MOI Accepted Universities in UK: English proficiency is one of the most important eligibility criteria set by almost all universities in the United Kingdom. Tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo measure a student’s English proficiency and provide a certificate as proof. A Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate is an alternative to such tests and can be more easily obtained by students who have completed their high school studies in English.
This certificate is issued by the school, college, or university where the students have completed their education. Many universities in the United Kingdom, such as the University of Portsmouth, UWE Bristol, Bangor University, University of Hertfordshire, and many others, accept MOI instead of IELTS, meaning students can apply more easily.
Here, we will list all MOI Accepted Universities in UK instead of IELTS or TOEFL, describe the methods of obtaining the certificate, and suggest mistakes that you should avoid to ensure that your application is approved to study in the UK with a MOI certificate.
What is MOI and How Does it Work
MOI stands for Medium of Instruction, which means the language used for lessons by teachers in schools, colleges, or universities. Many students learn in English, even in countries like Bangladesh, where most do not speak the language natively. These students can obtain an MOI certificate from their educational institution that verifies that they are taught in English and that they are proficient in English.
Students who study in other languages usually need to get a language proficiency certificate like IELTS to demonstrate that they can speak the language. Universities in the UK require these certifications to ensure that the student will be able to learn English at their institution.
MOI certificate works as an alternative to IELTS in the sense that many universities will accept it as proof that the student is proficient in English and will be able to continue studying in their institution. So, any student who has done their schoolwork in English can apply for a MOI certificate and use it to apply for study abroad.
Benefits of Studying in the UK With MOI
There are several benefits of studying at MOI Accepted Universities in UK, including cutting costs, a quicker process, faster acceptance, and so on. You can apply for admission with MOI even without IELTS. These are discussed in detail in the passages below.
Saves Cost and Effort of Taking IELTS
IELTS is one of the most popular standardized tests for checking English proficiency. It is almost compulsory to apply to most universities in the UK. However, IELTS costs a hefty fee and takes time to prepare. You can avoid spending your precious time and money by obtaining an MOI certificate instead. Schools or colleges present MOI and do not require extra exams, so it is also easier to get.
Faster Admission Process
Another great benefit of getting an MOI certificate is that it makes the admission process faster. Since you do not have to spend time preparing and taking the IELTS exam, you can utilize this time to get an MOI certificate from your school or college.
Acceptance for Postgraduate and Some Undergraduate Courses
Many universities, including the ones listed here, accept MOI certificates as an alternative to IELTS to admit students into their postgraduate and undergraduate courses, meaning you can get admitted to these universities without getting another extra certificate. You can apply for admission to these universities without IELTS or TOEFL.
MOI Accepted Universities in UK (2025 List)
Here are some of the universities in the UK that accept MOI certificates to admit students into their undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The list can be subject to change based on decisions taken by universities.
1. University of Portsmouth
The University of Portsmouth is one of the universities that accept MOI instead of IELTS when admitting students. UoP is a public university with over twenty-eight thousand undergraduate and postgraduate students and offers a wide range of academic disciplines. In 2024, QS World University Ranking ranked this university 651st in the world. The University of Portsmouth offers a variety of courses in business, engineering, and creative writing.
2. UWE Bristol
UWE Bristol is a popular destination for Bangladeshi students as it is home to one of the largest student communities. UWE Bristol also accepts MOI, meaning students can skip taking IELTS while applying to this university. UWE accepts C grades or above in O Level English when it comes to admitting students into its institution.
3. Bangor University
Bangor University accepts MOI from Bangladeshi students, meaning you can get an MOI certificate from your school or college and apply for admission to this university directly. Times Higher Education ranks Bangor University 401-500 in the World University Rankings 2025.
4. University of Hertfordshire
The University of Hertfordshire accepts qualifications from local countries that are in line with the course entry requirements. This means that you can use an MOI certificate to apply for admission, although various courses require different levels of English proficiency. According to Times Higher Education, this university ranks 601-800 in the World University Rankings 2025.
5. Cardiff Metropolitan University
Cardiff Metropolitan University (CMU) accepts GCE O level with grades C and above, which means you can obtain an MOI from your school or college to apply for admission at this University. CMU consistently ranks among the top hundred universities in the UK and worldwide.
6. University of Essex
The University of Essex is another top-rated university that accepts MOI certificates as proof of students’ English Proficiency. However, some courses require IELTS, so make sure to double-check before filling out the applications. In 2025, QS World University Rankings ranked the University of Essex 472nd in the world.
7. Birmingham City University
Birmingham City University also accepts MOI as an alternative to standardized English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Their website even mentions Bangladesh to assure students that they accept MOI from Bangladeshi educational institutions. This university ranks 801-1000th in the 2025 World University Rankings.
Eligibility Criteria for MOI-Based Admission
MOI-based admission relies on the MOI certificate issued to a student from their school, college, or university. This certificate denotes that the student received his education in English and possesses proficiency in the language. This certificate can only be obtained by students who studied in English Medium or English Version.
Who Can Apply With MOI?
Any student who has received their education in English, such as completing O level or finishing HSC in English, can apply with an MOI certificate. Remember that many institutions might set eligibility differently depending on their requirements.
Required Documents
Different institutions require different documents to provide students with MOI certificates. Most schools, colleges, and universities do not require much information, and you can gather this certificate by applying to the registrar’s office.
Step-By-Step Process to Apply With MOI
Here are the step-by-step processes to apply with an MOI certificate to your desired university. Keep in mind that application procedures can change depending on the institution so it is better to consult with your agency before applying to the universities.
How to Request an MOI Certificate
Here are the steps through which you can request an MOI certificate.
- Visit your registrar’s office and talk to the employee about issuing an MOI certificate.
- Note down the documents that you need to submit to get the certificate.
- You might also need to fill out applications, which will be submitted with your documents.
- Submit all of your documents and forms and wait for your MOI certificate.
Application Submission Process
Here are the steps to submit applications to your desired universities with an MOI certificate for admission.
- Note down all of the documents that you need to apply for admission into the university of your choice.
- Attach your MOI certificate along with the necessary documents such as passport, national ID, school certificates, etc.
- Wait until the university notifies you about accepting or rejecting your application.
University Verification Procedures
Universities will verify your MOI certificate to make sure that the certificate is authentic and was issued to you. This might take a few weeks as different universities have different verification procedures. Universities might also contact your prior educational institution for verification.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying With MOI
There are some common mistakes that can result in your application getting denied even after attaching your MOI certificate. These mistakes are discussed in detail in the below passages so that you can avoid them while applying with an MOI certificate.
Universities That Accept MOI but Still May Require Additional Proof
Some universities may require additional proof, such as mark sheets or other documents, along with your MOI certificate for verification. When you apply to any university, make sure to read through the fine print and read the necessary document section carefully. Also, make sure to double-check all the documents that you will need to apply.
MOI Rejection Cases and How to Avoid Them
MOI certificates are rejected when the university specifies that they require IELTS, TOEFL, or other qualifications. Make sure to check the university website and read the fine print carefully to note down all of the necessary certificates and forms that you need for the application. Also, make sure that you make no typos filling out the forms, which can result in rejection.
MOI vs IELTS – Which One Is Better for Bangladeshi Students?
MOI and IELTS both have pros and cons. Some universities only accept IELTS, which means that MOI certificates are not enough to apply to these universities. Another issue is that only students who studied in the English language, such as in English Version or English Medium, can apply for an MOI certificate. If you are applying to any university in the UK with an MOI certificate, ensure that that university accepts MOI instead of IELTS.
Pros and Cons of Using MOI Instead of IELTS
The most significant benefit of using an MOI certificate instead of IELTS is that it saves you time and money, as IELTS costs a lot, and you must prepare for the exam. However, the issue with an MOI certificate is that it is not accepted by all universities in the United Kingdom, meaning you will only have a handful of options. An MOI certificate will also not be helpful if you studied in a language other than English.
When IELTS Might Be a Better Option
IELTS is a better option for those who have completed their education in Bengali or other languages. It is also a better option for those who do not want to limit their choices regarding universities, as numerous top-ranked universities do not accept MOI certificates during admission. The IELTS certificate is also valued more than an MOI certificate as it is only issued by a few authorities.
Various universities in the UK accept MOI from Bangladeshi students such as University of Portsmouth, University of the West of England, Bangor University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, University of Essex, Birmingham City University, University of East London, University of Brighton, and University of Bedfordshire.
Yes, the MOI certificate is accepted by numerous universities in the UK. Read through the required certificates and documents to find out if the university where you are applying accepts the MOI certificate as proof of language proficiency.
MOI and IELTS are both proof of language proficiency required by universities in the UK. Some universities accept MOI, meaning you can apply without IELTS, but some universities require IELTS, specifically, meaning you must sit for the IELTS exam to apply to those institutions.
MOI and IELTS both have pros and cons, but overall, IELTS is more widely accepted by universities across the United Kingdom. Your options become widened with IELTS because it is preferred by many universities.
Some universities may require an IELTS certificate even if you have an MOI certificate, as they value it more. When applying to these universities, you must do IELTS even if you already have an MOI certificate.
Conclusion
MOI or Medium of Instruction certificate is an alternative to certifications such as IELTS or TOEFL that measure a student’s English proficiency. It can be obtained from the school or college by students who have received their education in English. Various universities, such as the University of Portsmouth, Bangor University, and Birmingham City University, accept MOI certificates during admission. However, getting an IELTS certificate will open more options for you when choosing universities, as most universities prefer it. Ensure you check all the requirements and specifications regarding the MOI certificate for the university you are applying to because they can vary. Take advice from your counselors regarding MOI and IELTS to ensure an issue-free admission process.