[Published: 28 October 2026 | Last updated: 28 October 2026]
TL;DR
- An MOI (Medium of Instruction) letter is an official letter from your school, college or university confirming that your course was taught and assessed in English (Collegedunia, 2026).
- Universities abroad accept it instead of IELTS in many cases, and more than 70 UK universities accept MOI certificates (AECC Global, 2026).
- The letter must be on official letterhead, stamped and signed by the registrar or controller of examinations (Aspire Global Pathways, 2026).
- Many UK universities accept MOI only if you graduated within the last 2 to 5 years (Collegedunia, 2026).
- Use the sample format in this guide, then ask your university's registrar office to issue it on their letterhead.
What Is an MOI Letter?
An MOI letter is an official document from your previous institution stating that English was the language of teaching and assessment for your course. MOI stands for Medium of Instruction (Collegedunia, 2026).
Universities abroad use the MOI letter as proof that you can study in English. It works like a character certificate for language: instead of sitting a test, your old institution confirms your studies were already in English.
Some universities call it an English proficiency letter or an English medium certificate. These names refer to the same document.
Who Can Use an MOI Letter in Bangladesh?
You can use an MOI letter if your degree, or the qualification the university asks about, was taught and examined fully in English. In Bangladesh, this usually means graduates of English-medium private universities and English-version schools and colleges.
If your course was taught in Bangla, or in a mix of Bangla and English, your institution cannot honestly issue an MOI letter. In that case, read our guide to studying abroad without IELTS for other routes, such as the Duolingo English Test.
What Must an MOI Letter Include?
An MOI letter must clearly state that English was the medium of teaching and assessment for your full course. Universities reject letters that are vague or missing official details.
Include all of these details:
- Your full name exactly as it appears on your passport.
- Your student ID or registration number.
- The full name of your degree or programme.
- Your study period, with start and completion dates.
- A clear sentence stating that all teaching and examinations were conducted in English.
- The issue date and a reference number.
- The signature, name and title of the registrar or controller of examinations, with the official seal (Aspire Global Pathways, 2026).
Print the letter on the institution's official letterhead (Aspire Global Pathways, 2026). A letter on plain paper is usually rejected.
MOI Letter Sample Format
Below is a sample MOI letter you can give to your registrar's office as a draft. Replace every item in square brackets with your own details. The office should issue the final version on its letterhead.
Sample MOI Letter Text
[University Letterhead]
Ref: [Reference Number]
Date: [Issue Date]
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
This is to certify that [Full Name as in Passport], Student ID [Student ID], son/daughter of [Father's Name], was a student of the [Degree Name, e.g. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)] programme at [University Name] from [Start Month, Year] to [Completion Month, Year].
The medium of instruction for the entire programme was English. All lectures, coursework, assignments and examinations were conducted and assessed in English.
[He/She] completed the programme with a CGPA of [CGPA] out of 4.00.
This certificate is issued on [his/her] request for the purpose of higher studies abroad.
[Signature]
[Name of Registrar or Controller of Examinations]
[Designation]
[University Name]
[Official Seal]
How to Get an MOI Letter from Your University
You get an MOI letter by applying to your university's registrar office or the controller of examinations. The process usually takes a few working days.
Step 1: Check the Requirements of Your Target University
Read the English language page of each programme you are applying to. Note any required wording, such as "taught and assessed in English", and any time limit since graduation.
Step 2: Prepare Your Request
Write a short application to the registrar asking for an MOI certificate for higher studies abroad. Attach a copy of your transcript, certificate and passport, and include the sample text above as a draft.
Step 3: Pay Any Fee and Submit
Many universities charge a small fee for certificates. Pay it at the accounts office or through the university's payment system, and submit your application with the receipt.
Step 4: Check the Letter Before You Leave
Check that your name matches your passport exactly and that the letter carries a signature, seal, date and reference number. Ask for corrections immediately if anything is missing.
Step 5: Get Extra Copies and Scan Them
Ask for two or three original copies, since some universities or embassies want originals. Scan the letter in colour as a PDF for online applications.
Common Problems with MOI Letters and How to Fix Them
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| University rejects the letter | Letter does not say teaching and assessment were in English | Ask the registrar to add the exact wording the university wants |
| Name mismatch | Spelling differs from the passport | Ask for a corrected letter matching the passport |
| Letter not accepted at all | The university does not accept MOI from Bangladesh | Use the Duolingo English Test or another accepted test instead |
| Graduated too long ago | Many universities set a 2 to 5 year limit (Collegedunia, 2026) | Take an English test, or choose a programme with no time limit |
Frequently Asked Questions About MOI Letters
What is an MOI letter?
An MOI letter is an official letter from your school, college or university confirming that your course was taught and assessed in English (Collegedunia, 2026). Universities abroad accept it as proof of English in place of a test score.
Who signs an MOI letter in Bangladesh?
The registrar or the controller of examinations usually signs it, with the institution's official seal (Aspire Global Pathways, 2026). It must be printed on official letterhead.
Can I study in the UK with an MOI letter instead of IELTS?
Often, yes. More than 70 UK universities accept MOI certificates for admission (AECC Global, 2026). Some do not accept MOI letters from Bangladesh, so check each university's English language page.
Is an MOI letter valid for a student visa?
It depends on the country and visa route. A university may accept your MOI for admission, but visa rules can ask for separate proof of English or an interview.
How long is an MOI letter valid?
The letter itself does not expire, but many UK universities accept it only if you graduated within the last 2 to 5 years (Collegedunia, 2026).
Can a Bangla-medium graduate get an MOI letter?
No. An MOI letter can only confirm what is true. If your course was taught in Bangla, take the Duolingo English Test, IELTS or another accepted test instead.
What to Remember Before You Request an MOI Letter
- An MOI letter only works if your course was truly taught and examined in English.
- It must be on official letterhead, signed and sealed by the registrar or controller of examinations.
- Check each target university's wording and time limits before you request the letter.
- Keep scanned copies ready, and have a backup plan such as the Duolingo English Test.