Medium of Instruction Certificate: Key Details, & Sample

Top universities across the world require students to submit proof of English proficiency as an admission requirement. While many students are aware of popular exams and submit scores of tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and, more recently, Duolingo. There is another alternative, that is, the Medium of Instruction Certificate.

Students hoping to pursue higher education can submit this certificate instead of test scores and get admission into their desired courses. Want to know more? This blog will provide every detail about the medium of instruction certificate, what it is, how to apply, documentation required, and more!

What is a Medium of Instruction Certificate?

A Medium of Instruction Certificate (MOI) is the certificate that states the language in which you completed your degree education. The instruction language doesn’t need to be the official language of the country or state. The first language used by the student during some or all parts of his schooling is the medium of instruction.

It is also possible that the medium of instruction is two or more languages. If the student is well-versed or instructed in two languages or more, it is a bilingual or multilingual class, respectively. According to UNESCO, “providing education in a child’s mother tongue is indeed a critical issue”. 

Who Gives the MOI Certificate?

Your school, college, or university is responsible for issuing a medium of instruction certificate to you for admission or work purposes. Candidates can submit an official application to request this document. Many universities also confer degrees and academic certificates stating the medium of instruction on the document. 

Why is a Medium of Instruction Certificate Important?

The Medium of Instruction Certificate is important because it proves the language in which you studied your course. It helps with university admission, visa application, and sometimes even replaces English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Here are some reasons to help you know why an MOI is important:

• Proof of language Proficiency: Many universities abroad accept it as evidence of English skills, especially if you studied in English.
• Alternative to Language Tests: It can sometimes exempt you from taking exams like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.
• Required for Visa & Admission: Some universities exempt you from taking exams like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.
• Employment Abroad: For professionals, it may be requested by employers or licensing authorities to verify language skills competence.

Related Read: What is a Bonafide Certificate?

Key Details Included in a Medium of Instruction Certificate

An MOI must clearly mention specific details to be valid. These details help universities, employers, and visa authorities verify your academic background and the language used during your studies. Here are some of the key details included in a medium of instruction certificate:

• Full name of the student
• Enrollment/roll number
• Name of the course or program
• Duration of study (start and end year)
• Medium of Instruction (e.g., English, Hindi, Arabic, French)
• Seal and signature of the institution’s head/registrar.

Sample for the Medium of Instruction Certificate

There is no fixed format for the MOI certificate; all universities follow their own format. For your reference, below is a sample copy of how a certificate of Medium instruction should look.

Documents Required for the Medium of Instruction Certificate

To apply for the medium of instruction certificate, it is necessary to submit certain documents through email or other modes of communication to the college or university. Sometimes, the universities state a list of documents needed in order to get the document. Here are some common documents you may need for MOI-

• Application form/letter of Intent
• Academic transcripts
• Degree Certificates
• ID proof
• Address proof

Points to Remember Before Applying for MOI Certificate

Before you prepare and submit your Medium of Instruction Certificate Application, you must go through the following points carefully in order to avoid any mistakes and successfully obtain the certificate of Medium of Instruction:-

• Get this certificate only for your bachelor’s degree; no other degree won’t work.
• It has to be on an official letter heading from the awarding institution, duly signed or stamped, or both. 
• It should contain the applicant’s name.
• The name of the degree should be mentioned.
• The date of the certificate.
• The document must mention that the course was taught in English (or any other language).
• The certificate should say that the degree was ‘Awarded’, ‘Granted’, or ‘Conferred’.
• Contact details of the Institute or the awarding body.
• If the letterhead must contain the complete address and contact details of the University, or the details must be provided on the document elsewhere.
• The designation of the official issuing the certificate should be mentioned.
• The name and contact details of the official who issues the certificate should be present in the certificate as well.

Top Universities Accepting the Medium of Instruction Certificate

Many universities across the world accept a Medium of Instruction Certificate as proof of English proficiency. Knowing which universities accept it can help you save time and money on additional language tests. Here are some of the top universities accepting the MOI certification:

• Queen Mary University of London
• University of Bath
• University of Winnipeg
• University of Regina
• Brock University
• Carleton University
• Memorial University
• California State University
• Western Washington University 
• Drew University Madison
• Notre Dame De Namur University 
• Illinois State University
• Schiller International University
• Southeast Missouri State University
• Park University 

It is important to check with the university whether you are eligible for this exemption. Admissions granted without IELTS or TOEFL and on the basis of the Medium of Instruction Certificate are dependent on the individual profile, course, and department. 

Also Read: Sample Letter of Recommendation to Study Abroad

Countries Where MOI Can Replace IELTS/TOEFL

While not every university or immigration authority accepts a Medium of Instruction Certificate (MOI) as a complete replacement for IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE, an increasing number of countries and institutions worldwide now offer this waiver — especially if your previous education (usually Bachelor’s or Master’s) was fully conducted and examined in English. This can save you significant time and money during the application process.

The acceptance of MOI instead of traditional English tests varies by country, university, program, and sometimes even department. Below is an updated overview of popular study destinations where a valid Medium of Instruction Certificate is widely recognized as proof of English proficiency:

• UK (some universities under special conditions)
• Canada (limited colleges/universities)
• Germany (for some English-taught programs)
• European countries (Netherlands, Sweden, etc., depending on the university)

The Medium of Instruction Certificate is a simple yet powerful document for students and professionals planning to go abroad. It can save you from an additional language exam, speed up your admission or visa process, and strengthen your application. If you are planning to study or work overseas, request your MOI certificate in advance to avoid last-minute delays.

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So this was all regarding the Medium of Instruction Certificate. Keep following Leverage Edu for more engaging content, and do not forget to consult with our Leverage Edu counsellors if you are planning your higher education abroad.