How to Get an MOI Certificate for Scholarship Applications

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If you’re planning to apply for a scholarship abroad, one of the most important documents you might need is the Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate. This certificate can help you prove that your previous education was taught in English, which can sometimes allow you to skip IELTS or TOEFL requirements.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what an MOI certificate is, why it matters for scholarship applications, and how to get one quickly and correctly.

What Is an MOI Certificate?

An MOI (Medium of Instruction) certificate is an official document issued by your previous school or university. It confirms that the language used to teach your courses was English (or another language, depending on your case).

For scholarship applications, the MOI certificate serves as proof that you studied in English, helping you qualify for IELTS or TOEFL waivers at certain universities.

Check out: Best Free University Scholarships You Can Apply for

Why Is It Important for Scholarship Applications?

Many fully-funded scholarships and universities offer IELTS waivers if applicants can provide an MOI certificate. For instance, programs in the UK, Canada, and some European countries accept this document to verify English proficiency.

This can save you time, money, and effort—especially if you’ve already completed your degree in an English-speaking environment.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting an MOI Certificate

1. Contact Your University or School

Start by reaching out to your university’s registrar or academic affairs office. Ask them about the process for obtaining a Medium of Instruction certificate. Most institutions are familiar with this request and have a standard format ready.

2. Provide Necessary Information

You may need to supply:

Your full name (as on your academic records)
Matriculation or student ID number
Degree or course studied
Year of graduation

Ensure that all details match your transcripts to avoid any inconsistencies during your scholarship application.

3. Request Official Letterhead and Signature

The certificate must be printed on your institution’s official letterhead and signed by an authorized official—typically the registrar, dean, or head of department. This ensures that it is valid and verifiable by international universities.

4. Ask for a Digital Copy (If Possible)

Many universities now issue electronic versions with digital signatures. This is especially useful if your scholarship application process is online.

5. Verify the Language Clearly Stated

Make sure the document clearly says something like:

“This is to certify that [Your Name] completed his/her studies in [Course Name] from [Year] to [Year], and the Medium of Instruction was English.”

Ambiguous wording can delay your application.

How to Use Your MOI Certificate for Scholarship Applications

Once you receive your certificate, you can upload it along with your transcripts and other supporting documents during the scholarship application process. Some universities might also require you to email it directly to the admissions or scholarship office.

If you are applying to multiple institutions, keep several certified copies ready.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting an unsigned or unverified MOI certificate
Using an outdated document from a previous institution
Not ensuring the exact wording about “Medium of Instruction”
Forgetting to check if your target scholarship accepts MOI as an IELTS alternative

Final Tips

Always request your MOI early to avoid last-minute delays.
If your institution doesn’t issue MOI certificates, ask for a custom letter from the department confirming your instruction language.
Check the scholarship’s official page for language waiver policies before applying.

Useful Link

For a list of scholarships that accept MOI certificates instead of IELTS, you can read:
👉 15 Exclusive Fully-Funded Scholarships That Offer IELTS Waivers

FAQs

1. What if my university refuses to issue an MOI certificate?
You can request a custom letter from your department confirming the medium of instruction, signed and sealed officially.

2. Can I use my MOI certificate for multiple scholarship applications?
Yes, as long as the certificate is authentic and contains official verification.

3. Does every scholarship accept MOI instead of IELTS?
No, some still require IELTS or TOEFL. Always check the eligibility criteria of each scholarship before applying.