Medium of Instruction (MOI)
Certificate Guidance

Ready to take the first step towards your international education? Let BHE UNI guide you through the MOI certificate process, ensuring you meet the English proficiency requirements for your desired university.

Book Free MOI Discussion Check My MOI Readiness
MOI Hero

What is an MOI (Medium of Instruction) Certificate?

A Medium of Instruction certificate is an official document from your previous institution that confirms the language used to teach and assess your degree or course.

How universities use MOI

An MOI may include a statement such as: "The language of instruction and assessment for this programme was English." Many universities use MOI to confirm that you have already studied in English, decide whether to waive English tests such as IELTS or PTE for admission, and support academic verification and credential evaluation.

Important to know

Some universities accept MOI as a full replacement for English test scores. Others accept it only in specific cases. Some will not accept MOI at all and still require an English exam. This is why checking each institution carefully is essential.

About MOI

Who Should Consider Using MOI?

MOI may be useful if

MOI can be useful if you completed a degree where the entire programme was taught in English, are applying to universities that clearly say they accept MOI as proof of English, want to avoid the time and cost of multiple English exams, or are applying for postgraduate or top-up programmes that are more flexible with English requirements.

MOI may not be suitable if

It may not be suitable if you studied in a language other than English, have weak academic performance in key English-heavy modules, or are applying for highly competitive programmes or scholarships that insist on IELTS or another standard test.

BHE UNI helps you decide whether MOI is a sensible and safe option for your specific profile.

Why Get MOI Guidance from BHE UNI?

We connect MOI to your real admission and visa plans

We do not treat MOI as a shortcut. We look at your whole journey, including your target country and city, preferred universities and courses, English language entry requirements, visa expectations and immigration rules, and long term plans such as work or residency.

Choosing the safest path

Based on your goals, we advise whether you should use MOI alone, use MOI plus a test, or skip MOI and go directly for IELTS, PTE or another exam.

How we support you with MOI

We check if your universities formally list MOI as acceptable, help you understand the risks and limitations of relying only on MOI, guide you on what a strong MOI letter should contain, and suggest alternatives if MOI is not enough for your target route.

Free MOI Readiness Discussion

Start With A Free MOI Eligibility Check

Before you request an MOI certificate from your institution, it is important to confirm whether it will actually help you.

What we do in your free session

In your free session, BHE UNI will review your academic background and previous qualifications, check English language policies for your chosen universities, confirm where MOI can replace or reduce the need for tests, identify where an English exam is still the safer option, and help you plan a clear path: MOI, test, or a combination.

What A Strong MOI Certificate Usually Includes

Although each institution has its own template, a good MOI certificate typically includes official letterhead and logo of your institution, your full name exactly as in your passport, programme name and level (for example BSc Computer Science), period of study (for example 2019–2023), and a clear statement that English was the medium of instruction and assessment for the entire programme.

It should also include the signature, name and designation of an authorised official, an official stamp or seal, and contact details so universities or agencies can verify the document.

Extra Documents Some Universities May Request

Some universities may also ask for a separate English Proficiency Letter, certified copies of transcripts and degree certificates, or an updated MOI issued recently, even if your degree is older.

BHE UNI helps you understand what your target universities expect, so you can request the correct format from your institution.

How BHE UNI Helps You Use MOI Strategically

We organise OIETC / Oxford ELLT guidance around each skill, similar to your university expectations.

Checkmark Check Acceptance
Checkmark Decide Between MOI and Tests
Checkmark Support With Documentation
Checkmark Connect MOI to Your Overall Plan

MOI and English Tests: How They Work Together

MOI is often described as an alternative to tests like IELTS or PTE, but in reality some universities allow MOI instead of tests, some allow MOI plus a lighter test, and some accept MOI for admission, but embassies still want an approved test for the visa stage.

BHE UNI helps you use MOI in a way that reduces cost and stress where possible, does not put your visa or offer at risk, and keeps your options open across multiple countries.

MOI and English Tests

Call to Action: Not Sure If You Can Use MOI Instead of IELTS?

You do not have to guess. MOI can be powerful when used correctly, but risky if used blindly.

With BHE UNI you will know where MOI is accepted and where it is not, decide whether you should rely on MOI or take an English test, and get clear guidance on documentation and next steps.

Book Free MOI Counselling Talk to an Adviser About MOI

Frequently Asked Questions About MOI

No. Only your school, college or university can issue an MOI certificate. BHE UNI does not create or certify MOI letters. We guide you on when and how to request one and how to use it in applications.

Sometimes, but not always. Some universities accept MOI as proof of English and do not require an additional test. Others still insist on IELTS, PTE or another exam. It depends on the institution, country and programme, so it must be checked carefully.

MOI is mainly used for admission. Many visa authorities rely on specific approved tests, especially for study and migration routes. In some cases, universities can confirm your English level to authorities, but this is not guaranteed. You should never assume that MOI alone is enough for a visa.

MOI certificates usually do not have a fixed expiry date, but universities may prefer a recent document that reflects your completed degree accurately. Some ask for MOI issued within a certain number of years.

In many cases yes. However, some universities request an MOI that is addressed specifically to them. We help you read and follow each university’s requirement so you do not face delays.

If only part of your programme was taught in English, or if English was mixed with another language, universities may be stricter. Some may still accept MOI with conditions, others may ask for a test. We will help you explain your situation clearly and choose the right route.

Related Articles on MOI and English Requirements

Explore additional insights to help you prepare

What is an MOI?
How to get MOI properly signed
PTE vs IELTS...
Alternative Language Tests...
Call
WhatsApp
Email