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 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-
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 the 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 university in the UK
Top MOI accepted UK universities for international students
Here are some top MOI accepted UK Universities for international students-
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.
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.
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 is renowned for its work in ocean science. But it has also established a solid reputation in the fields of sport science, electronic engineering, and accounting & finance.
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 the 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.
All first-year University of Hertfordshire students are 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.
Art and design at the university are highly renowned, and they fared exceptionally well in the most recent Research Excellence Framework. Cardiff's sports programme is enhanced by a National Indoor Athletics Centre, whose 15 alumni competed in the 2012 London Olympics.
Additionally advantageous to the university are its strong relationships to 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.
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
Each and 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:
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.
