IELTS Waiver UK Universities: 15 Universities That Accept MOI Letters

What Is an IELTS Waiver and Why Does It Matter?

An IELTS waiver means a UK university will accept alternative evidence of English language proficiency — most commonly a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter — in place of a formal IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL test score. For international students from countries where English is the medium of instruction, this can save £200–£220 in test fees, weeks of preparation time, and the stress of repeated test-taking.

The MOI route is particularly valuable for students from Nigeria, Bangladesh, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, and other countries where significant parts of the education system operate in English.

What Is an MOI Letter?

A Medium of Instruction letter is an official document issued by your previous school, college, or university on headed paper, signed and stamped by an authorised officer (registrar, principal, or academic secretary), confirming that:

• You studied at the institution for a specified period
• English was the primary or sole medium of instruction throughout your programme
• Your degree or qualification was awarded in English

The letter must be original or certified — a photocopy or scanned email is insufficient. Most institutions can produce this letter within 1–2 weeks at minimal cost.

15 UK Universities That Accept MOI Letters in 2026

1. University of Sheffield

One of the UK's leading research universities, Sheffield accepts MOI letters for certain programmes at postgraduate level for applicants from countries where English is an official language. Minimum English requirement equivalent to IELTS 6.5.

2. University of Sunderland

One of the most accessible universities for MOI applicants. Sunderland has a well-established MOI policy and is particularly well-known among Nigerian and Bangladeshi students. Accepts MOI for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

3. University of Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire accepts MOI letters from eligible applicants at both UG and PG level. Its Hatfield campus has a large international student community and strong links to the aerospace industry.

4. Coventry University

One of the most popular MOI-accepting universities. Coventry has a clear MOI policy and processes applications from Nigeria, India, Bangladesh, and Ghana regularly. Available for most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

5. University of Northampton

Northampton accepts MOI letters for eligible international applicants. Its campus is based in a purpose-built facility in Northampton town centre, with strong business and social care programmes.

6. Teesside University

Teesside accepts MOI letters for applicants from countries where English is an official or widely used language of instruction. Strong in digital arts, engineering, and health sciences.

7. Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)

ARU has campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford, and London. It accepts MOI letters for a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Requires the letter to be on institutional headed paper with registrar signature and official stamp.

8. University of Bedfordshire

Bedfordshire accepts MOI letters for eligible students from English-medium institutions. Popular for business, computing, and media. Located in Luton and Bedford — close to London with lower living costs.

9. University of Wolverhampton

Wolverhampton has a flexible English language policy and accepts MOI letters from eligible applicants. The university has a large community of African and South Asian students.

10. Leeds Beckett University

Leeds Beckett accepts MOI letters on a case-by-case basis for postgraduate applicants who completed their previous degree in English. Located in Leeds — the largest city in Yorkshire with excellent employment opportunities.

11. Birmingham City University (BCU)

BCU accepts MOI letters for eligible programmes. Based in Birmingham, the UK's second-largest city, with one of the most diverse student populations in the country.

12. London Metropolitan University

One of the few London-based universities with an MOI waiver policy. Accepts letters from recognised English-medium institutions. Popular for business, computing, and law.

13. University of East London (UEL)

UEL accepts MOI letters for eligible programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. Its Stratford campus is close to London's Olympic Park and well-connected to the City of London.

14. University of the West of England (UWE Bristol)

UWE Bristol considers MOI letters for certain postgraduate programmes from applicants with strong academic profiles from English-medium institutions.

15. University of Bolton

Bolton has a flexible English language admissions policy and accepts MOI letters for undergraduate and postgraduate applicants. Offers some of the lowest tuition fees of any UK university.

How to Get Your MOI Letter

1. Contact the registrar or student records office at your previous institution
2. Request an official letter on headed paper confirming your name, dates of study, programme completed, and that English was the medium of instruction
3. Ensure the letter is signed by an authorised officer and stamped with the institution's official stamp
4. Obtain multiple certified copies — different universities may each require an original

When IELTS Is Still Required

Even at universities with MOI waiver policies, IELTS will still be required in the following circumstances:

• Professional courses: Nursing, medicine, social work, and teacher training require specific IELTS scores mandated by professional regulatory bodies (NMC, GMC, SWE)
• Russell Group universities: Universities such as Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol, UCL, and King's College London do not accept MOI letters — IELTS 6.5 or higher is standard
• Courses below IELTS 6.0 equivalent: Where a university sets a very high English requirement, MOI alone may not suffice
• Previous study not in English: If your previous institution taught primarily in a language other than English, an MOI letter will not be issued and is not relevant

MOI Letters and Your Visa Application

For UK Student Visa purposes, UKVI accepts MOI letters as English language evidence — but only if your university accepted it for admissions purposes. If your university required IELTS for your course offer, you must submit that IELTS score to UKVI. You cannot use an MOI letter for the visa if the university did not rely on it for your offer.

Apply Through Gangal Education

Gangal Education maintains current knowledge of which UK universities accept MOI letters for applicants from specific countries. We can confirm your eligibility, request your offer, and submit your university application for free. Contact us today to confirm whether your MOI letter is sufficient for your target university.