All You Need To Know About Medium Of Instruction Certificates Or English Proficiency Letter

Last Updated on September 15, 2025 by StudywithFM

If you’re a Nigerian student dreaming of studying abroad, you’ve probably encountered terms like “Medium Of Instruction Certificates” and “English Proficiency Letter” during your application process.

These documents can be your golden ticket to international universities, especially when traditional English tests like IELTS or TOEFL seem daunting or expensive.

At Study With FM Nigeria, we’ve spent over 20 years guiding thousands of Nigerian students through successful study abroad journeys to top universities in the UK, Netherlands, Canada, USA, Germany, Finland, Malta, New Zealand, and Australia.

Through our experience, we’ve seen how these certificates can make or break an application – and surprisingly, many students don’t fully understand their importance.

What Exactly Are Medium Of Instruction Certificates?

A medium of instruction certificate is an alternative to many English proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo.

Think of it as an official statement from your educational institution confirming the language used to teach your degree program.

When you studied your undergraduate or postgraduate degree, your university delivered lectures, conducted examinations, and assessed your work in a specific language.

The Medium Of Instruction Certificates serves as formal proof of this teaching language.

For Nigerian students who completed their degrees in English, this certificate becomes invaluable evidence of their English language competency.

The medium of instruction means an official document that is issued by an educational institution, stating the language used to complete the degree.

This document is a comprehensive certificate that includes crucial details about your academic journey.

The certificate typically contains your personal information, degree details, subjects studied, grades obtained, and most importantly, confirmation that English was the primary language of instruction throughout your program.

Universities abroad recognize these certificates as legitimate proof of English proficiency, often accepting them in place of expensive standardized tests.

What Are English Proficiency Letters?

While Medium Of Instruction Certificates and English Proficiency Letter are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences worth understanding.

English Proficiency Certificate is a certificate that you can get from your current university where the university will write about the language of instruction is English during your study.

An English Proficiency Letter is typically a more straightforward document that simply states your English language competency based on your academic performance.

It’s less detailed than a full Medium Of Instruction Certificate but serves the same fundamental purpose – proving your English language skills to international institutions.

These letters are particularly valuable for students who completed their education in countries where English isn’t the native language but was used as the medium of instruction.

For Nigerian students, this is especially relevant since English is our official language of education, despite not being our indigenous language.

The beauty of an English Proficiency Letter lies in its accessibility and cost-effectiveness.

Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on IELTS or TOEFL tests, you can obtain this letter directly from your alma mater, often at a fraction of the cost and with much less stress.

Who Needs These Documents?

International students from non-English speaking countries typically need to prove their English proficiency when applying to universities in English-speaking nations.

However, the requirements can be quite specific and vary significantly between institutions.

Nigerian students often find themselves in a unique position. While English is our official language and medium of instruction in most universities, we’re still classified as coming from a “non-English speaking country” by many international institutions.

This classification means you’ll likely need to provide proof of English proficiency, making Medium Of Instruction Certificates or English Proficiency Letter essential documents.

Students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral programs abroad will encounter these requirements.

Whether you’re applying to universities in Canada, the UK, Australia, or the Netherlands, admissions offices want concrete evidence that you can handle academic work in English.

The requirements become even more critical for students applying to competitive programs or prestigious universities.

These institutions receive thousands of applications from international students, and having proper documentation can set your application apart from others who might struggle to meet language requirements.

Some students mistakenly believe that because they studied in English during their previous degrees, universities will automatically recognize their proficiency.

Unfortunately, admissions processes are more bureaucratic than that – you need official documentation to support your claims.

Essential Information Required in Your Certificate

When requesting your Medium Of Instruction Certificates, ensure it contains specific information that international universities expect to see.

The document should clearly state your full name exactly as it appears on your academic transcripts and passport.

Mention your name, enrollment number, the year of completion, and specify the medium of instruction required on the certificate. Your enrollment or registration number helps universities verify your academic records, while graduation dates confirm when you completed your studies.

The certificate must explicitly state that English was the medium of instruction for your entire degree program.

Vague statements won’t suffice – the document should clearly mention that lectures, examinations, assignments, and all academic activities were conducted in English.

Include details about your degree program, including the full title of your qualification and the duration of study.

It also includes details like the subjects you studied, your marks, and subject codes given by the university. This additional information helps admissions officers understand the scope and rigor of your English-language education.

The certificate should bear official letterhead, institutional seal, and authorized signatures.

Most universities require the document to be signed by the registrar, academic officer, or other designated official. Without proper authentication, your certificate might be rejected during the application process.

Contact information for your issuing institution should also be included, allowing universities to verify the document’s authenticity if necessary. This transparency builds trust and credibility in your application.

Step-by-Step Process to Obtain Your Certificate

Getting your Medium Of Instruction Certificates or English Proficiency Letter doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require careful planning and attention to detail.

Start by contacting your university’s registry or academic records office, as they’re typically responsible for issuing these documents.

Most Nigerian universities have established procedures for handling these requests, given the increasing number of students pursuing international education.

However, processing times can vary significantly between institutions, so start this process early in your application timeline.

Required documents for your application typically include:

• Completed application form (usually available from the registry)
• Copy of your degree certificate
• Academic transcripts
• Valid identification (national ID card or passport)
• Application fee payment receipt

Prepare a formal request letter addressing the registrar or appropriate academic officer.

Your letter should clearly state that you need a Medium Of Instruction Certificate for international university admission purposes.

Be specific about the destination country and university if known, as some institutions tailor their certificates to meet specific requirements.

Follow these key steps for a smooth application:

• Visit your university’s official website to download application forms
• Complete all sections accurately and legibly
• Attach required supporting documents
• Pay applicable fees through official channels
• Submit your application through proper channels
• Follow up regularly on processing status

Processing times typically range from one to four weeks, depending on your university’s efficiency and current workload. Some institutions offer expedited services for urgent applications, though this usually comes with additional fees.

Universities and Countries That Accept These Documents

The acceptance of Medium Of Instruction Certificates and English Proficiency Letter varies significantly across different countries and institutions. You need to understand which universities accept these documents to save you time, money, and stress during your application process.

Canadian universities are generally very accepting of Medium Of Instruction Certificates, especially for students from countries where English is the official language of education.

You are exempt from submitting an English language proficiency examination score if any one of the following conditions is true at the time of application to Waterloo – including completion of education in English-medium institutions.

Many UK universities accept these certificates, particularly for postgraduate programs.

However, requirements can vary between institutions and even between different programs within the same university. Some prestigious universities might still require standardized test scores regardless of your Medium Of Instruction Certificate.

Australian institutions increasingly recognize these documents, especially for students from Commonwealth countries with English-medium education systems.

New Zealand follows similar policies, often accepting certificates from recognized international institutions.

German universities offering English-taught programs frequently accept Medium Of Instruction Certificates, making them an excellent option for Nigerian students seeking quality European education.

Similarly, universities in the Netherlands, Finland, and Malta often have flexible policies regarding these documents.

Countries with high acceptance rates include:

• Canada (most provinces and institutions)
• Australia (majority of universities)
• New Zealand (most institutions)
• Ireland (increasing acceptance)
• Some UK institutions (program-dependent)

However, always verify specific requirements with your target universities, as policies can change and vary between programs.

What works for one university might not work for another, even within the same country.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many Nigerian students make preventable errors when obtaining or submitting their Medium Of Instruction Certificates.

These mistakes can delay applications, result in rejections, or force students to scramble for alternative documentation at the last minute.

One frequent error is requesting certificates too late in the application process.

Universities need time to process these documents, and rushing can lead to incomplete or incorrect certificates. Start this process at least 8-12 weeks before your application deadline to allow for potential delays or revisions.

Students often submit certificates with incomplete information or poor documentation quality.

Blurry scans, missing signatures, or faded institutional seals can render your certificate invalid. Ensure you receive high-quality, properly authenticated documents that clearly display all required information.

Another common mistake is assuming all universities have identical requirements for English Proficiency Letter or Medium Of Instruction Certificates.

Each institution has specific criteria, formatting preferences, and authentication requirements. Research each university’s exact requirements before submitting your documents.

Some students fail to verify their certificate’s accuracy before submission.

Check that your name, degree details, graduation dates, and other crucial information match your other academic documents. Inconsistencies can raise red flags and complicate your application process.

Don’t assume that having a Medium Of Instruction Certificate guarantees acceptance of your English proficiency.

Some universities might still require additional evidence, interviews, or conditional admission based on your English skills during the first semester.

Cost Comparison: Certificates vs. Standardized Tests

The financial advantages of Medium Of Instruction Certificates over standardized English tests make them particularly attractive for Nigerian students.

While IELTS costs approximately ₦90,000-₦120,000 and TOEFL can cost even more, most Nigerian universities charge between ₦5,000-₦15,000 for Medium Of Instruction Certificates.

This cost difference becomes even more significant when you consider that standardized tests have expiration dates.

IELTS and TOEFL scores are typically valid for only two years, meaning students who don’t gain admission immediately might need to retake these expensive tests. Medium Of Instruction Certificates, however, remain valid indefinitely since they document historical facts about your education.

The hidden costs of standardized tests extend beyond registration fees. Students often invest in preparation courses, study materials, and multiple test attempts to achieve required scores.

These additional expenses can easily double or triple the total cost of proving English proficiency through traditional methods.

Time is another crucial factor in this cost comparison.

Standardized tests require weeks or months of preparation, study time that could be invested in other aspects of your application or academic work.

Obtaining a Medium Of Instruction Certificate typically requires minimal time investment once you’ve submitted your application.

Financial benefits of certificates include:

• Lower upfront costs (often 10-20% of standardized test fees)
• No expiration dates requiring retesting
• No preparation course expenses
• Reduced stress and time investment

However, remember that not all universities accept these certificates, so you might still need to budget for standardized tests as backup options.

Research your target institutions’ policies before making final decisions about English proficiency documentation.

Tips for International University Applications

Successfully using your Medium Of Instruction Certificates or English Proficiency Letter requires strategic planning and thorough research.

Start by creating a comprehensive list of your target universities and their specific English proficiency requirements.

Contact admissions offices directly to confirm their current policies regarding Medium Of Instruction Certificates.

Email communication creates a paper trail and ensures you have accurate, up-to-date information. Don’t rely solely on website information, as policies can change between application cycles.

When submitting your certificate, include a cover letter explaining your educational background and the role of English in Nigerian higher education.

This context helps admissions officers understand the legitimacy and relevance of your documentation.

Consider obtaining multiple certified copies of your certificate, as some universities require original documents while others accept certified copies.

Having several copies prevents delays if documents are lost or if you’re applying to multiple institutions simultaneously.

Prepare backup plans in case some universities don’t accept your certificate.

Research alternative English proficiency options, including online tests or university-specific English assessments that might be more affordable or accessible than traditional standardized tests.

Study With FM Nigeria has successfully guided thousands of students through these processes, leveraging our 20-year experience to navigate complex admission requirements.

Our expertise spans universities across multiple countries, giving us unique insights into what works and what doesn’t in different educational systems.

Conclusion

Medium Of Instruction Certificates and English Proficiency Letter represent powerful tools for Nigerian students pursuing international education. These documents offer cost-effective, accessible alternatives to expensive standardized tests while providing legitimate proof of English language competency.

The key to success lies in understanding specific university requirements, obtaining properly authenticated documents, and submitting complete applications well ahead of deadlines. With careful planning and proper documentation, these certificates can open doors to world-class education opportunities across multiple countries.

Remember that every student’s journey is unique, and what works for one application might not work for another.

So, research thoroughly, prepare multiple options, and don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance when navigating complex admission requirements.

At Study With FM Nigeria, we’ve seen countless students achieve their international education dreams using these certificates.

With proper guidance and documentation, your Medium Of Instruction Certificates or English Proficiency Letter can be your pathway to studying at top universities worldwide.

Note / Disclaimer:

The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and is based on the most current data available as of September 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness, policies regarding Medium Of Instruction Certificates, English Proficiency Letters, and university requirements may vary between institutions and are subject to change without notice. Prospective students are strongly advised to independently verify the specific English language proficiency requirements and document acceptance criteria directly with their target universities and official admission offices prior to application. Study With FM Nigeria and the authors of this post do not guarantee admission or acceptance of any documents discussed herein. This content does not constitute legal, immigration, or official academic advice. Students should seek professional guidance as needed for their individual circumstances. Use of any information from this blog is at the user’s own risk.