What Is a Medium of Instruction Certificate? Do Universities Accept It of IELTS?
You might have heard that some universities accept a Medium of Instruction certificate instead. If your past education was in English this choice could be something to look into.
For students preparing for IELTS can take time and money. So checking if your bachelors degree can help you meet a universitys English language needs is a first step.
There is one key point to remember: having a Medium of Instruction certificate does not automatically mean you can study abroad without IELTS. Some universities may take it as proof of English skills while others ask for IELTS or another approved English test.
Lets learn what an MOI certificate is, how it works and what you should check before applying to a university
What Is a Medium of Instruction Certificate?
A Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate is a paper given by an educational institution saying the language used to teach your course.
For example if you did your bachelors degree in India and your college says the program was taught in English you might be able to ask for an MOI certificate from that school.
The certificate helps universities know the language of your education.
It is especially important for students who want to apply for a masters degree and whose previous degree was taught in English.
However an MOI certificate is not the same as an IELTS score. IELTS checks your ability through a standard test while an MOI certificate shows the language used during your studies.
Whether a university takes this paper depends on their rules.
Can You Use an MOI Certificate of IELTS?
Universities decide their English language needs. Some let students show their skills through past education in English. Others need an approved test no matter the language used during a students bachelors degree.
In the same country the rules can be different between universities and courses.
For example a university might take an MOI certificate for one masters program. Ask for IELTS for another program.
Check for information on:
- If an MOI certificate is accepted
- Which past qualifications are allowed
- If your whole degree must have been in English
- If there are limits on the year or school you graduated from
- If more English proof is needed
- If the university has rules, for international students
If the website doesn’t give a clear answer talk to the admissions team before you apply.
Who Can Apply for a Medium of Instruction Certificate
Students who studied in English in their education might be eligible to ask for a Medium of Instruction certificate from their school, college or university.
However the institution that gives the certificate decides whether it can provide the document and what details it will include.
You earned a bachelors degree that was taught in English.
Your college or university officially says that English was the language used for your programme.
For example imagine you got a BBA degree from an university where your courses were taught in English.
Taking some classes in English does not mean your whole programme qualifies. Some universities abroad might have rules about the language of instruction.
How Can You Get an MOI Certificate From Your College
Getting a Medium of Instruction certificate is usually simple. The process can be different at each institution.
Here are the steps you can take.
1. Get in Touch With Your College or University
Start by talking to the college office the examination department or the registrars office.
Ask if the institution gives this document and if you need to make a request.
2. Provide the Required Information
The name of your degree and course
The year you started and graduated
Your academic records or degree certificate
The specific needs can vary by institution.
3. Ask About Costs and Time
Some colleges might ask for a fee or take days to make the certificate.
If you are close to an application deadline ask for the document rather than waiting until the last minute.
Once you get the document make sure all the details are correct.
If the university you are applying to has rules for documents make sure your certificate meets them before you upload it.
What Should an MOI Certificate Include
There is no one format that every school uses. However an MOI certificate usually has the following:
The name of the student
The name of the college or university
The degree or programme completed
The time of study or graduation year
A statement that says the language of instruction was used
An signature and seal if needed
The date the certificate was issued
The most important part is the confirmation that the language of instruction was used.
For example the certificate might say that the students degree was taught in English. The exact words can be different depending on the institution.
Do All Countries Accept MOI of IELTS
No. There is no rule that says all countries accept an MOI certificate of IELTS.
Even if a university accepts MOI for admission you still need to check if there are any visa or immigration rules that apply to you.
Here are some things to think about when you look into countries.
United Kingdom
Student visa rules can also depend on what course you’re taking, which university you are applying to and your personal situation.
Do not think that a university accepting MOI means it meets all visa needs. Check the universitys guidance and the UK government rules.
Canada
Canadian universities and colleges decide their English language admission rules. Some may consider your English-medium education while others require IELTS or another test.
The rules can be different for each university and programme. Check the admission rules and the immigration rules that apply to your plans.
Germany
Universities in Germany that teach in English may have language rules. Some may look at your English education while others need an official test or other proof.
Check the admission page for the course you want to take of assuming that studying in Germany means you do not need IELTS.
Australia
Australian schools have their English language rules. Whether an MOI certificate is enough depends on the university the course and the rules that apply.
Student visa rules are an issue so make sure you check the official guidance before making a decision.
This is an important question because getting into a university and getting a visa are two different things.
A university may accept an MOI certificate as part of its admission process.. That does not mean the same document will be enough for your visa.
The requirements depend on where you’re going the type of visa you need and your personal situation.
Before you rely on an MOI certificate check:
The university English language policy
The official student visa requirements
This can help you avoid delays or extra costs later.
MOI Certificate vs IELTS: WhatIs the Difference
Medium of Instruction Certificate
IELTS
Shows the language used to teach your courses
Tests your ability in English through a standard test
Usually given by your school, college or university
Given by the IELTS organisation
Does not give a standard score for English ability
Gives scores in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
Accepted based on the universitys rules
Accepted by schools depending on the score
Can be available without taking an extra test
Needs you to register and take the test
Neither option is right for every student.
If your university accepts MOI and you meet the rules you may not need IELTS for that course. If it needs IELTS you have to meet its rules or check if there is another option.
