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Can I get an IELTS waiver based on my bachelor's medium of instruction in UK/Singapore?

01 Sept 2026 · Answered by Arati Rai · 1 min read
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Yes, you can often secure an IELTS waiver based on your bachelor degree medium of instruction. Eligibility depends heavily on where your degree was awarded, the specific university you are applying to, and current visa regulations. Most UK institutions automatically waive this requirement for recognized local degrees, while Singaporean qualifications.

Arati Rai
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If you completed your undergraduate education in the UK or Singapore, you might not need to take the IELTS test. Your eligibility for an English language waiver depends on university admission policies and visa requirements.

Waiver Rules By Degree Location

Degree OriginAdmission PolicyVisa Rule Consideration
UK InstitutionAutomatic waiver for recognized UK degrees taught in EnglishAutomatically satisfies UKVI knowledge of English requirement
Singapore InstitutionMany global universities waive IELTS via an official MOI letterRequires university HEP self-assessment or Ecctis statement
Other OriginsDepends entirely on individual university international policiesMay require standard test scores or additional verification

Key Waiver Requirements

  • Obtain an official MOI certificate from your registrar stating English was the sole medium of instruction and examination.
  • Ensure your bachelor degree was completed within the recent university validity window of three to five years.
  • Check for course restrictions since competitive programs like law or nursing often deny waivers.

My Advice

Always review the specific international admissions page of your target institution for 2026 or 2027 entry. Reach out directly to their admissions team to confirm if they accept your medium of instruction letter without requiring external verification.

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