Quick answer: Yes, many Nepali students study in Malta without IELTS. Several Malta colleges accept other evidence of English — most commonly a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your previous school, college or university confirming you were taught in English. But the rule is set by each college and course, so confirm it in writing before you apply.
By Intandem Scholars Pvt. Ltd., a registered education consultancy in Kathmandu (Licence No. 213/082/083). Updated 5 October 2026.
What is an MOI letter?
A Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter is an official letter from your previous institution stating that your course was taught and assessed in English. For Nepali students, this usually comes from:
- Your +2 college (NEB)
- Your bachelor’s college or campus (for example, affiliated to TU, PU or KU)
It should be on official letterhead, signed and stamped, and should mention your name, programme, years of study and that English was the language of instruction.
Which Malta colleges accept MOI?
Each college decides. Many Malta colleges consider an MOI letter, especially for diploma programmes. Some colleges also hold an admission interview, conducted in English — for example, among our partner colleges, EEC-ITIS, 21 Academy, Malta Facilities Management Academy and Training Three Sixty (TTS) interview applicants, while several others do not.
Because requirements can change by course and intake, we confirm the current English requirement with the college, in writing, before you apply. See all partner colleges and fees in our Malta cost guide.
How does Malta admission without IELTS work, step by step?
- Check your profile — last qualification, grades and study gap
- Choose a course at MQF Level 5 or higher — Malta’s student residence permit framework applies to full-time courses at Level 5+ at MFHEA-licensed institutions (Identità: study residence permits)
- Get your MOI letter from your last institution
- Confirm the college accepts MOI for that exact course
- Prepare for a possible college interview — practise speaking about your background and study plan in English
- Apply, receive your offer, and prepare your documents for the next stage
What should an MOI letter from a Nepali college say?
Ask your college or campus to issue the letter in English, on official letterhead, signed by an authorised person (such as the campus chief or examination controller) and stamped. A typical letter states:
This is to certify that [Full name], [Symbol/Registration No.], completed [programme name, e.g. Bachelor of Business Studies] at [college name], affiliated to [Tribhuvan University / Pokhara University / Kathmandu University / NEB], from [year] to [year]. The medium of instruction and examination for the entire programme was English.
Keep the wording factual. Your college decides the exact format; the receiving college in Malta decides whether it accepts it.
MOI or IELTS: which is better for you?
| MOI letter | IELTS / other test | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low (institution letter) | Test fee |
| Time | Days to weeks | Preparation + test date |
| Accepted by | Many Malta colleges, course by course | Almost all institutions |
| Best for | Students educated in English with confident spoken English | Students targeting universities or courses that require a test |
Even if MOI is accepted, your real English ability matters — for interviews, classes and daily life in Malta. If your spoken English is weak, improve it before you travel.
What mistakes should you avoid?
- Assuming every college accepts MOI. Always confirm for the exact course.
- An incomplete MOI letter. Missing stamp, signature or programme details can cause delays.
- Choosing a course below MQF Level 5 without understanding the different permit route.
- Skipping interview preparation. A weak interview can cost you the offer.
- Believing “guaranteed” promises. Admission is decided by the college; permits are decided by the authorities.
Frequently asked questions
Can I study in Malta without IELTS?
Yes, at many colleges. Several Malta colleges accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter, and some also hold an admission interview in English. The requirement is set by each college and course.
Is an MOI letter enough for Malta?
Often, for diploma programmes at colleges that accept it. Some colleges also interview you. Confirm in writing before applying.
What does MOI mean in Nepali?
MOI stands for Medium of Instruction, which in Nepali means अध्ययन-अध्यापनको माध्यम (the language your course was taught in). An MOI letter is your college’s written confirmation that your course was taught and examined in English. The letter itself should be in English.
Can I use MOI from my +2?
Some colleges accept an MOI from your +2; others prefer your most recent qualification. It depends on the college and course.
Is Malta without IELTS better than the UK?
It depends on your goal. UK universities more often require an approved English test. See Malta vs UK for Nepali students.
Does a study gap matter with MOI?
Several of our partner colleges set no maximum study gap for admission, but you should be ready to explain your gap clearly.
See our results in person
We do not publish students’ personal details or documents online, and never without their permission. To see anonymised offer letters and outcomes, please visit our office in Old Baneshwor, Kathmandu.
Book a free profile assessment · WhatsApp: +977 9801025694
Intandem Scholars Pvt. Ltd. — Registered education consultancy, Licence No. 213/082/083, Battisputali Marg, Old Baneshwor, Kathmandu.
