List of MOI Accepted Universities in UK 2026
UK universities waive the requirement to prove English proficiency through standardised exam scores by allowing international students to provide an MOI certificate from the previous academic institution.
Secure UK admission with MOI — get expert guidance on your eligibility
What you'll learn in this article
A Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate is an official document that verifies that your previous degree or secondary education was taught and examined entirely in English. Many UK universities consider this certificate as evidence of English proficiency, supporting your ability to comprehend the language well enough to study in a purely English environment, like the UK, although acceptance criteria vary by institution and programme.
What is a Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate?
An MOI certificate allows you to study in UK without IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, or the Duolingo English Test. It ensures that non-native students or international students coming from non-English-speaking countries will not find it difficult to adjust to a multicultural environment that requires deep focus to complete the challenging and rigorous global curriculum.
There are a few constraints and requirements for using an MOI certificate for admission to UK universities:
- University vs Visa Requirements: MOI is used to secure your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS Letter). While universities may self-assess your English for degree-level courses, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) still requires you to meet the CEFR B2 level. If your previous qualification is not from a majority English-speaking country, you may still need a SELT or an ECCTIS verification for the visa itself.
- Recency & Academic Scores: MOI acceptance requires graduation within the last 2–5 years or up to 7 years with proof of English-medium work, and a minimum of 65%–75% in English in Grade 12 from recognised boards like CBSE or ISC.
- Course-Specific Mandates: High-stakes professional fields, such as Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, and Law, require a standard IELTS Academic score of 7.0 bands or more to satisfy both the university and UK professional regulatory bodies (NMC/GMC).
- Institution-Specific Rules: Even within the same university, rules vary. For example:
- Queen Mary University of London: Accepts MOI for select postgraduate taught (PGT) courses but rarely for Medicine.
- University of Warwick: Requires a highly competitive English-medium background and may still request an IELTS Academic score of 6.5–7.0 bands for many programmes.
- Russell Group Limits: Prestigious Russell Group universities, such as Oxbridge and LSE, do not accept MOI and insist on standardised tests to maintain selective admission standards.
- ECCTIS (formerly UK NARIC) Verification: You may need an English Proficiency and Qualification Comparison from the ECCTIS QLS service. This provides a unique reference code that confirms your degree's level and the English proficiency used to obtain it, which is then shared with the Home Office.
Source: ECCTIS QLS - Assessment Methodology and CEFR Tiers · ECCTIS QLS - English Proficiency and Qualification Comparison Application
Ultimately, while MOI facilitates admission to many UK universities, it does not guarantee a Study Route Visa if UKVI deems additional testing necessary. Because of these variations, it is highly recommended to check the specific entry requirements of your chosen programme and university using the official UCAS portal.
Applying with an MOI requires a precise alignment between your school board and your target UK university's internal guidelines. Do not risk an administrative rejection. Bypass IELTS for your UK Bachelor's or Master's with AECC admissions experts, who will evaluate your academic history and map it directly against institutions where you fully qualify for an English language waiver.
Secure UK admission with MOI — get expert guidance on your eligibility
MOI Accepted Universities in UK With High Academic Profiles
More than 70 UK universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate instead of TOEFL, IELTS Academic, Duolingo English Test, or PTE Academic for admissions. All have a different set of minimum score requirements to assess students’ profiles and shortlist the best candidates.
MOI Universities Requiring 75%+ in English or Strong Academic Performance
High-ranking and competitive institutions mandate a superior academic foundation, requiring scores between 75% and 85% in English in Grade 12 to waive standard language tests. These universities prioritise students from top-tier boards who can demonstrate sustained excellence in an English-medium environment. The list includes:
- University of Edinburgh
- University of St Andrews
- University of Glasgow
- University of Birmingham
- University of York
- University of Greenwich
MOI Accepted UK Universities Requiring 70–74% in English
These universities offer a balanced entry route, accepting a score of 70% or higher in the Class 12 English subject as proof of proficiency. While more flexible than top-tier universities, many universities still evaluate applications on a case-by-case basis to ensure your previous academic background is sufficiently rigorous. These include:
- University of Bristol
- Aston University
- University of Strathclyde
- University of East Anglia
- Swansea University
Check out all you need to know about studying in the UK for international students:
| Entrance Exams to Study in UK | Scholarships to Study in UK |
| Upcoming Intakes to Apply in UK | One-Year Masters in UK |
MOI Accepted UK Universities Requiring 65–69% in English or Overall Academics
These institutions provide flexible entry routes for students who have secured at least 65% in their Grade 12 English exams. Ideal for those seeking a balance between reputable academic standards and more inclusive English proficiency requirements, universities in this tier include:
- University of Hertfordshire
- University of Portsmouth
- Oxford Brookes University
- University of Westminster
- University of Aberdeen
- Heriot-Watt University
- Brunel University London
- Arts University Bournemouth
- Bangor University
MOI Accepted UK Universities Requiring 60–64% Scores
These UK universities provide the most accessible entry pathways, allowing a 60% score in Class 12 English or a standard MOI certificate from your previous institution. This tier is an excellent option if you are seeking versatile admission criteria without compromising on quality UK higher education. Universities in this list include:
- Coventry University
- De Montfort University
- Birmingham City University
- University of Salford
- Middlesex University
- University of Dundee
- University of Stirling
- Leeds Beckett University
- Ravensbourne University London
- University for the Creative Arts
- Norwich University of the Arts
- The University of Law
- Robert Gordon University
- Glasgow Caledonian University
- University of South Wales
- Northumbria University
Learn about the visa process benefits of studying in UK for international students:
| Post-Study Work Rights and Visa | Part-Time Jobs for International Students in UK |
| UK Student Visa Rejection Reasons | Cultural Lifestyle of Students in UK |
MOI Accepted UK Universities Requiring 55–59% Scores
These institutions offer highly inclusive admission policies, considering students with English scores starting at 55% in their Grade 12 exams. Ideal for applicants who may have slightly lower language marks but possess a valid MOI certificate and a strong overall academic or professional profile, these include:
- Cardiff Metropolitan University
- University of East London
- University of Roehampton
- University of Gloucestershire
- Abertay University
- Wrexham University
- BPP University
- Teesside University
MOI Accepted UK Universities Requiring 50–54% Scores
These universities offer the most flexible entry requirements, recruiting students with English scores starting at as low as 50% or a valid MOI certificate. While highly inclusive, some institutions in this category may still require a higher English score, specifically in Grade 12, to ensure you are prepared for the academic rigour of their programmes. The list includes:
- University of Wolverhampton
- London Metropolitan University
- University of Wales Trinity Saint David
- University of the West of Scotland
- University of Bedfordshire
- University of Sunderland
- University of Bolton
Source: GOV.UK - Student Visa Knowledge of English Guidance · Individual Score Distribution Scales: UKCISA - Student Route Eligibility and Requirements
Are you targeting an institution with highly inclusive cuts? Even if your Class 12 English score falls in the 50%–60% range, top-tier pathways are fully open to you via a verified MOI or internal university English diagnostic tests. Let our senior counsellors review your graduation timeline and draft an application that highlights your true professional capabilities.
MOI Accepted UK Universities by Graduation Recency
Universities set specific validity periods for accepting the MOI certificates, which means that your graduation must have occurred within a set number of years to ensure your English proficiency remains current.
| Validity Period | MOI Accepted Universities in UK by Graduation Recency |
|---|---|
| Within 2 Years | University of Southampton, Bangor University |
| Within 3 Years | Newcastle University, University of Stirling |
| Within 5 Years | University of East Anglia, University of Essex, Birmingham City University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Kingston University, University of Roehampton, University of Gloucestershire, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Heriot-Watt University, Ravensbourne University London, The University of Law, University of South Wales |
| Within 7 Years | De Montfort University |
Source: UKCISA - Student Route Eligibility and Requirements
Many high-ranking institutions, such as the University of Manchester and the University of Bristol, may accept MOI beyond these standard windows if you can demonstrate you have worked in an English-speaking professional environment since graduation.
Regional Policy for South Asian & Southeast Asian Applicants
Some UK universities apply regional restrictions when assessing Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates. For example, Coventry University does not accept MOI certificates from students who completed their schooling under the Punjab, Haryana, or Uttarakhand state boards. Similarly, the University of Hertfordshire excludes applicants from Punjab, Haryana, Hyderabad, and Uttar Pradesh boards for MOI-based English waivers.
Below is what applicants from South Asian and Southeast Asian countries should know before relying on an MOI certificate to study in the UK.
India
- MOI Acceptance: Moderately accepted, depending on the university, specific education board, and graduation recency.
- English Waiver: Widely accepted under CBSE or ICSE with scores around 65%–75% or higher in English. State boards like Maharashtra and West Bengal are also accepted by several mid-tier UK universities.
- Regional Restrictions: Applicants from certain state boards, including Punjab (PSEB), Haryana (HBSE), Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and some open schooling systems, cannot use an MOI as an English waiver. Instead, universities may require:
- An internal English assessment or diagnostic test,
- A mandatory pre-CAS credibility interview, or
- An approved Secure English Language Test (SELT).
Nepal
- MOI Acceptance: Highly restricted, with elite Russell Group universities not accepting local MOIs; though several modern and post-1992 universities will consider them.
- English Waiver: Available at selected universities for applicants who secured 70%–75% or higher in their National Examinations Board (NEB) English modules.
- Additional Requirements: Degree-level MOI letters are considered only when issued by primary, recognised institutions such as Tribhuvan University (TU), Kathmandu University (KU), or Pokhara University (PU), requiring a 60% or higher mark in English-specific subjects. Furthermore, higher-risk applicant profiles may be asked to pay an upfront 50% tuition fee deposit before a CAS letter is issued.
Bangladesh
- MOI Acceptance: Rarely accepted; applications are assessed on a strict, case-by-case basis.
- English Waiver: Highly restricted, with many universities expecting an absolute minimum of 75%–80% or higher in Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) English.
- Additional Requirements: An institutional MOI letter alone is insufficient. Many universities require secondary verification methods, including:
- An internal English assessment, such as the Oxford International Digital Test (OITC), or
- A standard SELT if the initial university admissions interview raises communication concerns.
Sri Lanka
- MOI Acceptance: Widely accepted by many flexible and mid-tier UK institutions.
- English Waiver: Highly accepted, with a Grade C or above in GCE Ordinary Level or Advanced Level English.
- Additional Requirements: Applications face minimal secondary screening, provided the qualification was awarded within a standard five-year recency window. Most universities consider this background comparable to a baseline of 6.0 bands on IELTS Academic for degree admissions.
Philippines
- MOI Acceptance: Widely accepted across the vast majority of UK higher education providers.
- English Waiver: Highly accepted, provided high school diplomas and local university degrees satisfy institutional English criteria.
- Additional Requirements: Because English is embedded as a primary medium of instruction across the national framework, standard MOI letters face very little administrative friction. However, qualifications must still undergo standard ECCTIS evaluation to formally confirm UK degree equivalency for the visa stage.
Note: MOI acceptance policies vary by university and may change between admission cycles. Final decisions are made by the university admissions team based on your academic qualifications, education board, graduation year, and overall application. Always confirm the latest English requirements before applying.
Source: GOV.UK - Student Visa Guidance · UKVI Legal Provisions for HEPs
Every UK university has different MOI rules. If you are unsure whether your school board or university qualifies for a language waiver, register for a free counselling session at AECC. Our experts will review your academic background, explain your options, and help you apply to universities that best match your profile.
How to Use an MOI Certificate for UK University Admissions?
To use the MOI certificate for UK university admissions, ensure to follow the step-by-step application process given below:
- Obtain an MOI certificate from your previous academic institution.
- Verify the specific MOI requirements for your chosen UK university.
- Upload the supporting documents for assessment.
- Wait for the submitted English language proof for assessment.
Minimum Academic Requirements
- Education in English Medium: Previous education, such as 10th, 12th, and/or graduation, in English medium
- Minimum Score in English Subject: 65–70% aggregate in the 12th grade English; varies by different courses offered at UK universities
- Overall Academic Score: 55–60% aggregate in 12th grade and/or graduation; varies by courses and universities
- Consistent Performance: No backlogs or academic gaps
Document Checklist
- MOI Certificate: Official certificate from your previous university or college on letterhead with stamp and signature
- Academic Transcripts: Consolidated marksheets showing English medium instruction
- Certificate of Graduation: Previous degree, diploma, or school no older than 2 to 7 years, depending on the institution
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): A strong SOP discussing your course suitability and career goals
Crucial Verification Note: Under UK immigration rules, universities can legally assess your English skills using their own internal methods. However, there is no single 'approved list' of MOI universities. A university that accepts an MOI from a student in Ghana might completely reject an MOI from a student in India. Always check your university's country-specific page to confirm if an official ECCTIS evaluation or an internal university interview is required.
Who Can Be Exempt from English Proficiency Requirements?
International students are exempt from the need to provide proof of English proficiency in the following situations:
Students Studying in English-Medium Institutions
- If a student is visiting the UK for a study-abroad programme as part of a US university degree course
- If a student has already proved their level of English in a previous visa application
Students Applying from English-Speaking Countries
Students who have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree, or hold citizenship of one of these 20 countries:
| Countries Exempt from Proof of English Proficiency | |
|---|---|
| Antigua and Barbuda | Jamaica |
| Australia | Malta |
| Barbados | New Zealand |
| Belize | St Kitts and Nevis |
| The Bahamas | St Lucia |
| The British Overseas Territories | St Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Dominica | Trinidad and Tobago |
| Grenada | Canada |
| Guyana | The United States (USA) |
| Ireland | The United Kingdom (UK) itself |
MOI for UK Student Visa Sample
Below is a standard sample format of the MOI certificate commonly accepted by UK universities:
[University/College Letterhead][Address and Contact Details] Date: [Date of Issuance] TO WHOMSOEVER IT MAY CONCERN This is to certify that [Student's Full Name], child of [Parent's/Guardian's Name], was a bona fide student of [Department/Institution Name] from [Year of Joining] to [Year of Completion]. He/She has successfully completed the [Name of Degree/Course, e.g., Bachelor of Technology] under Enrolment/Roll Number [Your ID Number]. We hereby confirm that the Medium of Instruction for the entire duration of the course was English. All lectures, laboratory work, assignments, and final examinations were conducted and assessed in the English language. This certificate is issued at the request of the student for the purpose of higher studies abroad. [Signature] [Name of Official] [Official Seal/Stamp of the Institution] |
Checklist for a Valid MOI
To ensure your document is not rejected by a UK university or ECCTIS, the UK agency that verifies qualifications, verify that it includes these five elements:
- Official Letterhead: Must include the university logo and full address
- Clear Language Statement: Must explicitly state ‘English’ as the medium for both teaching and assessment
- Student Details: Must have the exact same name on the letter as your passport
- Degree Details: Must clearly mention your programme and dates of study
- Authenticity: Must have a physical (ink) signature and wet ink stamp/seal; highly preferred over digital ones
Note: If your degree certificate or final academic transcript already states ‘Medium of Instruction: English’, some UK universities may accept that without a separate MOI letter. However, it is considered safer to obtain a dedicated letter to avoid delays during the CAS stage.
Navigating UK university admissions with a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate is a highly strategic, cost-effective shortcut, but it requires absolute precision. A minor error in your MOI phrasing or a mismatch with ECCTIS benchmarks can delay your CAS letter and jeopardise your visa. By choosing your university based on your graduation recency and Class 12 English score, you can transition smoothly into the UK academic system without standard testing friction.
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Do not let fine print postpone your departure to study in UK. From securing an error-free MOI on your home college letterhead to managing the critical ECCTIS credential mapping for your Student Visa application, AECC handles the entire strategic framework. Let us optimise your profile and eliminate the need for IELTS entirely. Book your free session today.
MOI Accepted Universities in UK FAQs
Yes, an MOI or the Medium of Instruction certificate is accepted by many UK universities as proof of English proficiency instead of standardised language exams like IELTS Academic, TOEFL, and others. However, several academic conditions need to be met by international students as policies vary greatly between different institutions.
Yes, you can study in the UK without an IELTS Academic score by providing a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate. Many UK universities accept MOI as proof of English proficiency for degree-level courses, though you may still need to pass an internal online English assessment, especially for the Study Route Visa.
A Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate confirms that your previous degree was taught and assessed in English. Several UK universities accept this certificate from eligible institutions as an alternative to standardised tests like IELTS Academic or TOEFL. These include:
- University of Hertfordshire,
- Birmingham City University (BCU),
- University of East London (UEL),
- Coventry University,
- University of Bedfordshire,
- De Montfort University,
- University of Portsmouth,
- University of South Wales,
- University of Essex,
- University of Greenwich, and many more.
Please note that since MOI acceptance varies by institution and course, it is advisable to check the specific entry requirements on your target university's official portal.
Universally, a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate does not have any expiration date. Its validity depends entirely on the requirements of the university or immigration authority to which you are applying. While the certificate itself never technically expires, universities may enforce recency limits.
Most UK universities prefer or require that your degree be completed within the last 2 to 5 years, while some may accept up to 7 years with 2 years of English-medium work experience letter.
No, a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate does not guarantee an IELTS waiver anywhere in the world. While many institutions in countries like the UK and the USA accept MOI letters to bypass English tests, an automatic waiver depends entirely on the specific university's policies, your course requirements, and sometimes an online interview.
Yes, a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate is widely accepted as proof of English proficiency for both undergraduate and postgraduate admissions, especially in the UK and Australia. However, its acceptance depends on the specific university, your prior academic scores, and the programme. If you have a significant gap, universities may request a standardised test like IELTS Academic or TOEFL instead.
Yes, many UK schools accept an MOI certificate from international students for their creative arts and design courses. These institutions offer creative and digital specialisations and emphasise creative aptitude and strong portfolio assessment. Some of the creative, design and portfolio-based MOI accepted universities in UK include:
- University for the Creative Arts
- Norwich University of the Arts
- Ravensbourne University London
- Arts University Bournemouth
Many prominent universities located in the London metropolitan area accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate or a high Grade 12 English school board score to waive standardised exams like IELTS or PTE Academic. These include:
- University of East London (UEL)
- Middlesex University London
- Brunel University London
- Ravensbourne University London
- University of Westminster
- London Metropolitan University
- University of Roehampton
- University of Greenwich
- BPP University
Note: While studying in the capital offers massive industry exposure, London universities face strict visa compliance monitoring. Applicants using an MOI route for London campuses should prepare for comprehensive pre-CAS credibility interviews.
An MOI certificate does not automatically guarantee a language waiver. The universities or UK visa compliance officers frequently reject applications due to these five common issues:
- Vague or Non-Specific Wording
- Graduation Recency Limit Violations
- Regional Board Exclusions
- Non-Recognised Awarding Institutions
- Course-Specific Regulatory Overrides
To avoid UK visa or university rejections, ensure that your MOI certificate explicitly states that teaching and exams were in English from a UKVI-recognised university within the last 2 to 5 years. However, it will still be rejected if you graduated from flagged regional boards or are applying for regulated courses like Law and Medicine, which strictly require an IELTS score.
A Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate is widely used across major global study destinations, though entry conditions vary significantly:
- United Kingdom: Extensively accepted by mid-tier and modern universities for degree-level programmes through institutional self-assessment.
- Australia: Widely accepted by both innovative institutions and selected Group of Eight (Go8) universities.
- Canada: Accepted on a highly restricted basis by select universities, primarily for postgraduate applicants from premier global institutions.
- Ireland: Considered on a case-by-case basis by competitive Irish universities and technological institutes.
Trusted Expertise
About the Author
Published and reviewed by AECC counsellors who guide students through every step of their study-abroad journey.
Published by Devi Mukherjee
UK & Ireland Education Specialist | 20 Years Advising International Students
Devi Mukherjee has been advising students on study in the United Kingdom and Ireland for 20 years. She has worked through several significant shifts in UK immigration policy, including the move from Tier 4 to the Student visa, the introduction of the Graduate Route, and the changes to English language test requirements that have affected applicants considerably over the past three years.
Devi is particularly good at bridging the gap between what official guidance says and what it means in practice. UK Home Office guidance is written for a general international audience. Devi advises students working with specific academic certificates, bank statements and English language test scores, and the specifics matter. She knows where the complications arise and what to do about them.
Her articles on UK and Irish universities are written for students who are not simply asking whether they are eligible, but whether this is the right choice given their academic background, budget and what they want to do after graduation. That is a different question and it requires a different kind of answer. She holds an MSc in Physics and is based at AECC's Gurgaon office.
