Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
UK: Ecctis or a university assessment
Gov.uk says a degree taught in English and not awarded by a UK institution needs an Ecctis assessment, which gives you a code confirming it is equivalent to a UK bachelor's or higher and was taught in English (gov.uk). Appendix English Language rule EL 5.4 makes that confirmation a requirement for overseas degrees.
Separately, at degree level a higher education provider with a track record of compliance can assess your English itself and record the method on the CAS. The rules do not name methods, so a university may consider an MOI letter within its own assessment; see university waivers.
Australia and Ireland: tests or listed exemptions
The 500 visa page lists approved tests and exemptions, including at least 5 years' study in English in Australia, the UK, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa or Ireland. An MOI letter is not on the list. Ireland's immigration English table lists test providers and minimum scores only.
| Country | MOI letter in the visa rules? | What works instead |
|---|---|---|
| UK | No | Ecctis-confirmed English-taught degree; university assessment at degree level |
| Australia | No | Approved test or listed exemption |
| Ireland | No | Listed test at the visa minimum |
| Canada | No visa test | School's own admission policy |
| New Zealand | No visa test | Provider declares you have the English to pass |
| USA (F-1) | No set test | School admission; consular officer must be satisfied |
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Canada, New Zealand and the US
IRCC's eligibility page lists no language test, INZ's Fee Paying Student Visa page relies on the provider's declaration, and 22 CFR 41.61 asks the US consular officer to be satisfied of your English. In each case the school decides whether an MOI letter meets its admission rule. Immigration rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current rule on the government page for your destination before you book a test or apply. This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is MOI accepted for a UK Student visa?+
Not on its own. The visa accepts an overseas degree taught in English with an Ecctis confirmation, or an assessment by your university at degree level.
Is MOI accepted for an Australian student visa?+
It is not among Home Affairs' listed exemptions. You need an approved test score or a listed exemption if English evidence is required.
Do Canadian colleges accept MOI?+
IRCC sets no visa test, so it depends on the college's admission policy.
Can a US university accept MOI instead of TOEFL?+
Some do. See our list of US universities that accept an English-medium degree route.
Keep reading
Related
- English-medium degree waivers for US master's
- UK universities that accept 12th-grade English marks
- Which student visas need an English test?
- Can a UK university waive IELTS?
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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