Medium of Instruction Certificate (MOI)
- Last Updated on: December 13, 2025 by
- Sridhar Kongara
What is Medium of Instruction Certificate (MOI)
A medium of instruction certificate is an official document issued by the applicants previous education institution on letterhead that confirms English as the language of instruction during their studies. This certificate is used mainly for admissions in abroad universities, where the university needs evidence of English language proficiency without relying only on traditional proficiency tests. Many institutions treat it as a way to assess your language proficiency.
When planning to study abroad you need MOI certificate as part of your application to prove you can study in English. A Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate is one practical way to do it. For students who studied in English in India or other countries, a medium of instruction certificate can reduce stress, and save costs. But it’s not a “replacement” for IELTS or other language tests, because each university has its own rules, and some programs still ask for test scores like IELTS/TOEFL.
What this certificate really proves
| What the certificate confirms | What it does not guarantee |
|---|---|
| The language used for teaching and assessment | That you meet a specific band score like ielts or toefl |
| That English was the primary medium of instruction | That the university will waive all requirements |
| That your academic study was delivered in English | That a visa authority will accept it in place of their rules |
Why do you need MOI Certificate
Many universities abroad will need a medium of instruction letter when you’re applying to allow an IELTS exemption based on MOI, or when your transcripts don’t clearly show the teaching language.
Common situations where MOI helps
| Situation | Why the certificate helps |
|---|---|
| You want to avoid extra proficiency tests | It can serve as an alternative to tests like ielts (only where allowed) |
| Your university taught fully in English but transcripts are unclear | The certificate confirms the teaching language clearly |
| You’re studying or working abroad later | It supports your documentation process for institutions/employers (when requested) |
| A scholarship asks for language proof | It may support language proficiency and academic qualifications together (depends on scholarship rules) |
Take first step towards your Study Abroad Journey
Who provides the MOI Certificate
Obtaining a medium of Instruction certificate is usually an easy task. The MOI certificate is typically issued by the school (for bachelors applicants), or by the college/university registrar (for Masters applicants) for higher education. For most applicants, it is issued by the institution that student has studied in, but in some cases abroad universities ask for MOI certificate issued by the previously studied University. This is why MOI certificate from Indian universities usually come from the Controller of Examinations, Registrar, or the principal’s office depending on university regulations.
Provider checklist
| Level | Who usually issues the certificate | Typical proof attached |
|---|---|---|
| School (secondary) | Principal / Head of Institution | School letterhead + seal |
| College / University | Registrar / Controller of Exams / Principal | Letterhead + signature + stamp |
| Autonomous colleges | Academic office / Examination cell | Letter + supporting transcript copy |
Medium of Instruction Certificate Format
A medium of certificate includes details such as
| Field | What to write |
|---|---|
| Student name + ID | Match passport and transcripts |
| Program name | Specify the degree program clearly |
| Study period | Month/Year start–end |
| Medium of instruction | “English” (or if bilingual or multilingual, explain exactly) |
| Assessment language | State exams/projects were in English (if true) |
| Authority | Name, designation, signature, seal, date |
| Contact details | Office email/phone for verification |
the letter should state the language used to instruct and assess your academic work.
Medium of Instruction Certificate-Samples
How to get a Medium of Instruction MOI Certificate
If you want to obtain an moi, follow these steps. Most indian universities handle this through the exams/registrar office.
| Step | What to do | Tips to avoid delays |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Request letter format | Ask if they have a standard medium of instruction certificate template |
| 2 | Submit request | Use the institution’s / University application form |
| 3 | Attach proof | ID card, transcripts, degree/provisional certificate |
| 4 | Pay fees (if any) | Keep receipt for follow-up |
| 5 | Verification | Ensure name, roll no, dates, and program match your transcript |
| 6 | Collect MOI Certificate | Some universities ask you to submit an moi certificate issued by the university |
Countries which accepts MOI certificate
There is no single “country rule” that says MOI is accepted everywhere. In reality, universities accept (or reject) it based on their published English requirements. Here’s a brief overview of countries & Universities:
United Kingdom: Some of the public universities in UK accept MOI Certificate to waive English test such as IELTS/PTE/TOEFL.
France: Majority of public universities and business schools accepts MOI for IELTS waiver, Whereas few public Universities and top business schools require IELTS.
Finland: Most of the universites accept Medium of Instruction Certificate as proof of English proficiency, Few universities such as LUT Univeristy may not accept MOI.
Where MOI fits with tests (simple comparison)
| Option | What you submit | When it’s used |
|---|---|---|
| moi certificate | University letter | When the institution allows it as proof of english proficiency |
| IELTS / PTE / TOEFL | Official test scores | When the university requires standardized language proficiency evidence |
| Duolingo | Online score report | Accepted by some universities (always verify) |
