Few countries waive English altogether, but IELTS is often not the only proof. Universities may accept Duolingo, a medium of instruction (MOI) letter or an interview. These are mostly each university’s own rules, not country-wide ones. This guide shows what we could confirm for the UK, Canada, the USA and Europe.
The UK
A UK student visa needs English at B2 for degree-level study. You can prove it with an approved test, a degree taught in English that Ecctis confirms, or an assessment by a university that the Home Office trusts to assess English itself. The sponsor guidance names no MOI letter route, so an MOI letter is a university decision, not something the visa office accepts directly. This is our reading of the guidance.
Some universities do consider MOI evidence. Nottingham Trent says a full four-year bachelor’s degree with an MOI letter from listed Pakistani universities may be considered case by case. Stirling says its postgraduate route is typically validated by an MOI letter. Sheffield and Cardiff do not mention MOI on their Pakistan pages. See study in the UK without IELTS.
Canada
IRCC lists no language test for the study permit, and its guidance says each school sets its own level. The University of Alberta accepts Duolingo at 120, Toronto Metropolitan accepts 120 for undergraduates and Trent accepts 115 for undergraduates only. We did not find a Canadian university page naming Pakistan and MOI. Read study in Canada.
The USA: it differs by university
| University | Rule found |
|---|---|
| Washington University in St. Louis | Lists Pakistan for a possible exemption if your bachelor’s was recent and in English; case by case |
| University of Idaho (graduate) | Accepts a registrar’s letter showing English medium |
| University of Arkansas | Names Pakistan as a country where an English-language degree does not exempt |
| Kent State | Does not accept MOI letters |
These rules change, so check each university. See study in the USA.
Europe and Asia
| Country and university | What it says |
|---|---|
| Germany, uni-assist | Accepts written confirmation that English was the language of instruction; each university sets minimums |
| Germany, TUM | Recognises only its list of certificates |
| Hungary, Corvinus | Bachelor’s needs B2 proof; most master’s need no certificate |
| Italy, Siena | May exempt with proof of English-taught study, and may interview |
| Poland, UMCS | Accepts a diploma showing English was the medium |
| China, Sun Yat-sen | An English-medium certificate may waive scores after verification |
| Malaysia, EMGS | The visa portal asks for proof of English, so we do not claim no test |
Each line is one university’s rule. See Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland and China.
Our advice
Do not plan around a waiver until the university confirms it in writing. A waiver for admission does not always satisfy the visa office. Read English tests explained and compare scholarships. We cannot promise a visa.
What an MOI letter is and who issues it
A medium of instruction letter is a document from your previous university or school stating that your teaching was in English. The University of Idaho asks for an official letter from the registrar’s office or the academic department. Universities such as Nottingham Trent list the Pakistani institutions whose letters they will consider, so a letter from another university may not be enough.
Check the age of your degree too. Washington University in St. Louis looks at bachelor’s degrees earned within the past five years. Always get the letter on official paper, with your name, programme and dates.
Questions to ask the university before you rely on a waiver
- Do you accept an MOI letter or Duolingo from a Pakistani applicant?
- Does the waiver apply to my course, my level and my intake?
- Will you write on the CAS or offer that you assessed my English yourself (UK)?
- Is the waiver automatic, or case by case?
- Will I still need a test for the visa?
Frequently asked questions
Which countries accept students without IELTS?
No country waives English for everyone. Universities in several countries accept alternatives such as Duolingo, MOI evidence or an interview, so check each one.
Is an MOI accepted for a visa?
UKVI guidance does not name an MOI letter route, so it is the university’s decision. Other countries differ.
Can I get a visa without IELTS?
Often yes, if your university accepts another proof. For the UK you still must reach B2 by an accepted route.
Is Duolingo accepted?
Some universities accept it, for example Alberta at 120. It is not on the UK visa approved list.
Can you guarantee my visa?
No. Only the visa office decides. We check your documents and tell you honestly how strong your case is.
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Official sources: UK student English · IRCC prepare to study · uni-assist languages · Nottingham Trent Pakistan · WashU English proficiency. Figures checked on 11 October 2026. Reviewed by Yasir Khan, British Council registered consultant, LAMTANS Consultants. Last updated 11 October 2026. Rules change, so we confirm the latest position at your consultation.