What is MUET?
MUET, which actually stands for The Malaysian University English Test is an English test that was developed by the government of Malaysia in order to establish a standard for English proficiency among Malaysian students. Its skills are managed by the Malaysian Examination Council (MEC).
Students who desire to enrol in a first-degree programme at one of Malaysia’s local universities are required to take the MUET, as is the case with all STPM (Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia) and matriculation students, as well as diploma and pre-university students.
MUET does not have any prerequisites for prospective students. MUET will be an automatically necessary topic for all students studying for the STPM and matriculation examinations; however, it will not be reflected on your result sheet. Candidates for the STPM and matriculation examinations will have their own individual score slip.
Check out these English test options if you’re interested in studying abroad > MUET vs IELTS vs TOEFL: Which English Test To Take?
MUET Exam Structure
Listening, reading, writing, and oral communication are the four subtests that will make up the MUET. The exam is broken up into its component parts, and each candidate will have a total of 4 hours to complete the examination.
The following is a rundown of how you will be evaluated on each component:
Details | LISTENING | READING | WRITING | SPEAKING |
Duration | 30 minutes | 1 hour and 30 minutes | 1 hour and 30 minutes | 30 minutes |
Test Structure | 3 parts with 20 questions | 45 questions | Two sections: A – Summary essay (150-200 words) B – Topic essay (350 words) | Two tasks: 1 – Individual presentation 2 – Group discussion |
Evaluation | 45 marks > 15% | 120 marks > 40% | 90 marks > 30% | 45 marks > 15% |
The results for the test include the scores for each of the four separate papers, with score ranging from Band 1 to Band 6. Band 3 is considered to be the standard grade for MUET. If they score any lower than Band 1 or Band 2, they will be required to attend two more English classes over the summer break from school. Students who get a Band 3 and a Band 4 will only be required to take one more course above what is already required. Students who get a Band 5 or Band 6 on the assessment are eligible to be excused from taking the additional class.
Note: This may be different for each institution due to the way in which their respective curricula are organised.
MUET Band Score | Aggregated Score | Description |
Band 6 | 260 – 300 | Very good command of the language. Language that is very expressive, fluent, correct, and suitable. There are very few mistakes in a language. Very good command of the language as well as the context in which it is used. Carries out very well in the language. |
Band 5 | 220 – 259 | Good command of the language. Language that is expressive, fluent, correct, and suitable, yet with some slight mistakes here and there. A strong command of the language as well as its context. Carries out well in the language. |
Band 4 | 180 – 219 | Satisfactory command of the language. To the point, expressive, and easy to understand. Appropriate terminology, albeit with a few mistakes here and there. Carries out satisfactory in the language. |
Band 3 | 140 – 179 | Modest command of the language. Language that is adequately expressive and fluent for the situation, but with apparent mistakes throughout. Carries out modesty in the language |
Band 2 | 101 – 139 | Limited command of the language. A breakdown in communication due to a lack of expressiveness, fluency, and appropriateness. Limited comprehension of both the language and the situation. Carries out limitedly in the language. |
Band 1 | Below 100 | Poor command of the language. Inability to explain thoughts via the use of words; frequent communication breakdowns due to improper use of language. Limited comprehension of language and the circumstances in which it is used. Carries out poorly in the language. |
MUET fees for 2023 are as below:
Description | Local Student | International Student |
Registration Fee | RM40 | RM120 |
Subject Fee | RM60 | RM230 |
Total | RM100 | RM350 |
Purchase of a MEC PIN number (RM1.00) from Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) or payment of fees through online banking are the only two acceptable methods for making payments.
For more information, please contact us now!
Why take MUET?
The minimum required score for passing the MUET test is determined by both the institution that you have chosen and the programme for which you are applying. It’s possible that the grade you get has to be higher or lower, depending on the path you choose.
At least a Band 4 score is necessary for admission into the fields of medicine, law, teaching English to speakers of other languages, and English linguistics and literature. There are more programmes that require at least Band 3 and Band 4 for their admission, which are:
It is of the utmost importance for you to choose your own objective and complete the task with the needed score. In the event that you do not get the required score, it is possible that you may be required to attend extra classes over the duration of your programme.
Want to know more about what you’ll be studying in MUET? Contact us now!
MUET Registration
The MUET used to take place just twice a year, once in the middle of the year between the months of April and May, and once at the end of the year between the months of October and November. Since 2012, however, the MUET has been held up to three times every year, namely in the months of March, July, and November.
There are TWO ways for you to register:
ONE: Registration is required at the pre-university level, you need to do it at the appropriate institution. When it is time for you to register, there will be an announcement made to let you know about it.
TWO: The registration process for private candidates may be completed on the MPM’s main website. You can find the comprehensive instructions broken down into steps right here.
For more information about MUET, please get in touch with us!
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Nik Noor Fatihah
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