What Is an English Proficiency Certificate and Where to Get One

If you've started researching fully funded scholarships, you've probably come across the term English Proficiency Certificate, sometimes shortened to EPL, and wondered how it differs from a standard English test like IELTS or TOEFL. Many international scholarships and universities now accept this document as an alternative, which can save applicants both time and money. This guide explains exactly what it is, how to request one, and which countries and programs currently accept it.

You may also want to read our companion guide: How to Write an Effective Motivation Letter in 2026.

What Is an English Proficiency Certificate

An English Proficiency Certificate is a formal letter or document, usually issued by your previous school, college, or university, confirming that your prior education was conducted in English. In practical terms, it's an official statement that the medium of instruction throughout your degree was English, which many universities accept as sufficient evidence of your language ability without requiring a separate standardized test score.

For students who completed their previous degree in English but don't have the time, budget, or immediate need to sit for IELTS or TOEFL, this certificate can be a genuinely useful shortcut, provided the specific scholarship or university you're applying to accepts it.

How to Request an English Proficiency Letter

Getting this certificate is usually more straightforward than most students expect.

Start by contacting the institution where you completed your previous degree. If you're applying for a bachelor's program, this typically means your high school or the relevant academic office. If you're applying for a master's or PhD, it means the university where you completed your prior degree.

From there, identify the right person to request it from, often a professor, department chair, dean, or the relevant administrative office. Many institutions already have a standard template for this exact purpose, since it's a common request from students applying abroad.

In most cases, the letter is issued free of charge, though some institutions may charge a small administrative fee. Either way, the process is usually a matter of a short request and a brief wait, rather than a complicated bureaucratic process.

Which Countries and Scholarships Accept an English Proficiency Certificate

Acceptance varies significantly by country, university, and even by specific scholarship program, so this list should be treated as a general starting point rather than an exhaustive guide:

• Germany
• Malaysia
• South Korea
• Thailand
• Italy
• Japan (including the MEXT Scholarship)
• Several countries within Europe (including some Erasmus-funded programs)
• Some universities in Australia
• Some universities in Canada

Because this list changes and varies by specific program, the most reliable approach is always to check the eligibility criteria of the exact scholarship or university you're applying to.

How to Tell If a Program Accepts It

When reviewing eligibility requirements, look for language along the lines of "applicants who completed their previous degree at an English-medium institution are exempt from IELTS/TOEFL requirements." If a program includes wording like this, it generally means a properly issued English Proficiency Certificate will satisfy their language requirement in place of a standardized test score.

If the eligibility criteria don't mention anything like this, it's worth reaching out directly to the university's admissions office to confirm, rather than assuming either way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an English Proficiency Certificate the same as an IELTS or TOEFL score? No. It's an institutional letter confirming your prior education was conducted in English, rather than a standardized test score. Some programs treat it as an acceptable substitute, but not all.

Can I use this certificate for any scholarship? Not automatically. Each scholarship or university sets its own policy, so you need to confirm eligibility for each program individually rather than assuming universal acceptance.

Does the certificate expire? Most institutions don't set an expiration date on this type of letter, though some universities may ask for a certificate issued within a certain recent timeframe. Always check the specific program's requirements.

What if my previous institution doesn't have a template for this letter? You can politely ask the relevant department or administrative office to draft one confirming your medium of instruction. Sample formats are widely available online if your institution needs a reference point.

Is there a fee for requesting this certificate? It depends on the institution. Many issue it free of charge as a standard administrative service, though some may charge a small processing fee.

Final Thoughts

An English Proficiency Certificate can be a genuinely useful tool for students who studied in English but want to avoid the cost and scheduling hassle of a formal language test. The key is confirming, program by program, whether it's accepted, since requirements vary widely across countries and institutions. When in doubt, request the certificate from your previous institution early, and keep a copy on hand so it's ready whenever a scholarship application allows you to use it.