Medium of Instruction Certificate for Studying Abroad
For every Indian student who wishes to study abroad, it is essential to submit proof of English language proficiency, such as TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE scores. Several countries, particularly the UK and Ireland, offer alternatives. Instead of taking these exams, applicants can submit an MOI (Medium of Instruction) certificate, which demonstrates that they have completed their education primarily in English.
This proof is sufficient for many universities to issue offer letters, provided the applicants meet the eligibility requirements. A study visa can also be granted based on an MOI certificate.
This blog discusses the importance of the Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate, including its format, sample, required documents, application process, and top universities that accept it.
- What is a Medium of Instruction Certificate?
- What is the Need for an MOI Certificate for Studying Abroad?
- Medium of Instruction Format for Studying Abroad Aspirants
- How to Get a Medium of Instruction Certificate for Studying Abroad?
- Do Institutes Require Any Documents to Provide an MOI Certificate?
- Top Universities Accepting a Medium of Instruction Certificate
- Key Takeaways by AdmitX
- FAQs
What is a Medium of Instruction Certificate?
A Medium of Instruction Certificate (MOI) is an official document issued by an academic institution, such as a college or university, confirming that a student has completed their education primarily in English.
The MOI certificate is a legitimate document that can be submitted as an alternative to English language proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo) in overseas universities for admission to higher degree programs.
The primary criteria for obtaining a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate is that the student must have completed their coursework primarily in English, with exams also conducted in the same language.
What is the Need for an MOI Certificate for Studying Abroad?
Most universities in countries like the USA, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and Germany offer an alternative to submitting English language proficiency test scores.
They have a provision that Indian applicants who have completed their previous education (especially bachelor’s or master’s) and taken exams in English are not required to submit test scores.
This provides significant relief to applicants who prefer to demonstrate their proficiency through a Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate instead of preparing for and taking standardised language tests.
Medium of Instruction Format for Studying Abroad Aspirants
The following table highlights the Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate format for study-abroad aspirants. Many institutions require students to provide an MOI certificate format on which they can issue it.
Applicants can simply copy and paste the format onto an A4-sized paper, fill in their details in the placeholders, and submit it to their institution.
| Paper Size | A4 |
|---|---|
| Margins | Leave enough space at the top and bottom on the official letterhead |
| Headers | Institute Name Institute Address Institute Contact Information Date of Issue |
| Footers | Dean/Director’s name and designation, along with university/organisation name Contact information Signature Seal/Stamp |
| Font Type | Times New Roman Non-Italic |
| Font Size | 11-13 |
[Institution Name]
[Institution Address]
[Institution Contact Information] | [Date]
TO WHOMEVER IT MAY CONCERN
This is to certify that [Student’s Full Name], son/daughter of [Parent/Guardian’s Name], [Roll No./Enrollment No.], was a bona fide student of [Institution Name] from [Start Year] to [End Year].
He/She has successfully completed the [Degree/Program Name] during the mentioned period, and the medium of instruction for all coursework, lectures, and examinations was English. This certificate is issued upon the request of the student for further academic or professional purposes.
Authorised Signatory
[Name]
[Designation]
[Institution Name]
[Seal/Stamp]
How to Get a Medium of Instruction Certificate for Studying Abroad?
To get a medium of instruction certificate, you can follow the guidelines below.
Contact Your Institution: Reach out to your college or university’s administration, registrar’s office, or academic department.
Submit a Request: Submit a formal application stating your need for the certificate. Some institutions may have a standard request form, while others might require you to submit a pre-formatted document, like the one we included earlier.
Provide Necessary Details: Include your name, enrollment number, course details, and academic years.
Collect the Certificate: Once processed, you will be informed. Collect it physically or via email.
Do Institutes Require Any Documents to Provide an MOI Certificate?
Depending on the institute, you may be required to submit the following documents while applying for a medium of instruction certificate.
- Completely filled application form/format
- Academic marksheets and transcripts
- Degree Certificate
- ID proof
- Address Proof
Top Universities Accepting a Medium of Instruction Certificate
Below are the top universities, categorised by country, that accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate as an alternative to English language proficiency scores.
| USA | Drexel University California State University University of Arkansas University of Lowa University of Kansas Westcliff University Pacific University University of New Orleans University of Colorado Boulder University of Southern California |
| UK | Abertay University (formerly Abertay Dundee University) Birmingham City University Brunel University London University of Dundee Durham University University of Essex Falmouth University Newcastle University University of Portsmouth University for the Creative Arts Lancaster University University of Leeds University of Bristol |
| Ireland | University College Dublin Trinity College Dublin University College Cork |
| Canada | McGill University University of Waterloo University of Saskatchewan University of Manitoba Memorial University of Newfoundland Brock University University of Regina Cape Breton University Brandon University |
| Australia | University of Southern Queensland Swinburne University of Technology Victoria University University of Queensland University of Technology Sydney (UTS) University of Tasmania |
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
A Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate serves as an alternative to English language proficiency tests for university admissions in various countries. Many institutions in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany accept MOI if applicants have completed their previous education in English.
To obtain an MOI certificate, students must formally request it from their academic institution, sometimes providing a pre-defined format. The certificate confirms that the coursework and examinations were conducted in English.
This alternative offers relief to students who prefer not to take standardised language tests like IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, or PTE.
FAQs
What is a medium of instruction certificate?
A Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate is an official document issued by an academic institution, such as a college or university. It confirms that a student has completed their coursework and examinations primarily in the English language.
Many universities accept MOI as proof of English proficiency in place of standardised language tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo.
How do I get an MOI certificate?
To obtain an MOI certificate, students must submit a formal request to their previous academic institution. Some institutions have a standard application form, while others may require students to provide a pre-defined format. Once the request is processed, the institution issues the certificate, usually on official letterhead with a stamp and signature.
Do universities charge any fees for providing a medium-of-instruction certificate?
The fee for an MOI certificate varies by institution. Some universities provide it free of cost, while others may charge a nominal processing fee. It is advisable to check with your institution’s administration or registrar’s office for specific details.
Which UK universities accept an MOI certificate?
Some of the top UK universities that accept an MOI certificate are Abertay Dundee University, Birmingham City University, Brunel University, Dundee University, Durham University, Essex University, etc.
Where to get an MOI certificate?
An MOI certificate can be obtained from the academic institution where you completed your degree. You should contact the administration, registrar’s office, or student affairs department to request the certificate. If your institution requires a format, you may need to provide one while applying.
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