Is it permissible to pay a sum of money to someone to obtain a TOEFL or IELTS certificate without taking the exam, in order to bypass the university's requirement for master's studies, knowing that not obtaining the certificate will hinder the completion of studies, and that current circumstances prevent obtaining it through traditional means?

It is not permissible to buy a forged certificate, due to the prohibition of forgery. Allah Almighty says: ﴿So avoid the uncleanliness of idols and avoid false statement﴾ [Al-Hajj:30]. And the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Whoever cheats is not one of us." And the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Shall I not inform you of the greatest of the major sins?" We said: "Yes, O Messenger of Allah." He said: "Associating partners with Allah, and disobedience to parents." He was reclining, then he sat up and said: "And beware, false speech and false witness." He kept repeating it until we said: "Would that he would stop." Forgery includes deception in documents and records, and imitating the handwriting and signatures of others with the intention of deceit and falsehood.