A journey towards higher education in the UK is a dream for many international students, brimming with promises of academic excellence and personal growth. But in the middle of all the excitement, there’s always one big obstacle to overcome: English language competency exams, especially the IELTS.

IELTS preparation can trigger anxiety and uncertainty. But here’s the good news: some UK universities offer alternative pathways tailored to specific institutions country-wise, easing the burden of stringent language proficiency requirements, by introducing a Medium of Instruction (MOI).

What exactly is MOI, and how does it redefine the path to studying in the UK? Let’s have a look-

What is MOI?

By “medium of instruction,” we usually mean the language being used for the lessons. However, this does not always mean that the language is the official language of the country or region in question. For UK schooling, however, you won’t need to take any English proficiency exams like IELTS, Duolingo, PTE, OIETC, TOEFL, internal tests, etc. if your last institutions were approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). 

So, if you are not from an English-speaking country but have done schoolwork in English before, you can apply to MOI accepted universities in UK.

International students now have a golden opportunity to study in the UK thanks to MOI, which allows them to do so without having to take an English language test.

Advantages of studying at MOI accepted universities in UK

  • The application process will be simplified by the fact that you won’t need to take an English proficiency exam when you apply to MOI accepted University in the UK.
  • Because of this, you can bypass taking an English proficiency exam like the IELTS or TOEFL when applying to these universities. 
  • You can get a top-notch education in a language you already know at a university that is approved by the Ministry of International Education.
  • If you are not a native English speaker but are comfortable communicating in English, this will help you immensely.

Top MOI accepted UK universities for international students

Here are some top MOI accepted UK Universities for international students-

  • University of Portsmouth
  • UWE Bristol
  • Bangor University
  • University of Hertfordshire
  • Cardiff Metropolitan University
  • University of Essex

University of Portsmouth

About 150 kilometres southwest of London, on England’s south coast, is where you may find the University of Portsmouth. 5,700 of the more than 31,000 enrolled students are from abroad.

Portsmouth is a cutting-edge, multidisciplinary university with five colleges that provide applied courses at the undergraduate, graduate, and research levels. The university is highly regarded for graduate employment and student satisfaction, and most bachelor’s degrees include a one-year paid work placement.

Ranking:

  • 65th in the UK (Times University Guide 2024)
  • 33rd in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2024)
  • 502nd in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024)
  • 401–500th in the world (THE World University Rankings 2024)

Portsmouth, the only island city in the United Kingdom, is situated on England’s south coast and is about 90 minutes’ train ride from London. Portsmouth, a bustling cosmopolitan naval and commercial port with around 240,000 residents—24,000 of whom are students—is located on the Solent, across from the Isle of Wight.

UWE Bristol

UWE Bristol is a cutting-edge, energetic university that provides highly regarded courses aimed at improving employability. As one of the UK universities involved in the business sector’s University Alliance, UWE Bristol makes sure that its curriculum is focused on getting students into jobs.

The institution fosters an entrepreneurial atmosphere while preserving close ties with business partners to improve student possibilities for internships and mentoring. Thanks to its employer network, degrees that are recognised by industry for their applicability can be offered.

Ranking:

  • 72nd in the Times University Guide 2024
  • 43rd in the Guardian University Guide 2024
  • 501–600 in the world (The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for 2024)
  • 45 UK universities and ranked 4th in the South West in the 2024 Guardian League Table
  • 3rd in the UK for Sports Rehabilitation, Paramedic Science, and Biomedical Science (Guardian University Guide’s subject rankings)
  • 5th in UK Interior Design, Illustration, Graphic Design, Fashion Textiles, Fashion Communication, Product Design (Guardian University Guide’s subject rankings)
  • 10th in the UK Aerospace Engineering, Architecture (Guardian University Guide’s subject rankings)

With more than 38,000 students from 166 different countries, UWE Bristol is a centre of academic achievement, tucked away in one of the wealthiest and liveliest towns in the UK. The university has received a ‘Gold’ grade for its outstanding student experience, which goes above and beyond typical campus life.

Bangor University

Founded in 1884, Bangor Institution is a Welsh institution. Presently, Bangor, which is located on the North Wales coast around 450 kilometres northwest of London, is home to over 10,000 students from 85 different nationalities. Train travel to Manchester International Airport takes about two hours.

Because of its coastal setting, Bangor University is renowned for its work in ocean science. But it has also established a solid reputation in the fields of sports science, electronic engineering, and accounting & finance.

Ranking:

  • 44th in the Times University Guide 2024
  • 54th in the Guardian University Guide 2024
  • 481st in the QS World University Rankings 2024
  • Rated Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework

In terms of student satisfaction, Bangor University is ranked first in Wales and among the top 15 in the UK by the most recent National Student Survey.

At just over 15,000 citizens, Bangor is one of the smallest cities in the UK and exudes an air of intimacy.

University of Hertfordshire

The University of Hertfordshire is a historic institution headquartered in Hatfield, in Hertfordshire County, approximately 35 km north of London. More than 25,000 students from approximately 90 different nationalities are enrolled at Hertfordshire, which is known as “the UK’s leading business-facing university.”

Six months after graduation, 95.2% of university students are employed or pursuing further education, according to the University of Hertfordshire, which was awarded the Guardian University Award for Student Experience in 2015.

Ranking:

  • 95th in the Times University Guide 2024
  • 87th in the Guardian University Guide 2024
  • One of the top 100 universities in the world under 50 years old
  • 71st in post-1964 UK universities

All first-year University of Hertfordshire students have assured accommodation on campus. Students can opt to live at either location, independent of which one they are studying at, as both the College Lane and the De Havilland campuses provide resident halls that include apartments, houses, and typical corridor halls.

Cardiff Metropolitan University

The capital city of Wales is home to three campuses that make up Cardiff Metropolitan University, which presently enrols about 12,000 students from 140 different nationalities. It was established in 1865 as the Cardiff School of Art & Design and separated from the University of Wales to become an autonomous institution in 2011.

Ranking:

  • 78th in the Times University Guide 2024
  • 100th in the Guardian University Guide 2024
  • 101–140 in QS WUR Ranking by Subject 2024

Art and design at the university are highly renowned, and they fared exceptionally well in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF). Cardiff’s sports programme is enhanced by the National Indoor Athletics Centre, whose 15 alumni competed in the 2012 London Olympics.

Additionally advantageous to the university are its strong relationships with business and other foreign institutions, like the London School of Commerce, the foreign College of Business and Technology in Sri Lanka, and the Samsung Art & Design Institute.

University of Essex

Home of the adventurous, courageous, and inquisitive. At the university, pushing the envelope and investigating novel ideas are not only welcomed but encouraged. The University of Essex is one of the world’s most internationally diversified universities, with over 17,000 students representing over 140 different nations.

At Essex, you receive instruction from top academics around the globe in a setting that emphasises research and support. The world keeps getting better thanks to their innovative research. They have taken great pride in offering outstanding research and educational opportunities for more than half a century.

Ranking:

  • 56th in the UK (Times University Guide 2024)
  • 30th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2024)
  • 39th in the UK (CUG 2023)
  • 459th worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2024
  • 9th in the UK and top 50 in the world for Politics and International Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022)
  • 9th in the UK and 55th in the world for Sociology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022)
  • Top 10 for Social Sciences in the UK in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2023
  • 3rd in the UK for modern languages and linguistics research quality (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021)
  • 6th in the UK for politics and international studies research quality (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021)
  • 7th in the UK for sociology research quality (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021)
  • 8th in the UK for economics and econometrics research quality (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021)

The main campus of the University of Essex is situated in Colchester, the oldest city in the UK, amidst lovely parks. There is another city-centre campus of the University of Essex located in Southend. 

The closest London Underground station, Debden, is located at the east end of the Central Line and is five minutes walk from the Loughton campus. Liverpool Street station is 35 minutes away.

Final thoughts

Every university has a different way of choosing their students, so it’s important to make sure you know exactly what will be expected of you at each stage. That way, when it comes time to fill out the application forms, you’ll be able to show yourself at your best and get accepted. 

If you’re having trouble deciding on the right course or UK university that accepts MOIs, take a look at our lists of the top universities in the UK and contact us. 

It’s important to remember that these rules are flexible and could change in the future, at the sole discretion of the individual universities.

FAQs

Is it possible to study in the UK without IELTS?

Other English language competency tests, including IELTS, may also be accepted for admission to UK universities.

What is MOI?

By “medium of instruction,” we usually mean the language being used for the lessons. However, this does not always mean that the language is the official language of the country or region in question.

What is the full meaning of MOI?

The full meaning of MOI is- “Medium of instruction.”

How can I study with MOI?

A student visa will allow you to study in the UK. The first step is to confirm that the MOI is accepted at the university where you hope to enrol and at the school where you earned your degree.

What are the MOI accepted universities in the UK?

Those interested in studying in the UK can find MOI-accepting universities. Some examples include: 
1. Bangor University
2. University of Hertfordshire
3. University of Portsmouth
4. Cardiff Metropolitan University
5. University of Essex
6. UWE Bristol

How can I apply without IELTS in the UK?

You can contact AHZ to learn about MOI accepted universities in the area and check your eligibility.

What are the benefits of studying in the UK with MOI?

You won’t need to show proof of your English proficiency before being admitted. 
It could also streamline the application procedure. Last but not least, it could increase your chances of getting into your preferred college.

Will my chances of getting into my dream university increase if I attend a university that is part of the MOI?

It is feasible that attending a school on the MOI list will improve your chances of getting into your first choice school. 

This is due to the many advantages provided by private schools, such as waiving the requirement to demonstrate English language competency. It could also streamline the application procedure.