Many Indian students dream of studying in the UK but worry about the IELTS requirement. The good news?
You can now study in the UK without IELTS at several universities by providing a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate from your previous college or university.
If your education was taught in English, the MOI certificate can act as valid proof of your English proficiency.
Below is a state-wise list of UK universities that accept MOI from Indian students for the 2025–26 intake, with program insights and tips from Stubard’s UK experts.
What Is an MOI Certificate?
The Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate is an official letter from your university confirming that your course was entirely taught in English. It helps UK universities evaluate your language ability without requiring IELTS, TOEFL or PTE.
MOI must include:
- Student name and program
- Duration of study
- Official statement: “The medium of instruction was English.”
- Signature and university seal
Pro Tip: Get it issued on your institution’s letterhead and attach it to your academic transcripts during your UK application.
England – MOI Accepted Universities
England hosts the largest number of MOI-accepted universities, especially for Indian students with English-medium education backgrounds.
1. University of Portsmouth
- Accepts MOI for most undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
- May require a short English interview.
- Ideal for: Business, Law, Engineering.
2. University of Hertfordshire
- MOI accepted for all master’s courses.
- Recognized for Indian degrees from English-medium universities.
- Popular for: Computer Science, Animation, AI, Business.
3. University of Wolverhampton
- Accepts MOI for Indian students who completed degrees in English.
- Offers internal English assessment if needed.
- Ideal for: Business, Computing, Engineering.
4. University of Bedfordshire
- Accepts MOI + minimum 60% in English at 12th level.
- May conduct virtual English verification.
- Known for: Nursing, MBA, Health Sciences.
5. University of West London
- MOI accepted; internal English test possible.
- Great for: Business, Accounting, Music.
6. University of Greenwich
- Accepts MOI from Indian English-medium universities.
- Programs in: Law, Management, Engineering.
7. University of Essex
- MOI accepted for postgraduate programs.
- May require a short online interview.
- Ideal for: Law, Data Analytics, Economics.
8. University of East London (UEL)
- MOI is accepted for both UG and PG students.
- Alternative internal assessment available.
- Courses: Business, IT, Health, Architecture.
9. University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)
- Accepts MOI for Indian graduates.
- Requires English marks evidence or an interview.
- Programs: Pharmacy, Engineering, Computing.
10. De Montfort University (DMU), Leicester
- MOI accepted for postgraduate and some undergraduate courses.
- Requires official university letter and transcripts.
- Courses: Business, Design, Computer Science.
Scotland – MOI Accepted Universities
Scotland’s universities are globally respected and many are open to MOI-based admissions, especially for postgraduate programs.
1. University of Strathclyde (Glasgow)
- Accepts MOI for postgraduate programs.
- May require 70% English in 12th or degree level.
- Top courses: Engineering, Business, Law.
2. Heriot-Watt University (Edinburgh)
- Accepts MOI for English-medium graduates.
- Recognized globally for STEM and Business programs.
3. University of the West of Scotland (UWS)
- MOI accepted + internal English check possible.
- Affordable tuition for Indian students.
- Ideal for: Data Science, Business, Nursing.
4. Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU)
- Accepts MOI for Indian students.
- May request a short interview.
- Strong in: Health, Business, Engineering.
Wales – MOI Accepted Universities
Wales offers some of the UK’s most affordable universities and a supportive international environment.
1. University of South Wales
- Fully accepts MOI for postgraduate courses.
- Common choice for MBA and IT programs.
- IELTS waiver available for Indian students.
2. Bangor University
- MOI accepted + English marks proof.
- May require an informal English interview.
- Best for: Psychology, Business, Marine Science.
3. Cardiff Metropolitan University
- Accepts MOI for Indian English-medium graduates.
- English proficiency interview possible.
- Programs: Design, Business, Sports Science.
Northern Ireland – MOI Accepted Universities
Although limited, Northern Ireland offers quality education at a lower cost of living.
1. Ulster University
- Accepts MOI for selected master’s programs.
- May require a virtual interview.
- Top programs: Business, Data Analytics, Engineering.
2. Queen’s University Belfast
- MOI accepted for Indian PG students from English-medium universities.
- Strong focus on academic quality.
- Courses: Law, Public Health, Management.
Average Tuition Fees at MOI-Accepted UK Universities
| Study Level | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Undergraduate | £15,000 – £22,000 |
| Postgraduate | £17,000 – £26,000 |
| MBA / STEM Courses | £20,000 – £30,000 |
Universities in Wales and Northern England are usually 20–25% more affordable than London institutions.
Cost of Living for MOI-Eligible Students in the UK
| Expense | Average Monthly Cost |
| Accommodation | £500 – £900 |
| Food | £200 – £300 |
| Transportation | £50 – £100 |
| Utilities | £60 – £100 |
| Miscellaneous | £100 – £200 |
| Total | £900 – £1,400 per month |
Students can work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during breaks.
Documents Required for MOI-Based Admission
- MOI Certificate from last university
- Academic Transcripts (10th, 12th, Bachelor’s/Master’s)
- Passport copy
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
- Resume or CV
- Proof of finances (bank statement or sponsor letter)
Sample MOI Certificate Format
To Whom It May Concern:
This is to certify that [Student Name] has completed [Course Name] at [University Name] between [Start–End Year].
The medium of instruction throughout the course was English.
Authorized Signature
[Registrar/Principal Name]
[Institution Seal]
Advantages of Applying Through MOI
- Skip IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE exams
- Save ₹15,000–₹25,000 in test costs
- Faster admission processing
- Simplified document verification
- Accepted by 40+ UK universities
MOI-accepted universities provide the same post-study work visa (Graduate Route) benefits as IELTS-based admissions.
Why Choose the UK with MOI
- UK degrees are globally recognized
- 2-year Graduate Route visa for Indian students
- 95% visa success rate for MOI-accepted applicants
- Easy transition from student to full-time employment
- High return on investment through global job opportunities
Conclusion
Studying in the UK without IELTS is now easier than ever for Indian students. With your MOI certificate, you can apply to top UK universities, save money and start your academic journey faster.
Whether you choose England’s modern campuses, Scotland’s innovative programs, or Wales’ affordable degrees, Stubard helps you every step of the way from university selection and application to scholarships, visa and accommodation.
FAQs
1. What is MOI for UK universities?
MOI (Medium of Instruction) is a certificate proving your previous education was in English, accepted by many UK universities instead of IELTS.
2. Can I study in the UK without IELTS?
Yes! Over 40 universities in the UK accept MOI certificates from Indian students as proof of English proficiency.
3. Which UK universities accept MOI from Indian students?
Top options include Portsmouth, South Wales, Hertfordshire, Wolverhampton, Bedfordshire, UEL, UWS, and Strathclyde.
4. Is MOI accepted for visa purposes?
Yes, if your university issues a CAS letter confirming MOI acceptance, the UK student visa process remains valid.
5. How do I get an MOI certificate?
Request it from your previous college or university confirming that your medium of instruction was English.
6. Is MOI accepted for all courses in the UK?
It depends on the university and program. Many accept it for postgraduate and business/engineering programs.
7. What are the benefits of applying with MOI?
You can save money, skip IELTS, and speed up your application timeline while still qualifying for a UK study visa.