The medium-of-instruction certificate route
If your previous degree was taught in English, many universities may accept an official medium-of-instruction (MOI) letter from your registrar in place of IELTS/TOEFL. For applicants who qualify, this can be a practical route.
If your previous degree was taught in English, many applicants can use an MOI letter, but not all routes accept it. Ask for an official letter from your university's registrar confirming language of instruction and assessment. In some countries, IELTS/TOEFL may still be required depending on the route.
For the certificate to be accepted, it must clearly state that English was the language of instruction and assessment for your degree, name the program and dates, and be printed on official letterhead with the registrar's or an authorised officer's signature and the institution's stamp. A vague note that merely says 'the student is proficient in English' is not enough - it must reference the medium of instruction explicitly. Request it early, as registrars can be slow.
Quick tips
- Ask the registrar for a letter stating English was the medium of instruction and assessment.
- Ensure it is on letterhead, signed, stamped, and names your program and dates.
- Request it before your university-confirmed deadline, with buffer for administrative processing.
When IELTS or TOEFL genuinely helps
A solid IELTS 6.5+ or equivalent TOEFL score strengthens competitive applications at top universities and is required by some elite English-taught programs regardless of your medium of instruction. Book the test early so score release does not miss your deadline.
Even if you qualify for an MOI certificate, a solid IELTS or TOEFL score can strengthen a competitive application. At top universities and for popular English-taught programs, a good score (commonly IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL equivalent) reassures the committee and can be the tiebreaker between similar candidates. Some elite programs require a test score regardless of your medium of instruction, so always check each program's stated requirement.
If you decide to test, book early - seats fill up and official scores can take a couple of weeks to be released and sent. Do not let a late test date jeopardise your deadline.
Quick tips
- Check whether your target programs require a test score even with an MOI certificate.
- Aim for IELTS 6.5+ (or equivalent) for competitive English-taught programs.
- Book the test early and account for score-release time before deadlines.
Chinese-taught programs and HSK
Chinese-taught programs require language evidence when required by the admission notice. Confirm the exact HSK or equivalent requirement for your route and university, then plan language preparation accordingly.
If your program is taught in Chinese, confirm each university's admission notice for the exact language evidence required. Some programs require HSK (or equivalent) evidence at entry. For some routes, a preparatory year in China may be available if the university and notice permit it.
If a preparatory year is available and you do not yet meet the stated level, plan language study before departure and confirm whether the route provides scholarship support for any pre-departure language stage.
Quick tips
- Confirm the exact language requirement from the admission notice.
- If your level is below the required threshold, verify whether the route offers a preparatory pathway.
- Check HSK test windows early - some test dates and centres fill quickly.