MOI Accepted Universities in the USA in 2023-2024

Keen to study in the USA in 2023/2024? You need to have a strong academic background, a strong English proficiency test score, and in some cases solid scores in tests like the SAT or the GMAT. Since most of your classes are going to be in English, your ability in the language is very important. Typically, students need to prove their English proficiency with test scores like the IELTS and TOEFL. However, if English is the medium of instruction (MOI) of your most recent qualifications, that may work too! Let’s take a closer look at the USA MOI accepting university list in 2023-24!

USA Admission Requirements for International Students

The USA welcomes students from all over the world, boasting one of the best educational systems in the world and a large number of prestigious universities. If you are a student from Bangladesh thinking about attending university in the States, you are making a good decision. There are more than 5,000 universities and colleges in the USA. Many scholarships are available to international students from American colleges and universities. Several Bangladeshi students receive scholarships to attend school in the US.

Despite the fact that each American university has its own admissions standards, they all have a few things in common. Generally speaking, American universities ask for the following from interested international students:

1. Academic certificate & transcripts from your 12th grade/Secondary School-Leaving Qualification or Bachelor’s degree studies
​​2. Test scores

• GRE/GMAT - for postgraduate students
• SAT or ACT - for undergraduate students
• TOEFL, IELTS, iTEP, or PTE Academic - for English proficiency proof

3. Statement of purpose
4. Research proposal (if applicable)
5. Recommendations from teachers/professors
6. Copy of your valid passport
7. Resume/CV

There are many English language proficiency exams available to study in the USA as mentioned before. But, MOI is another option for studying in the USA in place of these exams. What exactly is a medium of instruction, or MOI? You'll be happy to know that some USA universities will accept MOI applicants - students whose primary language of learning in classrooms is English - for the upcoming January, May or September intakes.

This means that you can apply to these universities without needing to sit for a separate English proficiency test. Hence, if you are confident in your academic ability and feel at ease speaking English, these universities can be a suitable fit for you.

What is Medium of Instruction or MOI?

The language you use in class for learning is the Medium of Instruction. It may or may not be the official language of your country or region. Some universities may not ask for IELTS, Duolingo, PTE, TOEFL, and other English proficiency tests if the medium of instruction during your most recent academic experience is English.

Who Issues the Certificate?

You must get a medium of instruction certificate from your college or university as an alternative to English proficiency tests. To get this document, candidates may submit a formal application. Several colleges or universities also provide academic degrees and diplomas that clearly state the language of instruction. Communicate with both admissions officers at your chosen university and your current or previous institute of study about the appropriate steps.

You may apply to universities in the USA from a country where English is not the primary language of instruction, such as Bangladesh, if you completed the majority of your prior education in English.

Benefits of Attending MOI Accepting Universities in the USA

The first and foremost benefit is that you don’t need to take an English proficiency test to submit your application to your chosen university. English proficiency tests can be pricey, and take up a good amount of time in registration and practice before you even sit the test. For universities that accept the MOI as proof of your English ability, you get to skip some of the steps of the admissions process, giving you more time to focus on other aspects of it.

Some of the best universities in the USA accept the MOI as proof of your English ability. So let’s look at the USA MOI accepting university list put together by UniSearch experts!

Top MOI Accepting Universities in the USA

If you are in doubt about whether you can access a first-class education without taking an English proficiency test, lay those worries to rest. Several of the best universities in the USA - and indeed the world - accept English as the medium of instruction as a valid alternative to proficiency tests! Here is UniSearch's top picks for institutions that accept MOI:

1. Drexel University

Drexel University is a private university in Philadelphia offering more than 150 different academic majors to its diverse student body of over 26,000. Drexel is one of the top 700 universities in the world according to the QS World University Rankings 2023. The university offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide range of disciplines, including business, engineering, the humanities, and the sciences.

Recognized globally for its strong ties to industry and commitment to helping students find jobs after graduation, the university is well-known for its approach in providing full-time students the opportunity to work for 18 months while still enrolled.

Without sitting for the IELTS or TOEFL, you can enroll in Drexel University if your primary language of instruction for recent academic experience is English. The applicant needs to complete at least three years of higher education in an English-speaking institution.

2. California State University

Cal State, also known as CSU, refers to the state of California's public university system. The California State University (CSU) system is one of the largest public university systems in the United States, with 23 campuses and 8 off-campus facilities, serving 485,550 students with 55,909 academics and staff.

California State University, Los Angeles is a QS-ranking institution, as well as being one of the top entries in our USA MOI-accepting university list. If your most recent education was in English, then you do not need to take an English proficiency test in order to apply to this university. You must, however, complete at least three years of higher education in an English-speaking institution to clear the English proficiency requirement.

Students at California State University receive instruction from leading experts in their fields, conducting award-winning programs.

3. University of New Orleans

The University of New Orleans (UNO) is a public urban research university with additional participating societies and clubs in addition to its more than 15 fraternities. The university has roughly 15 varsity sports teams, and its students are quite active in athletics.

This US university accepts MOI in place of English proficiency exams and ranks among the top 1000 globally in the QS World University Rankings for 2023. Research is a priority at the institution, especially in the departments of engineering, education and design.

Because of the university's extensive partnerships with regional companies and organizations, students at the University of New Orleans have access to a variety of learning and experience opportunities that are immediately relevant to their careers.

4. University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas lands an impressive spot among the best universities of the world. And if you’re eying a world-class degree at the University of Arkansas, but worry you won't be accepted because you haven't taken any English proficiency tests - good news! You may rest assured that this university will accept your application if English was your primary medium of instruction in your previous academic institution. It’s one of our top picks in the USA MOI accepting university list!

The University of Arkansas also known as U of A, UArk, or UA, is a state-funded research institution. It places a premium on helping its students find jobs after graduation. Its student-first approach makes it one of the top destinations for domestic and international students to get a first-class, personalized education.

5. University of Colorado Boulder

Colorado's statehood was preceded by the establishment of the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder, CU, or Colorado), a public research institution. There are more than 35,000 students enrolled in the university's more than 150 degree programs across nine colleges and schools.

The University of Colorado at Boulder is commonly considered among the most prestigious American universities that recognize MOI as an alternative to traditional English language tests. With a spot in the top 320 best universities of the world, a degree from this institution opens numerous windows of opportunity in your future.

This university is well-known for its emphasis on creativity and innovation, so it naturally provides its students with state-of-the-art studios, digital labs, and workshops. Also according to Forbes, it is the 18th most entrepreneurial university in the United States.

The university also has a reputation for its commitment to providing students with first-rate infrastructure and other support services.

6. University of Iowa

The University of Iowa calls a beautiful riverside locale its home, with a city campus covering 1,880 acres along the banks of the Iowa River. This installment of the USA MOI accepting university list is one of the top 500 universities of the world, according to QS WUR 2023!

The school's medical, legal, and artistic departments consistently place in the top 25 in the country, attracting students from all over the world. The university pioneered the MFA program and is widely credited as its creator.

By utilizing cutting-edge technological innovations and drawing on the extensive knowledge of the university's partner industries, the University of Iowa's mission is to help each student reach their full potential and succeed in the increasingly competitive professional world. Providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to participate in today's global economy is a top focus for the university. They are able to do this by utilizing state-of-the-art tools and their considerable expertise in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I study in the USA without taking the IELTS and TOEFL?

Yes, you can apply to several American universities that accept alternatives to English proficiency tests like the IELTS or TOEFL. If a student completes high school or graduates with English as the language of instruction in the program, or if they study for a specific amount of time in an English-speaking region, these universities will accept their applications without IELTS or TOEFL.

In the USA, is IELTS a requirement if I’m a Bangladeshi student?

As an international student, you will need to prove your ability in English to enroll in a US university. You can enroll in a US institution without taking the IELTS if you take other English language competency exams, like the TOEFL or Duolingo English Test, that your university recognises. The IELTS is additionally not a requirement by US universities that accept Medium of Instruction (MOI) as a substitute for English proficiency scores.

How do I submit an application to a university that accepts MOI from Bangladesh?

Before applying to an institution that recognises the MOI, you must make sure that the admissions standards acknowledge the medium of instruction as a valid criterion for English proficiency. Also, you must make sure that you meet all other admissions requirements, including academic standards and documents like recommendation letters and statements of purpose. After that, you can move forward with the application.

What benefits are there to studying in the USA with MOI?

Choosing a university that accepts MOI as a substitute for English proficiency has many advantages. You won't need to apply for, prepare for, or take an English proficiency test to begin with. Your educational background alone demonstrates your English language proficiency. This makes it easier for you to concentrate on other parts of your application and your ongoing academic work.

Our Concluding Thoughts

With the USA MOI accepting university list, we hope you have a jumpstart towards your dream American university. Although English proficiency is a requirement for studying in the States, you don’t necessarily need to sit an English proficiency test, given the university. You need to be thoroughly aware of the exact requirements you need to check off at each level of the admissions procedure because institutions have their own standards for applicants. Universities that accept English as the primary language of instruction as proficiency proof help you speed up your application process. You can focus on other parts of your application to secure admission to your dream university instead!