Quick answer: Sometimes. Some European universities and colleges accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter or another English test instead of IELTS, but it is each institution’s own policy, it varies by course, and regulated subjects usually still require an approved test. Confirm the requirement for your exact course, in writing, before you rely on it.
Which IELTS for Europe? Take IELTS Academic (not General Training). Most degree courses ask for around 6.0 overall; pathway and foundation programmes often ask for 5.5.
By Intandem Scholars Pvt. Ltd., a registered education consultancy in Old Baneshwor, Kathmandu. Updated 12 October 2026.
Why is there no single answer?
English requirements are set by each institution, and sometimes by each programme — not by the country as a whole. Two colleges in the same city can have different rules, and the same college can treat a business diploma differently from a nursing degree.
When might you not need IELTS?
- MOI letter: some institutions accept a letter from your previous college or university confirming your studies were taught in English.
- Other tests: some accept PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, TOEFL or their own internal English test.
- Interview: a few English-taught programmes assess your English at an admissions interview.
For Malta specifically, read Study in Malta without IELTS: how the MOI route works.
Which colleges and universities accept MOI instead of IELTS? (real examples)
These are institution-level examples from entry criteria shared with Intandem. They change by course and intake, so we confirm each one in writing before you apply.
- Malta: many of our partner colleges consider an MOI letter, especially for diplomas. Some hold an English admission interview, for example EEC-ITIS, 21 Academy, Malta Facilities Management Academy and Training Three Sixty (TTS). Fees for every partner college are in our Malta cost guide.
- United Kingdom: for the January 2027 intake, 16 UK universities accept an MOI letter and 17 accept +2 English marks for some routes, with conditions. Examples: University of Surrey and York St John University (Tribhuvan University MOI), Harper Adams University (TU, PU and Purbanchal MOI) and Health Science University. Check each one on our UK university pages.
When will you almost certainly need a test?
- Regulated or competitive programmes — health, nursing, teaching and many master’s courses usually require an approved test regardless of MOI.
- The UK — degree-level study requires English at CEFR B2 (GOV.UK); some universities accept an MOI letter from English-medium graduates, subject to their own policy. See our UK IELTS and English guide.
- When your last qualification was not taught in English — an MOI letter is not possible in that case.
Which European countries have colleges that accept MOI instead of IELTS?
There is no list of “IELTS-free countries”. In every country below, the institution decides, course by course. This is what we can tell you from official sources and our own partner information:
| Country | Who sets the English rule | Is there a no-IELTS (MOI) route? | Where to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malta | Each college or university | Many Malta colleges consider an MOI letter, especially for diplomas; some hold an English interview (Intandem partner information, 2026) | Study in Malta without IELTS |
| Netherlands | Each institution, per programme | Institutions ask for scores from accepted tests such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge or Pearson; any exemption is the institution’s own decision | Study in NL: admission requirements |
| Cyprus | Each university | Set by the university for each programme; we confirm in writing | Study in Cyprus |
| United Kingdom | Each university, within the Home Office B2 rule | Some universities accept MOI from English-medium graduates | GOV.UK: knowledge of English · UK universities |
If someone tells you a whole country is “without IELTS”, ask them for the college’s written confirmation for your exact course.
Which IELTS score is required to study in Europe?
There is no single Europe-wide IELTS score. Each institution sets its own minimum for each programme. Two things hold almost everywhere:
- Take IELTS Academic, not General Training. IELTS describes the Academic test as the one for people planning to study, and General Training as the one for migration or study below degree level (IELTS: test types).
- Expect around 6.0 overall for most degree courses. In the January 2027 entry criteria UK universities shared with us for Nepali students, 59 of 78 direct-entry routes asked for IELTS 6.0 overall, 15 asked for 6.5 and 4 asked for 5.5. Pathway and foundation programmes mostly asked for 5.5.
Your target score depends on the course, so check it before you book the test. See each university’s score on our UK university pages.
Does the student visa itself need IELTS?
Admission and the visa are two separate decisions. The college decides whether your English is good enough to admit you; the immigration authority decides your visa.
- Malta: Identità’s long-stay (D) visa checklist for students asks for the acceptance letter, proof of funds, insurance and accommodation; it does not list an English test (Identità: national long-stay visa). Read our Malta student visa guide.
- Netherlands: the educational institution, as a recognised sponsor, submits the residence permit application on the student’s behalf (IND).
- United Kingdom: the Student visa requires English at CEFR level B2, which your university assesses (GOV.UK).
A visa or credibility interview can still be in English, so your real speaking ability matters even on an MOI route.
What should a valid MOI letter include?
- Your full name and programme name, with study dates
- A clear statement that the entire programme was taught and assessed in English
- The institution’s official letterhead, stamp and an authorised signature
- Contact details the receiving institution can verify
An incomplete letter is one of the most common causes of delay.
MOI or a test: which is better for you?
| MOI letter | IELTS / other test | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Usually low | Test fee plus preparation |
| Time | Days to weeks | Weeks to months |
| Accepted by | Some institutions, some courses | Most institutions |
| Proves real speaking ability | No | Yes |
Even when MOI is accepted, your real English matters for interviews, classes and daily life.
Frequently asked questions
Is an MOI letter accepted everywhere in Europe?
No. Acceptance is institution- and course-specific, and it can change between intakes.
Can I do a master’s in Europe without IELTS?
Sometimes, but less often than for diplomas. Many master’s programmes ask for an approved test. Some institutions accept an MOI letter from an English-medium bachelor’s degree, so check each master’s or MQF Level 7 course on its own.
Is IELTS required for every European country?
No country-wide rule applies. Each institution decides, and an MOI letter or another accepted test can replace IELTS on some courses.
Can I use Duolingo instead of IELTS?
At some institutions, yes. Check the institution’s current admissions page or ask for written confirmation.
Will skipping IELTS make my application weaker?
Not if MOI is accepted for your course and your English is genuinely good. It can hurt if your interview shows weak English.
The point isn’t to avoid the test — it’s to know exactly what your route requires before you spend months preparing for the wrong thing. Check what your route requires.
