MOI Accepted Universities in the UK
For international students planning to study in the UK, proving English language proficiency is an important part of the university application process. IELTS is one of the most widely recognised options, but it is not always the only route.
Some UK universities may accept evidence of previous English-medium education, commonly provided through a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate, depending on the student's academic background, country, qualification and chosen course.
This can be particularly relevant for students from countries such as Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and other countries where students may have completed their previous education in English.
However, there is an important point to understand:
There is no single list of UK universities that universally accept MOI from every international student.
Each university establishes its own English language requirements, and individual courses may have additional conditions. Some universities may accept an MOI certificate directly, while others may require additional evidence, an approved English test or an assessment of the previous qualification.
This guide explains how MOI works, what universities may consider it, how to check your eligibility and how MOI relates to UK Student visa requirements.
What Is an MOI Certificate?
MOI means Medium of Instruction.
An MOI certificate is an official document issued by a student's previous educational institution confirming the language used to teach and assess their academic programme.
For example, a university graduate who completed a bachelor's degree where teaching and assessment were conducted in English may be able to obtain an official certificate confirming this.
An MOI certificate may include:
Student's full name
Student ID or registration number
Name of the previous institution
Degree or programme name
Programme duration
Language of instruction
Confirmation of the language used for teaching and assessment
Date of issue
Authorised signature
Official university letterhead
Stamp or seal, where applicable
The exact format and wording can vary between institutions.
Can You Study in the UK Without IELTS Using MOI?
In some circumstances, yes.
Some UK universities may accept previous English-medium education as evidence of English proficiency for admission. However, this does not mean that every university accepts MOI or that every applicant will qualify.
Acceptance can depend on:
Your previous university
Your qualification
Your country of education
The language in which your programme was taught
Your graduation year
Your chosen UK university
Your chosen course
The level of study
The university's current English language policy
For example, some UK universities publish country-specific guidance that recognises previous English-medium qualifications, while others require an approved English language test.
Therefore, students should always check the current requirements for their specific course before deciding not to take IELTS.
Why Do UK Universities Accept MOI?
Universities may consider previous English-medium education because a student's previous academic programme can provide evidence that they have studied in English.
However, an MOI certificate does not directly measure English skills in the same way as a standardised test.
IELTS, TOEFL and PTE assess language skills through defined testing systems, while an MOI confirms the language of previous academic instruction.
For this reason, universities may apply additional conditions when considering MOI.
UK Universities That May Accept MOI
Because university policies change and may vary by course, it is better to describe universities as potential MOI or English-medium education routes rather than claiming that they universally accept MOI from every country and institution.
Examples of UK universities that publish alternative English-language routes or country-specific English requirements include:
1. Aston University
Aston University publishes country-specific guidance for international applicants, including Bangladesh.
Its Bangladesh guidance includes specific circumstances where HSC and Medium of Instruction evidence may be considered for English language purposes. It also sets conditions around previous qualifications and institutions. (aston.ac.uk)
Students should check Aston's current requirements for their specific programme before applying.
2. University of Kent
The University of Kent provides guidance for applicants who have completed degrees taught in English.
Its English language requirements explain that applicants using an overseas degree taught in English may need an Ecctis English language and academic qualification assessment statement, together with relevant evidence of the degree and medium of instruction. (kent.ac.uk)
This demonstrates why an MOI certificate should not automatically be described as sufficient for every UK university.
3. Oxford Brookes University
Oxford Brookes University publishes country-specific entry requirements and information about English language qualifications for international applicants.
Depending on the applicant's qualification and circumstances, alternative evidence may be considered. Students should check the requirements for their intended programme before applying. (brookes.ac.uk)
4. University of East London
The University of East London accepts a range of English language qualifications for international students, including qualifications such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT and PTE, depending on the applicable requirements.
Its international guidance also provides country-specific information for applicants. (uel.ac.uk)
This is an example of why students should consider all available English-language routes rather than focusing only on IELTS.
5. University of South Wales
The University of South Wales provides country-specific information for Bangladeshi applicants and publishes its English language requirements.
Students who do not meet the standard English requirement may have other options depending on the course and university's current policies. (southwales.ac.uk)
Is There a Permanent List of MOI Accepted Universities in the UK?
No.
This is one of the most important things to remember when researching MOI.
A university's policy can change, and the requirements can differ according to:
Undergraduate or postgraduate study
Course
Country
Previous institution
Qualification
Graduation year
English language evidence
Visa circumstances
For example, one university may accept an MOI certificate from a particular type of degree, while another university may require IELTS even if the applicant studied in English.
Therefore, online articles containing a fixed list of "100% MOI accepted universities" should be treated carefully unless the information has been recently verified against the university's official requirements.
MOI Requirements for UK Universities
If a university allows you to use MOI as evidence of English, it may ask for an official document containing specific information.
A suitable MOI certificate may need to confirm:
1. Previous Institution
The document should clearly identify the institution where you completed your qualification.
2. Qualification
Your degree or academic programme should be clearly stated.
3. Language of Instruction
The certificate should clearly state the language used for teaching and assessment.
4. Official Verification
The document should normally be issued by the institution on official letterhead and authorised by the relevant university department.
5. Accurate Student Information
Your name and other details should match your academic records and passport.
The exact requirements depend on the university.
MOI for Bachelor's Degree Holders
MOI is particularly relevant to international students who have completed a bachelor's degree and are applying for a master's degree in the UK.
For example, a student may have:
Completed a 3 or 4-year bachelor's degree
Studied the programme in English
Received an official MOI certificate from the university
Applied for a UK postgraduate programme
The UK university may then assess whether the qualification and MOI satisfy its English language requirements.
However, acceptance is not automatic.
MOI for Master's Degree Holders
Students who have already completed a master's degree in English may also want to use that qualification as evidence of English language ability.
Again, the university may assess:
Qualification level
Awarding institution
Medium of instruction
Country
Course
Date of qualification
Some institutions may request additional evidence or an English language test.
MOI for Undergraduate Applicants
MOI requirements can be different for students applying to bachelor's programmes.
An applicant coming directly from HSC or another school-level qualification may not be able to use an MOI certificate in the same way as a postgraduate applicant with a completed bachelor's degree.
Some universities have country-specific policies for HSC or equivalent qualifications, while others require an approved English language qualification.
Always check the undergraduate course requirements before applying.
MOI vs IELTS
FactorMOIIELTSFull formMedium of InstructionInternational English Language Testing SystemPurposeConfirms previous language of instructionMeasures English proficiencyIssued byPrevious educational institutionIELTS test providerStandardised testNoYesAccepted by all UK universitiesNoWidely accepted, subject to requirementsCan replace IELTSSometimesNot applicableCourse-specific requirementsYesYesVisa implicationsDepends on circumstancesDepends on test and visa route
The main difference is that MOI documents your previous education, whereas IELTS provides a standardised assessment of your English language ability.
MOI vs TOEFL and PTE
IELTS is not the only standardised English test accepted by UK universities.
Depending on the institution and course, international applicants may also encounter:
TOEFL iBT
PTE Academic
Cambridge English qualifications
Other approved English tests
University-specific English assessments
Some universities publish multiple accepted tests with equivalent score requirements.
Therefore, if IELTS is not your preferred option, check whether your chosen university accepts another English qualification.
Is MOI Accepted for a UK Student Visa?
This requires careful attention.
University admission and UK Student visa requirements are not necessarily identical.
Current UK government guidance states that students applying for a Student visa generally need to demonstrate the required level of English. For degree-level study, the required level is generally CEFR B2. A higher education provider can assess the student's English ability for degree-level study in certain circumstances. (gov.uk)
If an applicant is relying on an overseas degree that was taught in English as evidence of English ability, GOV.UK states that an Ecctis assessment may be required to confirm the qualification's equivalence and that it was taught in English. (gov.uk)
Therefore:
An MOI certificate accepted by a university for admission should not automatically be assumed to satisfy every Student visa English requirement.
Your university and visa route should be checked separately.
Do You Need Ecctis With MOI?
Not necessarily in every situation.
Whether Ecctis is required depends on how your English language ability is being demonstrated.
If you are relying on an overseas degree taught in English as evidence for the relevant Student visa requirement, UK government guidance states that an Ecctis assessment is required in the circumstances specified by the immigration rules. (gov.uk)
Some universities also have their own procedures for assessing previous English-medium qualifications.
For example, the University of Kent specifically provides guidance for applicants using overseas degrees taught in English and refers to an Ecctis English language and academic qualification assessment statement. (kent.ac.uk)
How to Get an MOI Certificate
If you believe you may qualify for an MOI route, contact your previous educational institution.
You can usually start by contacting:
Registrar's office
Examination office
Academic office
Student affairs office
Controller of examinations
University administration
Ask for an official certificate or letter confirming the Medium of Instruction of your completed programme.
The document should accurately reflect your actual programme.
Do Not Create Your Own MOI
An MOI should be an official document issued by the educational institution.
Students should not edit, create or modify an MOI certificate themselves.
If a university asks for specific wording, contact your previous institution and request an official document containing the required information.
How to Check Whether Your MOI Will Be Accepted
Before applying to a UK university, follow these steps.
Step 1: Choose Your Course
Start by identifying the exact UK course you want to study.
Step 2: Check the University's English Requirements
Look for the university's official English language requirements page.
Step 3: Check Country-Specific Requirements
Some universities publish different requirements for different countries.
Step 4: Check Your Qualification
Determine whether the university accepts your previous qualification as evidence of English.
Step 5: Check Your Institution
If the university specifies particular institutions or qualifications, confirm that your previous university meets the relevant criteria.
Step 6: Check Course-Specific Requirements
Some programmes have higher English requirements.
Step 7: Check Visa Requirements
If you require a Student visa, confirm how your English requirement will be evidenced under the current immigration rules.
Common Mistakes Students Make About MOI
Mistake 1: Believing Every UK University Accepts MOI
MOI acceptance varies between universities.
Mistake 2: Using an Old MOI List
University policies can change. An old list may not accurately represent the current intake.
Mistake 3: Assuming MOI Always Replaces IELTS
Some universities may accept MOI, while others require IELTS or another approved qualification.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Course Requirements
A university may have different English requirements for particular courses.
Mistake 5: Confusing Admission With Visa Requirements
An MOI accepted for university admission does not automatically mean that the same document is sufficient for immigration purposes.
Mistake 6: Assuming an English-Medium Degree Is Automatically Enough
Previous English-medium study can be relevant, but the university and UK immigration rules may require specific evidence.
Who May Benefit From an MOI Route?
An MOI route may be worth exploring if you:
Completed a degree taught in English
Can obtain an official MOI certificate
Are applying to a university that considers English-medium education
Meet the university's academic requirements
Meet the course-specific requirements
Can satisfy the applicable visa requirements
However, eligibility must be assessed individually.
MOI for Bangladeshi Students
Bangladeshi students frequently ask whether they can use an MOI certificate instead of IELTS when applying to UK universities.
The answer depends on the university and the student's qualifications.
Some UK universities publish specific Bangladesh requirements, while others use broader international English language policies.
For example, Aston University's Bangladesh guidance includes specific conditions involving MOI and previous qualifications. (aston.ac.uk)
Students should therefore provide accurate details about:
Bangladeshi university
Degree
Graduation year
Academic results
Language of instruction
Intended UK university
Intended course
Intended intake
Can I Apply to Multiple UK Universities With the Same MOI?
Potentially, but you should not assume that every university will accept the same MOI under the same conditions.
Each university may independently assess:
The qualification
The awarding institution
The language of instruction
The applicant's country
The course
The age of the qualification
Additional English evidence
If you are applying to several universities, check each institution's English language policy separately.
What If My MOI Is Not Accepted?
If your chosen university does not accept your MOI, you may still have other options.
Depending on the university and course, you may be able to provide:
IELTS Academic
TOEFL iBT
PTE Academic
Cambridge English
Another approved English qualification
University English assessment
Pre-sessional English course, where available
The appropriate alternative depends on the university's current requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which UK universities accept MOI?
Some UK universities may accept previous English-medium education or MOI under specific conditions. However, there is no universal list covering every international student. Requirements vary by university, course, qualification and country.
Can I study in the UK without IELTS?
Yes, some international students may meet university English requirements without IELTS through another approved English test or accepted evidence of previous English-medium education.
Is MOI enough to study in the UK?
It depends on the university and course. An MOI certificate may be accepted for admission in some circumstances, but it is not universally accepted.
Can I use MOI instead of IELTS?
Some universities may allow MOI or previous English-medium education instead of IELTS. Other universities may require a standardised English test.
Is MOI accepted for UK Student visa?
MOI should not automatically be treated as sufficient visa evidence. The applicable Student visa English requirements depend on the student's circumstances and the method used to demonstrate English ability. (gov.uk)
Do I need Ecctis if I have an MOI?
It depends on how you are using your previous qualification as evidence of English. UK government guidance requires Ecctis in specified circumstances when an overseas degree taught in English is being used as evidence. (gov.uk)
Can I use MOI for a UK master's degree?
Some universities may accept MOI or evidence of previous English-medium study for postgraduate admission. Check the university's current master's course requirements.
Can I use MOI after completing my bachelor's degree in Bangladesh?
Potentially. Some UK universities consider previous English-medium bachelor's degrees from Bangladesh, but the conditions vary between institutions.
Is IELTS better than MOI?
They are different forms of evidence. IELTS is a standardised English proficiency test, while MOI confirms the language of your previous academic programme. The appropriate option depends on the university and your circumstances.
Does every university accept an MOI certificate?
No. Each university can set its own English language requirements.
How long is an MOI certificate valid?
There is no universal UK-wide validity period for MOI certificates. The university may determine whether the document and underlying qualification are acceptable.
Get Help With Your UK University Application
Choosing a UK university based on MOI eligibility requires more than finding a university name on an online list. Your qualification, previous institution, course and intended intake can all affect whether your English evidence is accepted.
NWC Education can help you explore suitable UK universities, understand English language requirements and prepare your application based on your academic background.
Ready to explore your UK study options?
MOI Application Checklist
Before applying to a UK university, make sure you have:
Your academic certificates
Academic transcripts
Passport
Official MOI certificate, where applicable
Details of your previous institution
Degree completion information
English language evidence, if required
Course-specific documents
Current university admission requirements
Current Student visa requirements
Most importantly, always verify MOI acceptance with the university for your specific course and intake.
UK university English language policies can change, so relying on an old MOI list can result in incorrect application decisions.
