English requirements
IELTS is not the only door into a UK university. MOI letters, PTE Academic, Duolingo and universities’ own tests are all legitimate routes in 2026 — if you know which university accepts what. That’s exactly what we track.
Your options
If your previous degree was taught and assessed in English, many universities can accept an official MOI letter instead of IELTS — usually for recent graduates (often within 2–5 years). This is the most common IELTS-free route for Pakistani, Indian and Nigerian graduates.
PTE Academic, Oxford ELLT, LanguageCert and Duolingo English Test are accepted by many universities, are often cheaper and faster to book than IELTS, and can be taken online in some cases.
Several universities run their own free online English assessments for applicants — a short test arranged through the admissions team or an official representative like Global Pathways.
If your English is slightly below the requirement, a 5–10 week pre-sessional course at the university brings you up to level and leads straight into your degree — without retaking IELTS.
MOI considered
Based on each university’s published policy and our applications experience. MOI acceptance is always case-by-case — country, course and how recently you graduated all matter. Check each profile for the conditions, then let us confirm your eligibility.
Sunderland, North East England
PG from £16,500/year
January, September
Sunderland profileHatfield, East of England
PG from £17,950/year
September, January
Herts profileKingston upon Thames, Greater London
PG from £19,300/year
January, September
Kingston profileBrighton, South East England
PG from £15,960/year
September, January
Brighton profileCoventry, West Midlands
PG from £18,600/year
September, January, May
Coventry profileMiddlesbrough, North East England
PG from £17,000/year
January, May, September
Teesside profileWolverhampton, West Midlands
PG from £18,465/year
September, January, May
Wolverhampton profileFAQ
Yes — universities set their own English evidence policies. Many accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter, an alternative test such as PTE Academic or Duolingo, or their own online assessment. What matters is meeting the university’s policy AND the Student-visa English rules, which we check for your exact case.
An MOI (Medium of Instruction) letter is issued by your previous university confirming your degree was taught and examined in English. Universities that consider MOI usually want a recent graduation (often within 2–5 years) and good grades in English-medium study. Policies differ by university and by country.
Often, yes — many UK universities consider MOI letters from HEC-recognised Pakistani universities for postgraduate applicants, especially recent graduates. Some universities restrict MOI for certain countries or courses, so we confirm the current policy before you apply.
For degree-level courses, the university itself assesses your English and vouches for it on your CAS — UKVI accepts the university’s assessment. That is why the university’s policy (MOI, alternative test, or its own test) is what matters in practice.
Many students find PTE Academic faster to book, quicker to get results (usually within 48 hours) and more predictable to score because it is computer-marked. If you need a test at all, we advise which one fits your target universities.
Fees, entry requirements, English-language policies and intake dates are correct to the best of our knowledge at the date shown, but universities review them every cycle and immigration rules change. Always treat figures as a guide — we confirm the exact, current requirements with the university before you apply.
Free eligibility check
Send us your degree details and graduation year — we’ll tell you which universities can consider your MOI letter or an alternative test, within one working day.
Email us directly
info@globalpathways.co.ukResponse time
Within 1 working day