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For degree-level study, UKVI lets your UK university assess your English itself, so some universities accept an MOI letter or NEB Grade 12 English instead of IELTS. Rules differ by university, most Russell Group universities still expect a test, and nursing registration always needs IELTS or OET. House of Admissions (HOA) gives free guidance from Kathmandu and Pokhara.

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Quick answer

Yes, at some universities. For degree-level courses the university can assess your English itself, so some accept an MOI letter from TU, KU or PU, or a strong NEB Grade 12 English grade. Check the exact rule on the university's own Nepal page before you apply.

IELTS & English 4 min read

Study in the UK Without IELTS: How MOI and NEB English Waivers Work for Nepali Students

Some UK universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter or your NEB Grade 12 English result instead of IELTS. Many do not. Here is how waivers work, which rules to check, and when you still need a test.

Rahul Chhetri Director, House of Admissions • Putalisadak, Kathmandu
Last updated:

University rules read on their official Nepal pages on 15 October 2026; GOV.UK English rules checked 20 October 2026. Waiver policies change often.

Students talking in a university common area

English waivers from Nepal: key facts

Degree-level courses
University can assess EnglishRequired level is CEFR B2Student visa: knowledge of English
Below degree level
Secure English Language Test neededCEFR B1, at an approved test centre
MOI letters
Accepted by some universitiesUsually for a TU, KU or PU degree taught fully in English
NEB Grade 12 English
Accepted by some universitiesGrade thresholds vary, often B to B+ or higher
Russell Group
Usually expect a testCheck each university
Nursing (NMC registration)
IELTS 7.0 (6.5 writing) or OET BMOI never replaces this
IELTS fee in Nepal (IDP)
About NPR 28,800 to 36,200Depending on test type, October 2026IELTS test fee and payment details in Nepal

How English Waivers Work

For a degree-level course, UKVI allows your university to assess your English itself, as long as you meet CEFR level B2. That is why some universities accept evidence other than IELTS. For courses below degree level, such as many foundation or pre-sessional courses, you usually need a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at B1. GOV.UK

A waiver is the university’s decision, not a visa rule. What one university accepts, another may refuse, and policies change during the year.

Medium of Instruction (MOI) Letters

An MOI letter is a letter from your university or college confirming your degree was taught and assessed entirely in English. Universities that accept one usually expect:

  • a recognised degree from Tribhuvan, Kathmandu or Pokhara University, or another listed institution;
  • a letter issued by the awarding institution, often the registrar or examination controller, on letterhead with an original stamp;
  • a degree completed recently, sometimes within the last 2 to 5 years;
  • a minimum degree result set by the university.

Ask your target university for its exact wording before you request the letter, so it states everything they need.

NEB Grade 12 English Results

Some universities accept your NEB (or older HSEB) Grade 12 English grade instead of IELTS, especially for undergraduate entry. Thresholds vary: for example, the University of East London lists Grade XII English of 60% or GP 2.8 for Nepal applicants, while others ask for B+ or A, and some only accept results from the last few years. UEL Nepal page

UniversityWithout-IELTS route for Nepal (as published, 15 Oct 2026)
University of East LondonGrade XII English 60% or GP 2.8; MOI from TU, KU or PU accepted
University of GreenwichNEB/HSEB XII English grade mapped to IELTS levels (B = 5.5, B+ = 6.0–6.5, A = 7.0), within 7 years
University of WolverhamptonNEB English grade B with CGPA thresholds; no MOI
University of ChesterNEB English B+ or GPA 3.0, English-medium schooling, plus a pre-screening interview
Aston UniversityMOI for a KU, TU or PU degree within 3 years, taught wholly in English
Roehampton, Leeds BeckettIELTS only on their Nepal pages

For the full, dated list of rules by university, see our study in UK without IELTS guide.

When You Still Need IELTS or Another Test

  • Your university does not accept MOI or NEB English for your course.
  • Your course is below degree level, so you need a SELT.
  • You want nursing or another regulated profession: NMC registration needs IELTS Academic 7.0 in reading, listening and speaking and 6.5 in writing, or OET grade B (C+ in writing), whatever your MOI says.
  • Most Russell Group universities and competitive courses.
  • A pre-sessional English course, which some universities only accept with IELTS for UKVI.

If you need a test, compare IELTS, PTE and TOEFL and check which your university accepts.

MOI and Your Visa Credibility Interview

Even when your university waives IELTS, UKVI can interview you in English and refuse if you cannot communicate at the level your course needs. Practise speaking about your course, finances and plans in English before your interview. See credibility interview questions.

Policies are tightening. Since UKVI’s sponsor RAG system started in June 2026, some universities have narrowed when they accept MOI. Read why universities are tightening waivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

University rules were read on their official Nepal pages on 15 October 2026; GOV.UK and the IELTS fee page were checked in October 2026. Waiver rules change, so confirm with the university.

  1. Student visa: knowledge of English (GOV.UK), B2 for degree level; B1 below degree level
  2. UEL: entry requirements for Nepal (University of East London), read 15 Oct 2026
  3. IELTS test fee and payment details in Nepal (IDP Nepal), NPR 28,800 to 36,200, read 20 Oct 2026