDFs from the AMEB Online Shop.
Choose from the complete Manual of Syllabuses of either Music or Speech & Drama or you can get a reduced version just for your instrument family (eg strings), or even just a single syllabus (eg Piano for Leisure). It's important to keep downloading your free Syllabus annually as each PDF will include all the information you need to know to prepare for an exam in that Syllabus in that year. This includes the Syllabus News, General Requirements for Practical Examinations, Regulations, and so on.
Which Syllabuses are available for free?
All of them! That includes:
- All AMEB Music practical (both Classical, For Leisure, and Teaching)
- All AMEB Speech and Drama practical
- All AMEB Theory (both Music and Speech & Drama)
- And no change to all Rockschool and PAA/Stageschool Syllabuses, which are still free to download.
Printed Syllabuses and some additional resources may still be available for purchase.
How can teachers use the Syllabus?
- Explore the exam requirements and components that learners need to prepare.
- Use the Manual Lists as a guide to new and engaging repertoire (both for you and for your students) - each Grade's set of works is at the same benchmarked standard, with no surprise techniques, skills, or range extensions.
- Feel confident about what Examiners will be looking for in terms of Objectives at each Level.
- Read about any co- or pre-requisite requirements and recommendations.
- Get a lead on the types of questions that will be asked for aural, general knowledge, and even sight-reading.
- Discover new Syllabuses, exam types, and other opportunities to help learners in whatever pathway interests them.
- Understand the syllabus aim and structure.
- Map out preparation timelines with a clear picture of what needs to be presented on exam day.
- Get to know what might impact a Candidate's success where requirements are not met on exam day.
- Check any special instructions for your exam, such as performing from memory, accompaniment, page turners, publication editions, and so much more.
- Access further resources through bibliography and recommended reading lists.
I'm not a teacher, can I get a free Syllabus?
Yes you can! Here's how we think learners might use the Syllabus:
- Explore the Lists of pieces to find new works from composers you may not have heard about yet.
- Take responsibility for your learning but understanding the requirements of your exam and driving your own development to achieve them.
- Start listening to pieces from the next Grade up to give yourself inspiration.
While each Syllabus does rely on a certain level of genre-specific knowledge, parents are very welcome to get hold of their own copy. Here's how we think parents might use the Syllabus:
- Check the Syllabus Code for easy (and accurate) enrolments.
- Support your child in their learning goals.
- Understand the exam requirements and help your child to map out their preparation of all elements.
What's changing?
- No need to pay for your Syllabus download - all PDFs are FREE!
- No need to log in or to have an AMEB Online Shop account.
- Your Free Syllabus will automatically download onto your device - no need to log in to access it.
What's staying the same?
If you've bought a printed or PDF Syllabus in the past, you'll recognise the format - there are no big changes there just yet.
- Same great resources
- Same detailed content
- Same format
- Same front matter that's relevant to every syllabus (News, Requirements, Regulations, etc)
- Same Syllabus break down (Aims and structure, exam requirements for each grade, Repertoire Lists, etc)
- Same annual release to ensure you have the latest and greatest details (each November).
Why free and why now?
The Syllabuses are rich in resources for teachers and we don't want an annual cost preventing people from accessing them. We're committed to supporting quality arts education - it's why we exist - and we've worked hard to improve access over the years. Initiatives such as Online Theory Exams, Theory Courses (both Online and the Workbooks), Video Exam, Repertoire Exams, and so on, are all part of that mission. The Syllabuses themselves take a lot of putting together: Lists and Syllabus requirements are curated by teams of industry experts and consultants from around the country; simply formatting the document is a time-consuming and detail-oriented task for our publications team. Syllabus sales have also contributed a significant amount to the bottom line, enabling us to continue to refresh the syllabuses, and do lots of great projects to support teachers and learners. It has been an objective to make these resources available for free for a number of years now. It's taken a while to get that right (and balance the budget), but we think it's important to do.
Do I need any special software to open a PDF document?
No. Most internet browsers (eg Chrome, Safari, etc) have built in PDF viewers. You can also use a free app, like Adobe Acrobat Reader.
What if I still want a printed Manual of Syllabus?
No problem! These are still available for sale from your favourite local music retailer or the AMEB Online Shop.
If I lose my downloaded Syllabus, can I get another?
Yes and at any time. Just head back to the AMEB Online Shop and download the Syllabus again - as many times as you need!
Can I share my downloaded Syllabus?
While it's technically possible, we recommend that each person downloads their own Syllabus to ensure they have the latest and correct version. Teachers may wish to guide parents and learners by providing the exact details of the Syllabus to download.
How can I get my free Syllabuses?
Head to the AMEB Online Shop today and get started on your next learning adventure!
Syllabuses are available with just a few clicks. We ask you to answer just two anonymous questions (we're not collecting any personal data), then you can select as many Syllabuses to download as you'd like. The Syllabus files can be quite big so they'll download in a zip folder - just copy them to somewhere you'll use them and you can open them with your favourite PDF viewer or internet browser.
I have more questions.
That's great! We'd love to help with those. Please feel free to browse the other great sources of information on our website or get in touch to find out more.
