This is a complete guide for Bangladeshi students without IELTS in the UK who want to study in the UK using a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate. This certificate lets you skip the IELTS exam. We will cover the universities that accept MOI, their rankings, the benefits of the MOI route, how to qualify, and the application process for the 2026 intake.
What is MOI and How Does it Work?
The MOI is an official document issued by the previous educational institution in Bangladesh (college or university) issues this document. It confirms that all teaching and exams for your degree (like a Bachelor’s or Master’s) were done entirely in English. Many UK universities accept this certificate. It proves your English skills, so you do not need to take the IELTS.
Why is MOI Popular for Bangladeshi Students?
The MOI route is very popular among Bangladeshi students. This is because it offers clear, practical advantages over traditional language tests.
- Saves Time and Money: You avoid the cost and time needed to study for and sit the IELTS exam.
- Faster Application: The process is simpler. This often leads to quicker conditional offers from universities.
- Prove English Skill: It shows your English ability based on years of English-medium education.
- Wider University Options: It opens doors to universities that specifically offer this waiver for students from English-medium backgrounds, such as Bangladesh.
MOI Accepted Universities in the UK
University of Portsmouth
The University of Portsmouth is on England’s south coast. It is a modern, career-focused school. This makes it a great choice for international students using the MOI route.
- Ranking (2026): QS World Rank 635 (2026), THE World Rank 401–500 (2026).
- Best Feature: It has a Gold Rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). This shows its outstanding teaching quality. The university focuses strongly on practical, career-focused education. It offers wide professional accreditation in subjects like Accounting and Finance (ACCA and CIMA).
- Popular Courses: Business and Management, Engineering, Criminology and Forensic Studies, Computer Games, Creative Technologies, Accounting, and Economics.
UWE Bristol
The University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) is a lively and growing university. Located in the dynamic and creative city of Bristol. The school is strongly committed to research. It offers a modern learning space with significant money spent on new, state-of-the-art facilities.
- Ranking (2026): QS World Rank 721-730.
- Best Feature: UWE Bristol has a great graduate employment rate (89% are working or in further study 15 months after graduation). It has a large and diverse international student body. Students benefit from real-world work placements and dedicated career help.
- Popular Courses: Computer Science, Business Management, Architecture, Engineering, Creative Arts, Health Sciences, and Law.
Bangor University
Bangor University is in North Wales. It is one of the oldest and most respected universities in the country. It combines academic tradition with a strong focus on student satisfaction. Its unique setting between the Snowdonia mountains and the Menai Strait offers an amazing place to study.
Ranking (2026): QS World Rank 566 (2026), THE World Rank 501–600 (2026).
Best Feature: It is renowned for its research, particularly in fields such as Ocean Sciences, Sports Science, and Psychology. It often ranks highly for its student-focused environment. The cost of living is low compared to major UK cities.
Popular Courses: Ocean Sciences, Psychology, Accounting & Finance, Electronic Engineering, and Computer Science.
University of Hertfordshire
The main campus is in Hatfield, just north of London. The University of Hertfordshire is known for its high-tech campus. It places a strong emphasis on practical and career-relevant education. It has excellent links with business and industry, preparing students for the global job market.
- Ranking (2026): QS World Rank 901, THE World Rank 601-800.
Best Feature: Known for its modern facilities, including a new Spectra building for Engineering, AI, and Robotics. The university guarantees on-campus housing for all first-year international students. It is highly ranked for research impact.
Popular Courses: Business (with links to Google, IBM, Microsoft), Computer Science, Engineering, Creative Arts, and Health & Social Sciences.
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Cardiff Metropolitan is a vocational university located in the lively capital city of Wales. It is committed to high student happiness and job success. It specializes in courses that directly prepare students for their professional careers.
- Ranking (2026): THE World Rank 1001–1200 (2026). QS Subject Rank 101-140 for Sports-Related Subjects.
- Best Feature: It is highly respected for its specialist courses, especially in Sports Science, Hospitality, Design, and Art. The university offers a supportive learning environment. It has modern, dedicated facilities across its two campuses.
- Popular Courses: Sports Science, Business Management, Hospitality & Tourism, Design, and Health Sciences.
Birmingham City University
Birmingham City University (BCU) is in the large city of Birmingham. It provides great networking opportunities in a big, multicultural city. It is well-known for its creative and performing arts programs, with a strong focus on practical training.
- Ranking (2026): QS World Rank 1001-1200, THE World Rank 801-1000.
- Best Feature: Famous for the Birmingham School of Art and Design and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire for Music and Drama. Its central location lets students benefit from the city’s active creative quarter and professional industries.
- Popular Courses: Art and Design, Media and Journalism, Business, Law, and Health.
University of Essex
The University of Essex is a highly ranked school. It is globally known for its intense research and social science programs. It has a diverse and very international campus. It offers a challenging yet supportive academic environment.
- Ranking (2026): QS World Rank 456, THE World Rank 301–350.
- Best Feature: It consistently ranks in the global top 100 for Politics and International Studies and Sociology. The university is one of the top 25 universities in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2025). It is known for pushing the boundaries of research.
- Popular Courses: Politics and International Studies, Sociology, Economics, Law, and Computer Science.
University of South Wales (USW)
The University of South Wales (USW) is one of the UK’s largest universities. It has campuses that mix city and valley settings. USW helps students become job-ready graduates through practical education and working with employers.
- Ranking (2026): THE World Rank 1201-1500.
- Best Feature: It offers a very supportive atmosphere. It is especially strong in Film and Media (with dedicated studios), creative industries, and professional courses like Engineering and Computing. South Wales also has a lower cost of living.
- Popular Courses: Media and Film, Engineering, Computing, Health, and Business.
The following universities accept the MOI certificate on a conditional basis:
- University of Portsmouth
- UWE Bristol
- Bangor University
- University of Hertfordshire
- Cardiff Metropolitan University
- Birmingham City University
- University of Essex
- University of South Wales (USW)
- University of Birmingham
- University of Southampton
- Heriot-Watt University
- Aston University
- Ulster University
[Note: It is crucial to understand that accepting an MOI is not universally guaranteed across all universities or all programmes. Some institutes generally accept, Case-by-Case basis, or with conditions, or with specific criteria, or applications from authorised agents for international students’ applications. It is to be noted that this MOI acceptance system can be changed at any time based on the university’s modification.]
Eligibility Criteria for MOI-Based Admission
The MOI is a great choice, but you must meet certain rules for a UK university to accept your application. Look over these general requirements carefully.
General Rules for Bangladeshi Students
- You must have completed a full-time academic program (like a Bachelor’s or Master’s) from a recognized university in Bangladesh.
- Your whole course of study and all exams must have been conducted in the English language.
- The previous degree must have been completed within a certain time (usually the last two to five years, but this can vary by university).
- You must meet the general academic entry requirements for the UK university and the course you choose.
How can you collect the MOI Certificate
Your MOI certificate needs to be official and correctly formatted. Follow these steps with your former school or university in Bangladesh.
- Contact your Institution: Get in touch with the Registrar’s Office, Controller of Examinations, or the Academic Department of your previous university/college in Bangladesh.
- Make a Formal Request: Submit a written application or fill out the required form for an MOI certificate.
- Check the Content: Make sure the certificate is on official letterhead. It must be signed and stamped by an authorized person (like the Registrar or Head of Department). It must clearly say that your entire education for the degree was conducted “entirely in English.”
- Additional Documents: Some schools may ask for a copy of your degree certificate, transcripts, or a small fee.
How can you apply with MOI Step-By-Step Guideline
Applying to a UK university with your MOI requires careful steps. Use this checklist for the 2026 application process.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Research & Select: Find UK universities and courses that clearly accept an MOI from Bangladeshi schools for the 2026 intake.
- Check Rules: Confirm you meet both the academic and MOI-specific requirements (like GPA and the wording needed on the MOI).
- Get MOI: Follow the steps above to collect the official MOI certificate from your Bangladeshi institution.
- Prepare Documents: Gather all needed documents: Transcripts, MOI certificate, Passport copy, Personal Statement, CV/Resume (for Master’s), and any needed academic references.
- Submit Application: Apply directly on the university’s website or through a registered educational consultant. Upload the MOI as your proof of English skills.
- Attend Interview (if asked): Some universities may require an online interview session (a Secure English Language Test/SELT interview). They use this to check your spoken English before giving you a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies).
- Receive CAS & Visa: The university must confirm on your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) that your English language ability has been assessed and meets the UKVI standard through the use of your MOI.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The MOI route is simpler, but there are mistakes that can cause delays or rejection. Be aware of these critical errors for a smooth application.
- Assuming Acceptance: Not all UK universities accept MOI. Always check the specific course rules.
- Informal MOI: Do not submit a letter that is not on official letterhead, is not signed, or does not clearly state that the medium of instruction was “entirely English.”
- Missing Interview: Do not fail to prepare for or attend the mandatory English check interview required by some MOI-accepting universities.
- Visa Misconception: Do not think the MOI automatically guarantees a visa. The visa officer may still check your English-speaking ability. The university must also confirm MOI acceptance on your CAS.
- Late Application: Avoid applying too close to the deadline. Verifying the MOI can sometimes take longer than expected.
Conclusion
The Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate helps eligible Bangladeshi students gain admission to certain UK universities and courses. However, Career Paths strongly recommends that students aiming for a wider range of courses options and better scholarship opportunities obtain at least IELTS score of 6.0 or 6.5.
