Study in the UK Without IELTS or PTE – Thanks to MOI!
Every year, thousands of students from Pakistan dream of studying at a top university in the United Kingdom. But one of the biggest challenges they face is proving their English language skills through tests like IELTS or PTE.
Students find these tests stressful, expensive, and time-consuming. For many students, preparing for these exams becomes a major hurdle and sometimes even stops them from applying altogether.
But what if you didn’t need to take IELTS or PTE?
Good news – now you might not have to!
Many UK universities now accept MOI (Medium of Instruction) as proof of English proficiency. That means, if you studied in English during your previous education, you may not need to take any English test at all!
What is MOI (Medium of Instruction)?
MOI stands for Medium of Instruction. Your school, college, or university issues MOI as an official document or certificate, confirming the language in which you completed your studies. In most cases, if your classes and exams were conducted in English, your institution can issue an MOI stating that English was the language of instruction.
This accepted by many universities in the United Kingdom now accept this certificate as an alternative to English language tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo. That means students who have already studied in English do not need to take extra language exams to prove their English skills.
Using an MOI can make your university application process much easier and quicker. It helps students save time, avoid exam stress, and reduce extra costs. It can also support your visa application and sometimes even help when applying for jobs in English-speaking countries.
In short, if your previous education was in English, getting an MOI certificate can be a big advantage. It shows universities and immigration authorities that you are already capable of studying or working in an English-speaking environment – without needing to take a separate English test.
Eligibility Criteria for Studying in the UK with an MOI Certificate
If you are planning to apply to affordable UK universities that accept the MOI (Medium of Instruction) letter instead of IELTS or PTE, there are certain conditions you must meet. These requirements are set by UKVI (UK Visa and Immigration) to ensure that students using MOI are genuinely proficient in English.
Here are the key eligibility criteria:
- English-Medium Education
You must have completed your higher secondary education or university degree at an institution where English was the main language of instruction. - Recent Education
Your previous studies should have been completed within the last 2 to 5 years. Older qualifications may not be accepted for MOI-based applications. - Recognized Institution
UKVI will check and verify if your former college or university provided education that meets their English language quality standards. The institution must be considered reliable and well-recognized. - Sufficient Study Duration
The length of your English-medium studies should be enough to prove that you are comfortable reading, writing, and communicating in English. This usually means at least 2–3 years of education in English.
What Should an MOI Letter Include?
- It must be issued by the registrar or relevant department of your previous institution.
- The letter should clearly state that English was the medium of instruction throughout your course.
- It must be printed on the official letterhead of the institution.
- It must be signed and stamped by an authorized official of the university or college.
How to Get a Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate?
If you’re planning to apply to a budget-friendly university in the UK and want to use an MOI (Medium of Instruction) certificate instead of taking English language tests like IELTS or PTE, you’ll need to get this document from your previous educational institution. This could be your school, college, or university, depending on your most recent qualification.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you request your MOI certificate:
✅ Step 1: Contact the Institution
Reach out to the admissions office or the registrar’s department of your former school, college, or university. They are usually the ones responsible for issuing such official letters.
✅ Step 2: Request the MOI Certificate
Clearly explain that you need a Medium of Instruction certificate to apply to a university in the UK. Some institutions may have a specific request form for MOI letters, so be sure to ask if there’s any paperwork you need to fill out.
✅ Step 3: Submit Required Documents
The institution may ask you to provide certain documents to verify your academic record. These could include:
- Your degree or diploma certificate
- Your academic transcripts
- A copy of your student ID or CNIC
Be prepared to share any additional information they request.
✅ Step 4: Pay the Processing Fee (if applicable)
Some institutions charge a small fee to process and issue the MOI certificate. The cost may vary, so ask in advance.
✅ Step 5: Wait for Issuance
Once your request is approved and all documents are submitted, you may need to wait a few days or weeks, depending on the institution’s processing time. The certificate will be issued on official letterhead, signed and stamped by an authorized person.
Final Tip:
Always double-check that your MOI letter clearly mentions that English was the language of instruction, and that it’s properly signed, dated, and stamped. This will help ensure it’s accepted by UK universities and visa officers.
Is MOI Accepted from Sub-Campuses or Affiliated Colleges?
If you completed your education from a sub-campus or an affiliated college of a recognized university, there’s no need to worry about whether your MOI (Medium of Instruction) will be accepted or not. The good news is that many universities in the UK do accept MOI certificates issued by affiliated institutions or branch campuses – as long as they are officially connected to a recognized university.
In other words, even if your degree was not completed at the main campus, but at a partner college, regional campus, or affiliated institute, your MOI is still valid – provided the parent university is reputable and the instruction was in English.
What matters most is that:
- Your institution is officially affiliated with a degree-awarding university
- The MOI certificate clearly mentions that the language of instruction throughout your studies was English
- The document is printed on the institution’s official letterhead, and is properly signed and stamped
Many UK universities understand that students from countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and others often study at affiliated colleges. Therefore, they are flexible and open to accepting MOI letters from such institutions – as long as the academic standards and English language criteria are met.
So, if you studied at a recognized sub-campus or affiliated college, and your education was delivered in English, you can confidently apply to UK universities using an MOI certificate as your English language proof.
UK Universities Accepting MOI for Pakistani Students – Regional Breakdown
If you’re a Pakistani student and planning to study in the UK without taking IELTS, PTE, or other English language tests, then using a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate is a great option. Several well-known UK universities now accept MOI as proof of English proficiency, especially if your previous education was completed in English.
Here’s a detailed list of such universities, categorized according to their regions in the UK:
Universities in England
London
- London Metropolitan University
A public university located in the heart of London, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. London Met accepts MOI from Pakistani students as proof of English, making the application process smoother and more affordable. - The University of Law
One of the UK’s longest-established specialist providers of legal education. It has several campuses across the UK, including London, and accepts MOI under specific conditions.
South East England
- University of East Anglia (UEA) – Norwich
A highly respected university with strong research output. UEA accepts MOI from students who have completed recent education in English.
East of England
- University of Essex – Colchester
A globally recognized institution known for its academic excellence and student diversity. The University of Essex accepts MOI for many programs, especially postgraduate degrees. - University of Suffolk – Ipswich
A modern and student-focused university offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Suffolk is known to accept MOI from eligible international applicants.
West Midlands
- Birmingham City University – Birmingham
BCU is a popular choice among Pakistani students for its affordable tuition and flexible admission options. MOI is accepted for many courses if all other academic requirements are met.
East Midlands
- De Montfort University – Leicester
DMU is well-known for welcoming South Asian students and offers admissions based on MOI under certain conditions, especially for postgraduate programs.
South West England
- University of Gloucestershire – Gloucester and Cheltenham
A public university that emphasizes employability and practical learning. They accept MOI from international students depending on their educational background.
Universities in the North of England
- University of Sunderland – Sunderland and London campuses
A student-friendly university offering cost-effective programs. It is one of the most MOI-friendly universities in the UK and has a large Pakistani student population.
Universities in Greater London and South-East
- Brunel University London – Uxbridge, Greater London
A respected research university that welcomes international students. Brunel accepts MOI from students who have recently completed their education in English-medium institutions.
Universities in Scotland
- University of Aberdeen – Aberdeen
One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the UK. The University of Aberdeen is known to accept MOI from Pakistani students for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. - University of the West of Scotland (UWS) – Multiple campuses in Paisley, Ayr, Dumfries, and Lanarkshire
UWS offers high-quality education at affordable fees and has flexible English language requirements, including acceptance of MOI.
Universities in Wales
- Bangor University – Bangor
A highly ranked Welsh university offering a wide variety of courses. Bangor is known for supporting international students and often accepts MOI as an alternative to IELTS or PTE.
