Do I need to take the IELTS or other English proficiency tests for my MBA application, or can I get a waiver based on my medium of instruction certificate in Australia/New Zealand?
Highly likely yes, if you completed a full degree taught entirely in English within Australia or New Zealand. Most business schools there automatically waive IELTS with an official Medium of Instruction certificate and transcripts. For MBA programs elsewhere, such as the US, UK, or Europe, policies vary by institution.
Your Medium of Instruction certificate can genuinely waive IELTS for your MBA, but how strong that waiver is depends heavily on where you completed your prior degree and where you are now applying. Australia and New Zealand business schools tend to be generous here, while schools abroad apply more varied rules.
Waiver Likelihood By Application Target
| Where You Are Applying | Waiver Likelihood With MOI Certificate | What You Need |
|---|---|---|
| MBA programs within Australia or New Zealand | Highly likely, often automatic | Official MOI certificate plus transcripts confirming 2 to 3 years taught entirely in English |
| MBA programs in the US, UK, or Europe | Possible, but institution-dependent | MOI letter plus a formal waiver request form at many schools |
Steps To Request Your Waiver
- Check the specific business school's English Language Requirements or International Student Admissions page for the term waiver or previous study waiver
- Email the MBA admissions team directly naming your university, country, and degree dates
- Secure your official Medium of Instruction certificate from your registrar early, stating coursework, textbooks, and exams were entirely in English
My Advice
Request your Medium of Instruction certificate the moment you shortlist your target MBA programs, since it becomes your strongest evidence for a waiver at any school. If you are applying outside Australia or New Zealand, sit IELTS or PTE alongside your waiver request as a safety net in case the school insists on a formal score.
Can you skip IELTS with your MOI or 12th English marks?
Check your waiver options free with an Australian admissions expert.
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