The United Kingdom is a favourite destination for a large number of students from different parts of the world. It boasts many reputed universities, and thousands of international students apply for admission to these universities every year. However, one of the major requirements for international students is to prove their English language proficiency.
If you are also planning to study in the United Kingdom, you may be looking for universities that accept MOI (Medium of Instruction) certificates instead of IELTS. An MOI certificate can be useful for students whose previous education was entirely in English. However, not all universities accept MOI certificates, and their requirements may differ according to the programme and the institution where you completed your previous studies.
What Is an MOI Certificate?
MOI stands for Medium of Instruction. It is an official document issued by your previous school, college, or university confirming the language in which your education was conducted.
For example, if you completed your bachelor’s degree in India and all your subjects were taught and examined in English, your university may issue an MOI certificate confirming this. Some universities in the UK accept this certificate as proof of English language proficiency, which means you may not need to take IELTS.
However, an MOI certificate does not guarantee admission without IELTS. You must check the specific requirements of your chosen university and course before applying.
MOI Accepted Universities in UK
There are several universities in UK where eligible international students may use an MOI certificate to meet English language requirements. Here are some universities to consider.
| University | MOI acceptance conditions |
| Royal Holloway, University of London | Accepts eligible bachelor’s or master’s degrees from selected Indian universities, including the University of Delhi, University of Mumbai, IIT Delhi and Amity University. |
| Kingston University London | Considers MOI evidence for eligible postgraduate applicants from approved institutions, subject to its conditions. |
| University of Surrey | May accept a degree equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher that was taught and assessed fully in English. |
| University of Suffolk | May waive its English language requirement for eligible degree holders who provide an acceptable MOI letter. |
| University of Bristol | Accepts MOI evidence for eligible university-level qualifications meeting its specified country and qualification requirements. |
| Goldsmiths, University of London | May accept an MOI letter for qualifying degree-level education from specified countries and institutions. |
Let’s have a look at some details about the universities mentioned above.
#1. Royal Holloway, University of London
Royal Holloway, University of London is a research-intensive university, and was originally founded in 1878. It has a rich history and today also it is widely famous for providing world-class education to international students. It has been ranked #461 in the 2026 table of QS World University Rankings, but it has been ranked #485 in the 2027 table.
#2. Kingston University London
Kingston University London is a university in Kingston upon Thames in the UK. It is also widely popular among students who choose to study in UK. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, it was ranked #660, and now for 2027, it has been ranked #686.
#3. University of Surrey
The University of Surrey is another public research university in the United Kingdom and is located in Guildford, Surrey. Royal Charter was received by this university in the year 1966. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, it has been ranked #246 and moved up to 16 places from its 2026 ranking, which was #262.
#4. University of Suffolk
The University of Suffolk is considered one of the top universities in Ipswich, UK, and it also attracts plenty of international students from throughout the globe. Currently, it does not hold a ranking in the QS World University Rankings, but in the QS Europe University Rankings, it holds #701+ position.
#5. University of Bristol
The University of Bristol is a perfect choice for you if you are willing to study in one of the top 60 universities in the world. It ranks #57 in the QS World University Rankings 2027, and in the United Kingdom, it ranks #8, as per QS. It is located in Bristol, England, and received its royal charter in 1909.
#6. Goldsmiths, University of London
Goldsmiths, University of London is another public research university in the UK with high reputation. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, it ranks #701-710. It also attracts a wide range of international students from around the globe.
Documents Required for MOI Admission
Here are some of the documents that you need for MOI admission:
- An official MOI certificate issued by your previous university.
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree certificate, as applicable.
- Academic transcripts showing your subjects and marks.
- Passport and other identification documents.
- Academic references, personal statement, and other course-specific documents.
Benefits of Studying in MOI Universities
Key benefits of studying in MOI universities include affordable tuition fees, on-campus facilities, blended & digital learning, and more.
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