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Do I need to get the Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate from my college or school in UK?

25 Aug 2026 · Answered by Muskan Vashishtha · 2 min read
Quick Answer verified

Yes, you need a Medium of Instruction certificate from your previous college or school if you want to skip IELTS for your UK application. It proves your degree was taught fully in English, and your university logs it into your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies letter.

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Yes, you need a Medium of Instruction, or MOI, certificate from your previous institution if you want your UK university to waive the IELTS requirement. Once your university accepts it, they record it directly into your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies letter, so you never submit it separately to the visa office.

Where to Get Your MOI Certificate

Degree LevelWho Issues It
Master's applicantsRegistrar or controller of examinations at your undergraduate college or university
Bachelor's applicantsPrincipal of your high school, though your Grade 12 English marks may also be considered

What Your MOI Letter Must Include

  • Official institution letterhead, stamp and seal.
  • Your full legal name and student ID.
  • The exact course title and your dates of study.
  • A clear statement that English was the sole medium of instruction and assessment.
  • The signing authority's designation and contact details.

My Advice

Request your MOI letter as soon as you decide on the UK, since it can take institutions a few weeks to issue it on proper letterhead. Keep in mind that top Russell Group universities like Oxford, Cambridge and LSE rarely accept an MOI, and most institutions only accept one if you graduated within the last two to five years, so check your target university's exact policy before you rely on it.

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