It is a common scenario: a student who completed their entire undergraduate degree taught in English spends valuable time and money preparing for and sitting the IELTS or TOEFL test, only to find out they never needed to.
Many UK universities, particularly those in the UK, offer a waiver for the standard English language proficiency tests if your prior education already proves your competence. This approach saves applicants hundreds of pounds and weeks of effort.
The Medium of Instruction (MOI) Solution
The key document in securing a test waiver is often the Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter.
What is an MOI Letter?
An MOI letter is an official document issued by your previous university (the one where you completed your degree) that formally confirms:
- The entire curriculum (including lectures, seminars, and course materials) was delivered in English.
- All examinations and assessments were conducted and submitted in English.
This letter serves as official proof to the admissions committee that you have successfully studied, debated, and written at a university level using the English language.
Why Universities Accept It
For many UK institutions, a full undergraduate degree completed entirely in English provides a more comprehensive demonstration of proficiency than a single two-hour standardised test score. Accepting the MOI letter reflects a practical approach to assessing international applicants’ language ability.
Avoiding the Unnecessary Test
Every week, ambitious students book tests they could have easily avoided. This mistake costs money and adds unnecessary stress to the application process.
- Financial Cost: A single IELTS test can cost over £150, plus the cost of preparation materials.
- Time Cost: Preparation and waiting for test results can delay the submission of a time-sensitive application.
Be Proactive: Always Check First
If your degree was taught and examined fully in English, you must always check the specific university’s policy before booking a test.
MOI waivers are accepted by many universities and courses, but policies vary, they are not universal. Some highly competitive programmes or universities have strict institutional policies that require an IELTS or equivalent score regardless of your previous study.
Important Note: An IELTS waiver only solves the language requirement. It does not help if your academic scores are low. You must still be aware of the UK grade translation trap when applying.
If you must take the IELTS, make sure your personal statement still stands strong to secure your place.
At Pathfind Education, we help students confirm precisely which UK universities and specific courses accept the MOI letter before you apply. Why sit another proficiency test if your entire degree already proves your English ability?