Dreaming of studying in the UK but don’t have IELTS? Good news: many UK universities now accept MOI (Medium of Instruction) certificates as proof of English proficiency.
If you’ve studied in an English-medium school or university, your MOI certificate can replace IELTS in many institutions, helping you save time, money and stress.
Let’s explore what MOI means, which UK universities accept it, and how you can use it to secure your 2025–26 UK university admission.
What is MOI (Medium of Instruction)?
The Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate is an official document from your previous school or university, confirming that your entire course was taught in English.
It typically includes:
- Student’s full name and program name
- Duration of study
- A statement confirming that the medium of instruction was English
- Signature and stamp of the institution
This document helps UK universities understand that you can read, write and communicate in English, even without IELTS or TOEFL.
Why Choose MOI Instead of IELTS?
For Indian students, MOI is becoming a popular alternative because it is:
- Cost-effective — No need to pay for IELTS or coaching
- Faster — Saves time in application processing
- Widely accepted — Many UK universities now recognize MOI
- Simpler for English-medium students
If you’ve studied in India in English, you’re already qualified to prove English proficiency through MOI.
Top MOI Accepted Universities in UK (2025–26)
Here’s a curated list of UK universities that accept MOI certificates from Indian students for admission:
1. University of Portsmouth
- Accepts MOI for undergraduate and postgraduate programs
- Must have completed education in English-medium institutions
- May conduct a short interview for English assessment
Top Courses: Business, Data Science, Engineering, Law
2. University of South Wales
- MOI accepted for most master’s programs
- Minimum 60% in English in previous education recommended
Top Courses: MBA, Cybersecurity, Project Management, Nursing
3. University of Hertfordshire
- Accepts MOI for both bachelor’s and master’s applicants
- English-medium certificate from previous university is required
Top Courses: Computer Science, Business, Animation, Artificial Intelligence
4. University of Wolverhampton
- Accepts MOI for students from recognized Indian universities
- Offers internal English assessment for verification
Top Courses: Business Management, Engineering, Computing, Law
5. University of East London (UEL)
- Accepts MOI for postgraduate and foundation programs
- Candidates with English-medium degrees can skip IELTS
Top Courses: Data Science, Public Health, Business Analytics, Architecture
6. University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)
- MOI accepted for Indian students with English-medium degrees
- May request an online English test for confirmation
Top Courses: Pharmacy, Engineering, Business, Law
7. University of Bedfordshire
- Accepts MOI for both UG and PG admissions
- English-medium degree must be from a recognized university
Top Courses: Health, Computing, International Business, MBA
8. University of Sunderland
- Accepts MOI if applicant’s previous education was fully in English
- Some programs may still need an internal interview
Top Courses: Nursing, Engineering, Tourism, Business
9. Birmingham City University (BCU)
- Accepts MOI for Indian students with an English-taught degree
- Offers conditional admission pending internal English test
Top Courses: Business, Design, Architecture, Computing
10. De Montfort University (DMU)
- Accepts MOI for postgraduate programs
- Must provide official certificate and transcripts
Top Courses: Fashion, Business, Computer Science, Marketing
11. University of West London
- Accepts MOI for English-medium degree holders
- Internal English verification possible
Top Courses: Business, Accounting, Engineering, Music
12. University of Greenwich
- MOI accepted for many courses
- English-medium education proof required
Top Courses: Law, Business Management, Engineering
13. University of Gloucestershire
- Accepts MOI from Indian universities
- May conduct internal English assessment if required
Top Courses: Journalism, Sports Science, Business, Education
14. Bangor University
- Accepts MOI for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs
- 70% English marks in 12th or MOI certificate needed
Top Courses: Psychology, Business, Environmental Studies
15. University of West Scotland (UWS)
- MOI accepted for Indian students
- Some programs may need an internal English evaluation
Top Courses: Data Science, Business, Engineering, Nursing
How to Get an MOI Certificate
If you studied in English, getting an MOI certificate is easy:
- Request from your college or university
- Address it to “To Whom It May Concern.”
- Include key details:
- Full name, course, and duration of study
- Statement that “the medium of instruction was English.”
- Stamp and signature
- Must be signed by the principal, registrar, or head of department.
- Attach with transcripts and application
- Upload during your university application process.
Sample Format of MOI Certificate
To Whom It May Concern:
This is to certify that [Student Name], bearing Roll No. [Number], has completed [Degree Name] at [College/University Name] during the academic years [Start–End].
The medium of instruction throughout the course was English.
Authorized Signature
[Registrar/Principal Name]
[Institution Seal]
Important Notes for Indian Students
- MOI works best for students from recognized universities and English-medium backgrounds
- Some universities may still conduct a quick interview or online English test
- For UK Visa (CAS), universities handle verification directly
- Always confirm MOI acceptance before submitting your application
Benefits of Studying in the UK Without IELTS
- Save ₹15,000–₹20,000 on IELTS test costs
- Simplify your admission process
- Fast-track your application decision
- Study in world-class universities
- Gain access to the 2-year Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate Route)
Why UK is the Best Study Destination for Indian Students
- Home to 20+ world-ranked universities
- Globally recognized degrees
- Diverse culture and strong Indian community
- Wide range of scholarships and funding options
- Part-time work and post-study opportunities
Conclusion
The UK has made studying abroad simpler and more accessible for Indian students by recognizing MOI certificates. If you’ve studied in English-medium institutions, you can now apply to top UK universities without IELTS and start your journey toward an international degree and career.
Whether you’re applying for Engineering, Business, Healthcare, or IT, Stubard can help you select the right MOI-accepting university, apply for scholarships and arrange accommodation.
Contact Stubard today for free counselling and find the best MOI-accepted universities in the UK 2025–26 for your goals.
FAQs
1. What is MOI for UK universities?
MOI (Medium of Instruction) is a certificate confirming that your education was conducted in English, accepted by many UK universities instead of IELTS.
2. Can I study in the UK without IELTS?
Yes! Many universities accept MOI certificates from English-medium schools or universities in India.
3. Which universities in the UK accept MOI from Indian students?
Universities like Portsmouth, South Wales, Hertfordshire, Wolverhampton, Bedfordshire, and UEL accept MOI for admissions.
4. Is MOI valid for UK student visa?
Yes, if your university issues a CAS letter confirming MOI acceptance, the UK visa process will not require IELTS.
5. How do I get an MOI certificate?
Request it from your college or university confirming that your medium of instruction was English, with an official seal and signature.
6. Can I apply for postgraduate programs in the UK with MOI?
Yes, most postgraduate programs in MOI-accepted universities allow admission without IELTS.
7. Is MOI accepted for all UK universities?
No, not all. Each university has its own policy. Always confirm before applying.