S2 Blog: English Proficiency Requirements and Waivers: US Degree, MOI Letter, or a Test?

English proficiency is one of the most common reasons students book tests they didn’t need, or delay applications waiting for test results. The policy varies wildly by school, and a wrong assumption can cost you both money and time. This article walks through which schools accept which waivers, which tests are accepted, and exactly when to book versus when to waive.

Key Takeaways

US-degree waiver: If your degree is from a US university, most schools waive English requirements
MOI letter: If your prior degree was taught in English (but not in the US), ask that university for a Medium of Instruction letter
Test (TOEFL/IELTS): If you don’t have a US degree or MOI letter, you need a test score
Validity: Test scores are valid for two years from test date
Fastest option: MOI letter (a few days), then US-degree waiver (instant), then a test (weeks)

Path 1: US-Degree Waiver (Fastest)

If you already have a degree from a US university (bachelor’s or master’s), most schools waive the English requirement automatically. Your transcript from the US school is proof enough that you studied in English.

How to use it:

Include your US transcript in your application.
Check the school’s English requirement page. They usually state “waived for graduates of accredited US institutions”.
If there’s any doubt, email your school: “I have a US master’s degree; does this waive your English requirement?” They’ll confirm.

What counts as a US degree:

Bachelor’s from a US university
Master’s from a US university
Doctorate from a US university
Community college degree from the US (usually yes, but ask)

What doesn’t count:

Online degree from a non-US university (even if taught in English)
US-based degree program completed outside the US
Certificate or diploma (not a degree)

Path 2: Medium of Instruction (MOI) Letter (Fast)

If your degree is from a non-US university but was taught entirely in English, you can request a MOI letter. This is a letter from your registrar confirming your degree was awarded in English and all coursework was conducted in English.

How to get it:

Email your university registrar: “I need a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter confirming that my [degree] was taught in English. I need this for a US university application.”

Some universities have a template they use; others write a custom letter

Most universities respond within 3–5 business days

Cost: Usually free or under $10

What a MOI letter looks like: “This certifies that [Student Name] earned a [degree] from [University] in [year]. The entire program, including all lectures, coursework, and examinations, was conducted in English. [University Registrar Signature]”

Schools that accept MOI letters: Most schools accept them, but not all. Check your school’s policy before requesting one. Some schools accept MOI + test score but prefer just the test. Ask your GoElite consultant. They know which of your target schools accepts MOI waivers outright versus which ones might still want a test.

Path 3: English Test (TOEFL or IELTS)

If you don’t have a US degree or a MOI letter, or if your school requires a test score anyway, you’ll need to take TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System).

Which test:

TOEFL iBT (internet-based) — preferred by most US universities; score between 0–120; valid for two years
IELTS — also accepted; score between 0–9; valid for two years

Some schools accept both; some prefer one. Check your school’s requirements.

Minimum scores: Vary by school, but typically:

TOEFL: 80–100 out of 120
IELTS: 6.5–7.5 out of 9

Test logistics:

Cost: Around $200–$300

Scheduling: You can usually test within 1–4 weeks of registering

Duration: About 3 hours

Score delivery: Usually 5–10 days after test

Fastest timeline:

Register online today
Test in 1–4 weeks (depending on availability)
Scores arrive in 5–10 days
Total: 3–6 weeks from registration to submission

Two-year validity: Your score is valid for two years from the test date. If your score will expire before you graduate, you may need to retake the test for OPT or visa purposes. Plan accordingly if you’re testing early.

When to Book a Test vs. Wait for a Waiver

Book a test immediately if:

Your school requires a test and doesn’t accept waivers
You don’t have a US degree and can’t get a MOI letter
You’re applying in less than three weeks and need the score by then

Waive and skip the test if:

You have a US degree
Your prior institution offers a MOI letter and your school accepts it
You’re early enough in your timeline that requesting a MOI letter doesn’t delay you

Ask your GoElite consultant: Consultants know which schools have strict test requirements and which ones accept waivers. Before you book a $300 test, confirm with your school.