As globalization reshapes education and professional landscapes, more students and professionals are required to present academic documentation to foreign institutions, immigration authorities, or credential evaluation agencies. Two of the most commonly requested documents are the Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate and the Academic Transcript. Though often confused or incorrectly used interchangeably, these two documents serve very different purposes, follow distinct formats, and are verified through separate processes.
This in-depth blog aims to explore the 8 key differences between the MOI certificate and the transcript, helping you understand when to use which, how to request them, and what role each plays in academic and professional validation, particularly in international applications.
1. Purpose and Function
Transcript:
A transcript is a detailed academic record issued by a university or college. It reflects the coursework completed by the student, semester-wise marks or grades earned, and the cumulative academic performance throughout the program.
MOI (Medium of Instruction):
The MOI certificate serves as a formal declaration that a student’s course was taught in a particular language—usually English in the context of international education. It does not include subject-wise performance but certifies the language of instruction for your degree.
Key Difference:
Transcripts evaluate your academic performance, while MOI confirms the language medium of your education.
2. Content
Transcript Includes:
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Name of the institution
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Student details (name, roll number, program)
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Subjects/courses taken
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Grades/marks awarded per subject
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Year/semester of study
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Total credits and GPA (if applicable)
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Official stamp and signature
MOI Includes:
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Name of the institution
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Student details (name, roll number, program)
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Statement confirming the language of instruction (usually English)
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Period of study (start and end year)
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Official stamp and signature
Key Difference:
Transcripts are detailed and data-heavy, while MOIs are brief and language-specific.
3. Document Format
Transcript:
Usually consists of multiple pages—one per academic year or semester. It is issued in a university-sealed envelope and is often considered valid only if unopened.
MOI Certificate:
Typically a one-page letter or certificate issued on the university’s letterhead, sometimes also sealed depending on the recipient’s requirement.
Key Difference:
Transcripts are comprehensive records in tabular formats, while MOI certificates are formal statements.
4. Use in Credential Evaluation and Immigration
Transcript:
Mandatory for international credential evaluations such as WES (World Education Services), ICAS, CES, or IQAS. Transcripts form the basis for assessing your qualification’s equivalency in another country.
MOI Certificate:
Required primarily for language proficiency exemption. In some countries like Canada or the UK, universities may waive IELTS/TOEFL requirements if an MOI is provided. Some immigration processes also consider MOI as proof of English proficiency.
Key Difference:
Transcripts are essential for qualification equivalency, while MOI is supplementary for language assessment.
5. Who Requires It?
Transcript Is Typically Required By:
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Credential evaluation bodies (WES, IQAS, ICES, CES)
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Foreign universities for admission
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Licensing authorities for regulated professions
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Immigration agencies for education verification
MOI Is Typically Required By:
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Foreign universities for English language exemption
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Immigration authorities (in lieu of IELTS)
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Employers verifying English communication background
Key Difference:
Transcripts are widely required across all academic and professional scenarios, while MOI is context-specific.
6. Authenticity and Verification Process
Transcript Verification:
Must come directly from the university or through an authorized service provider. Agencies like WES only accept transcripts if sent directly by the institution. Most universities issue sealed and stamped copies.
MOI Verification:
Can also be issued directly by the university but may not always require sealed envelopes. However, some global institutions may request sealed MOIs for authenticity.
Key Difference:
Both documents require authenticity, but transcripts involve a stricter, multi-step verification process compared to MOI certificates.
7. Processing Time
Transcript:
Can take 2 to 6 weeks or more depending on university procedures. Transcripts may involve accessing archives, consolidating data, and verification before issue.
MOI:
Faster to issue—often ready within a week if records are readily available. Some universities even issue MOIs within 2–3 business days upon request.
Key Difference:
Transcripts are time-consuming due to complexity, while MOIs are quicker to process.
8. Cost Implications
Transcript Costs:
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University transcript fees
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Courier charges (if required)
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Additional cost for urgent processing or multiple copies
MOI Certificate Costs:
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Usually less expensive
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Charges may apply only for postage or institutional service fees
Our Services – FACTS Transcripts
We at FACTS Transcripts assist in various services, including:
- Mark Sheet Transcripts
- E-Transcripts
- Duplicate Mark Sheets & Degree Certificates
- Medium of Instructions Certificates
- Attestations
- HRD Attestation / Apostille Services
- ECA (Educational Credentials Assessment)
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