Malaysian University English Test (MUET)

If you're a pre-university student, you probably have heard of MUET. 

This study guide will tell you everything you need to know about MUET and how this local English test can help you gain successful entry to your dream local university in Malaysia.

What is MUET?

MUET is an abbreviation or acronym for Malaysian University English Test. It is a language proficiency test that measures English language skills for students who are still enrolled at the pre-university level in Malaysia. It is administered and supervised by the Malaysian Examination Council (MEC).

This test applies to STPM, Matriculation, Foundation and Diploma students who are planning to apply for their first degree programme at a local university. The general requirements given by the university typically include MUET results.

MUET plays an important part to ensure you secure a spot at the universities you applied for, along with the other subjects you take in pre-university.

MUET is accepted by universities in Malaysia and Singapore only. It doesn’t qualify for other universities abroad. For oversea university application, you might need to take other English proficiency tests that has international qualification like TOEFL and IELTS.

Also read: MUET vs TOEFL vs IELTS

When is MUET held?

MUET is conducted 3 times per year, so you are free to choose which month is suitable for you to take the test.

How to register for MUET?

There are two ways on you can register for your MUET exam:

1. Register at your respective institution
For pre-university students, you must register at your respective institution. There will be an announcement informing you once the registration is open.

2. Register online for private candidates
Private candidates are allowed to register through MPM’s official website. You may read the full step-by-step guide here.

Be sure to be alert on the registration deadlines.

How much does it cost?

The fees for MUET exam as of 2023 is RM 100.

Payment must be made by purchasing MEC PIN number at Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) counter or internet banking. You will be charged RM1 for every MEC PIN number purchase.

The purchase of the PIN number cannot be refunded if the candidate fails to register before the deadline. 

MEC PIN can also be purchased through internet banking at Majlis Peperiksaan Malaysia.

Successful payments will be shown on the MUET Registration Statement or Penyata Pendaftaran MUET (MUET/PP) for the candidate’s reference.

You can read more information about MUET on Demand fee and schedule for 2023 here. 

MUET exam structure

There will be four components for MUET exam, which consists of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

The test is divided according to the components and candidate will be given a duration of 3 hours and 50 minutes altogether to complete the test.

Here is how you will be tested for each component:

Listening

• 50 minutes
• Divided into five parts with 30 questions
• Types of question: Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) and Multiple Matching

Reading

• 75 minutes
• Divided into seven parts with 40 questions
• Type of questions: Multiple Choice Question (MCQ), Multiple Matching and gapped texts with options

Writing

• 75 minutes
• Two tasks involved
• Task 1: Write a letter/email (100-135 words)
• Task 2: You will be given the topic or issue to write an essay about (at least 250 words)

Speaking

• 30 minutes
• Two tasks involved
• Task 1: Individual presentation (2 minutes to prepare, 2 minutes to present)
• Task 2: Group discussion that consists a maximum of four candidates. Every candidate has to come up with points and decide among group members which point is the best. Every group will be allocated 8-12 minutes to discuss.

How does MUET evaluation work?

Candidates will be assessed from their Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing skills.

Here are how the scores are divided:

Your average score across the 4 components will decide your MUET Band, from Band 1 as the lowest to Band 5+ as the highest. The higher the score you achieved, the higher the band you will get.

If you’re wondering what does each band means, you may refer here.

What band do I need to achieve for MUET?

This entirely depends on the university and the programme you are applying to. Some courses might require you to obtain higher bands, while some could be lower.

For example, if you want to pursue courses like Medicine, Law, TESL or English Linguistics/Literature, you are required to achieve Band 4 and above.

This is why it is important for you to set your own goal and always be ready to take this test. If you do not meet the minimum requirement or get a band below the requirements, you could be asked to take additional English courses throughout the programme.

Getting your MUET result and how to check

Once you’re done and dusted with your MUET test, the result slip you receive will indicate the marks you managed to score for all four components respectively, then you will be able to see the MUET band you obtained.

You can check your MUET result online from MEC’s website or by SMS.

Tips for MUET exam

Want to score the highest MUET band? It will not be difficult if you prepare yourself in advance by doing a lot of practice. Some of you might do well for reading, listening, and writing, but get stuck at speaking. How to improve and be confident in all tests?

Below are some of the tips that you can use:

1. Do a group study

If you are currently taking a diploma, foundation or matriculation programme, you will have other friends who are required to take the test as well. It’s a good idea for you to get together and plan your own study group. It can be a small group of 4-6 people. You might find it hard to focus if there are more people in the group.

Set one rule among your friends to only speak in English; this will technically help your language skills. There will always be someone in the group who is fluent in English, that person can be one who helps you and your friends to do well for MUET.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes! That is how you can learn and grow.

2. Set your own target

Make sure you have a target for which band you want to achieve. Challenge yourself and be sure to motivate yourself to work hard and hit your target.

If you need help from your lecturers,  you can always reach out to them. Find ways on how to improve your language skills before the exam date approaches. There are also online tutorials you can find everywhere on the internet, and you don’t have to pay because it’s mostly free!

3. Do a lot of exercises

If you go to the bookstores, you can find a lot of exercise books on MUET tests. By doing a lot of practice, you will be able to get yourself accustomed to the format of the tests and at the same time, hone your English language skills.

Besides buying physical exercise books, you can also find some exercises online and you can download them all for free. It’s just one Google search away!

4. Read MUET guide
The most important part is where you understand the whole structure of the test. You don’t want to take a test that you know nothing about. Like the guide we’re giving you here, you can simply browse it on your phone or laptop, and jot down any important points for your own reference.

FAQ

1. How long is the validity period for MUET certificate?
It will only be valid for 5 years from the date of the MUET result comes out.

2. Can I do an appeal for rechecking/remarking of my MUET results?
Yes, you can. You can print the form for rechecking your MUET's results through MEC's portal. The closing date for the appeal is one week after the results are announced. You will be charged RM70 for this appeal.

3. How do I apply for a change/transfer of test centre?
You are required to fill in the MUET/C2 form through MEC's portal and submit the application to the State Education Department/MEC. You will be charged RM25 for this application.

4. Can I change the date for the Speaking test?
Yes, you can, but under the condition that you have to submit an official application to MEC before the date of the test. You must include your personal details, index number, a new date which you would like to take the exam and the reason with proof.

5. Can I postpone my MUET test?
No, you cannot.

6. Can I opt out from taking MUET test?
No, you cannot. If you wish to cancel your application, be reminded that the fees you paid will not be refunded. However, your request can be considered if you’re under the following cases:

a) Candidate who suffer from a prolonged illness with a confirmation letter from the Government Medical Officer.

b) Deceased candidate. Family members or representative can send a copy of death certificate to MEC for refund processes. 

7. How do I apply for withdrawal?
You may apply for withdrawal by filling in the application form here.