Malaysian University English Test (MUET)

What is MUET?

MUET stands for the Malaysian University English Test. It is an English language proficiency test conducted in Malaysia to evaluate the English skills of pre-university students. This exam is administered and overseen by the Malaysian Examinations Council (MEC).

For students in pre-university programs such as STPM, Matriculation, Foundation, or Diploma, taking the MUET exam is important, especially if you plan to apply for your first degree at a local university. This is because a MUET score is one of the general requirements set by Malaysia's universities.

But, please note that the results of this English test are only accepted by universities in Malaysia and Singapore. If you wish to study abroad, you will need to take other English proficiency tests with international recognition, such as TOEFL or IELTS, which are also available in Malaysia.

If you want to find out more about TOEFL and IELTS, click here for the information you need.

When will the MUET test be held in Malaysia?

Just so you know, the MUET examination is held 3 times annually, categorized into Sessions 1, 2, and 3. 

It's essential to stay informed about these exam sessions to make sure that you don't miss the registration deadlines and to choose a suitable location to take the exam. You need to ensure that both your selected dates and venue are appropriate for you to participate in the test.

How to register for MUET?

There are a few ways you can sign up for this English test, such as:

1. Registration for private candidates

Starting in 2024, pre-university students registering for the MUET exam will no longer need MEC PINs. You can register through the official website and pay online using internet banking.

2. Register at your respective institution

For institutional candidates, you can register for the MUET exam using MEC PINs, internet banking, myBSN, or ATM. If you opt for MEC PIN registration, you can buy them individually or in bulk from the MUET coordinator at Bank Simpanan Nasional. But, please note that BSN will charge an extra RM1.00 per candidate for each MEC PIN purchase.

How much does it cost?

As per the official MEC website, the fee for individuals intending to sit for the Malaysian University English Test is RM150.00.

Once you have made the payment based on the specified amount, that successful payment will be reflected on the MUET Registration Statement or Penyata Pendaftaran MUET (MUET/PP) for candidates' future reference.

Important note: The fee for purchasing MEC PINs is non-refundable if candidates fail to register by the specified date. Also, once purchased, MEC PINs cannot be used for registering in subsequent MUET sessions. So, if you're a registered MUET candidate through an institution, keep an eye out for announcements about MUET registration when it opens.

What does the format of the Malaysian University English Test (MUET) look like?

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?

You will be assessed from your 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.

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 taking the 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.

Frequent Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.