MUET is also an English Language test that is known among pre-university students. This exam is often spoken among friends and lecturers for your next future study plans at the undergraduate level.
Many students are confused about MUET and how it works? This study guide will help you learn more about MUET and its preparations for you to get into the university of your choice.
Apply For MUET Online Coaching Free Demo
What is MUET?
Malaysian University English Test is the full form of MUET. It is a language test for students who are enrolled in the pre-university level in Malaysia. It is organized and supervised by the Malaysian Examination Council (MEC).
If you are a student of STPM, Matriculation, Foundation level, and Diploma who is applying for a first-degree programme at any local UNiversity can appear for the MUET exam. Generally, most of the University requires MUET results, hence, make sure to give the test and hand over the certificate along with your application at the University Office.
Your grades on the MUET exam is an important part of securing a place for you at the university you have applied to. However, MUET grades do not affect your pre-university programme grades.
This MUET exam certificate is only accepted by Malaysia and Singapore Universities. For other countries, you can appear in the TOEFL or IELTS exams which are internationally recognized.
When is MUET held?
MUET is administered thrice a year, which is around March, July, and November. It is as per your choice to select the month you want to give the exam. For mid-year exams, the registrations are opened between mid-January and early February. The registration for the end of the year opens in early May and closes by early July.
How to register for MUET
Two ways to register for the MUET exam.
1. Pre-University students can register at your respective institution. You will be informed about the same once the registration is open.
2. Private candidates can register online. You are allowed to register through MPM’s official website.
Do keep the registration deadlines in mind.
How much does it cost?
The registration fees for MUET only cost RM101 in total. The exam fees are structured as follows:
| Registration fees |
RM40 |
| Subject fee |
RM60 |
| MEC PIN number |
RM1 |
| Total |
RM101 |
Payment must be made by purchasing the MEC PIN number at Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) counter or internet banking. You will be charged RM1 for every MEC PIN number purchase.
Once you purchase the PIN number it cannot be refunded if the candidate fails to register before the deadline. You can only use this PIN number only once to sign up, you cannot use this for your next MUET test sessions.
The MEC PIN can also be purchased through internet banking at Majlis Peperiksaan Malaysia.
Once the payment is Successfully made it will be shown on the MUET Registration Statement or Penyata Pendaftaran MUET (MUET/PP) for the candidate’s reference.
MUET exam requirements
The test is offered to candidates who have sat in any of the following:
- Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM)
- Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia Vokasinal
- Malaysia Certificate of Education
- Federation of Malaya Certificate of Education
- Cambridge School Certificate
- Education for 10 years equivalent to O-level
If you have passed other examinations other than those listed above, you are allowed to register for MUET, but you must first obtain permission from the Malaysian Examination Council.
MUET exam structure
Below are the four papers offered for MUET:
| Paper Code |
Paper Name |
| 800/1 |
Listening (30 minit) |
| 800/2 |
Speaking (30 minit) |
| 800/3 |
Reading (90 minit) |
| 800/4 |
Writing (90 minit) |
All the English Proficiency tests have four components so does the MUET exam too. It incorporates Reading, Writing, listening, and speaking skills.
According to candidates and components, the test is divided into a duration of 4 hours altogether to complete the test.
Below is the list of how each component will be tested:
Listening
- 30 minutes
- Divided into three parts with 20 questions
- Types of question: Information transfer, short-answer questions, Multiple Choice Question (MCQ)
Reading
- 1 hour and 30 minutes
- 45 questions
- Type of questions: Multiple Choice Question (MCQ)
- The candidate will be given 6 texts or articles that contain 200 - 700 words.
Writing
- 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Divided into two sections, A and B
- Section A: Write a summary essay or report based on charts/graphs/table analysis given (150-200 words)
- Section B: You will be given the topic or issue to write an essay about (350 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 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 10 minutes to discuss.
How does MUET evaluation work?
You will be evaluated by Listening, Speaking, Reading, and writing skills. You will be scored by these four components separately, which will lead to a total score of your ranking in the MUET exam.
Below are the scores which are divided into each component:
| Component |
Maximum score |
Overall percentage |
| Listening |
45 marks |
15% |
| Speaking |
45 marks |
15% |
| Reading |
120 marks |
40% |
| Writing |
90 marks |
30% |
| Total |
300 |
100% |
The average score of your total four components will decide your MUET BAND SCORE. Band 1 being the lowest andn 6 being the highest. The higher the points the higher band you will acquire.
The table below shows you what each band means.
| Component |
Maximum Score |
Overall Percentage |
| Listening |
45 Marks |
15% |
| Speaking |
45 Marks |
15% |
| Reading |
120 Marks |
40% |
| Writing |
90 Marks |
30% |
| Total |
300 |
100% |
What band do I need to achieve for MUET?
The university you have selected and the programme you are applying for decides what band you need to clear the MUET exam. You might need to score higher or lower as per the course you have selected.
In Medicine, Law, TESL, or English Linguistics/Literature, you are required to achieve Band 4 and above.
It is very crucial for you to set your own goal and achieve the required score. If you do not score as needed then you may require to take additional courses throughout your programme period.
Getting your MUET result and how to check
Once you have appeared for the MUET exam then it will take at least 10 weeks until the results are declared. In the result slip, it will show you a break up of all the scores you achieved in each component respectively, so you can see the MUET band you acquired.
Tips for MUET exam
We help you with few tips for getting the highest MUET Band. If you prepare well before the D Day then you can score much higher. Preparation in advance is much needed for the same.
1. Group Study
A group study with your friends who are appearing for a diploma, matriculation, or foundation programme. It always helps to group study to discuss and plan about the same. A small group of 3-5 people should help you more to concentrate and finish the syllabus for the MUET exam.
While planning the group study make sure that you make a point to speak only in English which will help in all four components as every component is linked to each other. It will also prepare you to speak in English much before your MUET exam.
2. Setting your own target
Like every individual wants to reach a particular destination, you should also have an aim to clear the MUET at the first attempt and reach the desired Band. Challenging oneself and motivating oneself is the need of the hour.
Your lecturers are always there to motivate and help you with your preparations, please make sure to get in touch with them. You can also take online tutorials where you do not require to pay anything.
3. Read and practice a lot of exercise books:
Most of the bookstores have a lot of study material for MUET tests. A lot of practice will get you accustomed to the format of the test and your English language skills.
Apart from buying books, you will find books online too. You just need to download them for free. Just google it.
4. Read the MUET guide
It is very important for you to understand how the structure of MUET works. Other Than that it is difficult for you to get through the exam. It is better to jot down any important points or references while you can log in through your phone or laptop.
FAQ
1. What is the validity period for a MUET certificate?
The MUET Certificate is only valid for 5 years from the date of the result declared.
2. Can I request for rechecking/remarking of my MUET results?
Yes, you can. You can download the appeal form. You can request only up to one week after the results are out. After that, the windows for the same will be closed. Remember, there will be a charge of RM70 which will be charged to you.
3. How do I transfer to a different test center if needed?
You are required to fill a printable form and submit the application to MEC through the respective Jabatan Pelajaran Negeri, two months prior to the test date. A charge of RM25 will be charged to you.
4. Is the date for the Speaking test changeable?
Yes, you can, but once you submit an official application to MEC one week before the date of the test. You must include your personal details, queue number, a new date which you would like to take the exam and the reason with proof.
5. Can I postpone my MUET test?
Unfortunately, you cannot.
6. Can I opt-out of taking the MUET test?
No, you cannot. But if you still want to cancel your test then you will have to remember that the fees are not refunded. However, your request can be looked upon on special cases given below:
a) Illness: Candidates who aren't keeping well and not able to take the test can submit a doctor’s certificate and request a refund to the MEC
.b) Deceased candidate: If unfortunately a candidate is deceased then the family member can claim the fee back by submitting the death certificate to MEC for a refund process.
