A comprehensive guide to the MUET

What is the MUET?

The Malaysian University English Test (MUET) is an English proficiency test similar to the IELTS or TOEFL test. Universities use it to test prospective students’ English language proficiency before studying with them.

Who needs to take MUET?

MUET is a prerequisite for admission into all public universities and colleges in Malaysia and a few in Singapore, like the National University of Singapore. In the UK, Manchester Metropolitan University and the  University of East London also recognise MUET.

MUET grades can be a significant factor in securing a place at university. Public servants in Malaysia are also encouraged to take MUET as an English qualification and to broaden their career prospects.

When is the MUET taken?

There are three opportunities in the year to take the MUET: May, July and December. Registrations open roughly six months before each test.

How do I take the MUET?

You must register to take the test, this can be done online for private students at the Malaysian Examinations Council website, who oversee the test. Pre-University students can register via their respective institutions.

How much does the MUET cost?

The MUET costs a total of RM150.00. If you are happy with your result, you can apply to have it checked, though this will cost RM90.00. Usually, the Writing, Reading and Listening parts of the test are done on the same day, while the Speaking section is tested on another day close to that date.

What are the MUET components?

The MUET exam consists of four sections or components. These are:

1. MUET Listening 
2. MUET Speaking 
3. MUET Reading
4. MUET Writing

1. MUET Listening

The details of the MUET exam listening section are:

• Length: 50 mins
• Five parts comprising of 30 multiple choice questions
• Maximum score: 90 marks
• Weighting: 25 per cent

You are given 15 to 30 seconds to read the questions before the audio is played for each part. The multiple choice questions are based five parts:

1. A dialogue between two people

   1. Seven MCQs with three options. CEFR level A2 - B1

2. A monologue in the form of a lecture/talk/briefing

   1. Seven MCQs with three options. CEFR level B1 - B2

3. Three monologues from three people

   1. Answer three questions from a selection of five answers (A-E). CEFR level B2

4. One dialogue

   1. Seven MCQs with three options. CEFR level B2

5. Three short dialogues between two people

   1. Six questions, two questions based on each dialogue. CEFR level B2 - C1

Top tip: Practice selective listening to hear the most important parts of a piece of audio and note these down. While the audio should feature a speaker using standard English, try listening to some regional accents so you are familiar with the way they may vary.  This will make you more confident approaching speakers from different regions. Watch TV shows and movies in English without subtitles in your language before your test.

2. MUET Speaking

The details of the MUET speaking section are:

• Length: 30 mins
• 2 parts: Individual presentation & a Group discussion
• Maximum score: 90 marks
• Weighting: 25 per cent

MUET Speaking part one

Part one of the MUET speaking section Involves an individual presentation. You will be given a scenario and a topic to discuss. You have two  minutes to prepare and   two minutes to present.  

MUET Speaking part two

Part two of a group discussion with three other students. You are given a topic with five prompts, which you must discuss. You will need to express your viewpoints and opinions, which may be the same or different from the other students.  You get three minutes to prepare, and the discussion lasts between eight and 12 minutes. 

Top tip: When preparing for your test, speak with friends and family in English to sharpen your English skills. In the discussion part of the Speaking section, keep the discussion going by asking questions. Ensure your contribution to the conversation is heard, so speak clearly and loudly. Don’t let the others in your group talk over or interrupt you. Remember to always be polite to other candidates should you wish to interrupt others to make a point. 

For more tips and advice on the Speaking section see our article on MUET Speaking Test Guide & Tips.

3. MUET Reading

The details of the MUET reading section are:

• Length: 75 mins
• Seven parts with a total of 40 questions
• Maximum score: 90 marks
• Weighting: 25 per cent

The test starts easy and gets progressively harder with multiple-choice questions about different texts (e.g. newspaper articles, academic texts, journal articles etc.). The seven parts are:

1. Three short texts of the same type, thematically linked, amounting to 100 to 150 words. 

   1. The questions are multiple matching, where the answers to the four questions can be in any of the three texts.

   2. Texts you could get include advertisements, flyers, brochures, labels and notices. 

   3. You’re tested on your ability to read and find factual information.

2. One text of 300 to 450 words

   1. There are five MCQ questions with three possible answers for each. 

   2. Texts you could get can include short stories, newspaper /magazine articles, and emails.

   3. You’re tested on reading for ideas, inferences, identifying details and predicting outcomes. 

3. One text of 300 to 450 words

   1. There are five MCQ questions with three possible answers for each. 

   2. Texts you could get can include short stories, newspaper /magazine articles, and emails.

   3. You’re tested on reading for ideas, inferences, identifying details and predicting outcomes. 

4. Two independent texts based on the same theme (not necessarily the same text type) amounting to 700 to 800 words.

   1. Two MCQs on text one, two MCQs on text two, and two MCQs comparing the texts. There are three possible answer options for each MCQ. 

   2. You’ll get longer and more complex texts. For example, specialist magazines, research bulletins or even reviews. 

   3. This part is to test your understanding of the main ideas and text organisation. You're also evaluated on your ability to identify facts, opinions, meaning and context.

5. One text of 500 to 600 words

   1. A text that contains six missing sentences. You have to choose the sentences that best fit the gaps. 

   2. The text will usually be from magazine articles, research pieces or reviews. 

   3. You are tested on your understanding of the purpose of a paragraph and text. You’re also assessed on how well you identify text structure and cause-and-effect relationships. 

6. A text of 700 to 900 words each

   1. You will need to answer MCQs with four answer options each. 

   2. Texts you will get include magazine articles, journal articles, reports and professional publications. 

   3. The questions test whether you can recognise text features and organisation. 

7. Another text of 700 to 900 words each

   1. Questions are MCQs with four answer options each. 

   2. Texts you will get include magazine articles, journal articles, reports and professional publications. 

   3. The questions test the same skills as section six. 

Top tip: Ensure you read the question and any other information given in full. Underline words or phrases you don’t understand or recognise. When preparing for your MUET, expose yourself to a range of well-written and complex texts which are well-written. These should be reputable sources such as the BBC or New York Times that use a good standard of English, to broaden your vocabulary and ability to comprehend a range of texts.

4. MUET Writing

The MUET writing test details are as follows:

• Length: 75 mins
• Two writing tasks
• Maximum score: 90 marks
• Weighting: 25 per cent

The MUET writing section tests your ability to communicate in writing and express ideas in the correct context. There are two parts to the written test:

1. You will be presented with a stimulus in the form of a letter or an email that you will need to respond to in at least 100 words, covering the requirements of the brief. The English language level expected is CEFR A2 to C1. 
2. You will receive a stimulus of an idea or problem that you will have to write an essay of at least 250 words in a 50-minute time frame. This may be a discursive essay, an argumentative essay, or a solutions / problem-based essay. The expected English language level for this task is between B1 and C1. 

Top tip: Complete task two first, which is worth 60 marks and will take more time. It should take you about 50 minutes to complete. Do not make statements without backing up everything you write with facts. Only spend about 25 minutes on task one, and ensure you use all the given notes as part of your answer. 

How is the MUET test scored?

MUET scoring aligns with the Common European Framework of References (CEFR) language scoring system, with nine bands. Below is a table showing the score ranges, the nine bands, CEFR score and the user classifications.

Band 5.0 & 5+ (score of 294 -360) CEFR C1 & C1+: Proficient:

• Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning
• Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions
• Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
• Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

Band 4.0 & 4.5 (score of 211 - 293) CEFR B2: Independent:

• Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation.
• Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
• Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Band 3.0 & 3.5 (score of 123 - 210) CEFR B1: Independent:

• Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
• Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
• Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar, or of personal interest.
• Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

Band 1.0, 2.0 & 2.5 (score of 1 - 122) CEFR A2: Basic:

• Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment).
• Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
• Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

What band or CEFR grade do I need?

Depending on the university and course you are applying to, you’ll need to aim for a certain band. Different subjects will have different band requirements, with law and medicine often requiring higher bands. The minimum requirement is usually B2 which is the equivalent of an IELTS score of 5.5. You should try to aim for as high a band as possible, preferably in the top two bands. If you score below this, you may be required to take additional English courses before starting your university degree. 

How long does it take to get MUET results?

Results are usually available in 10 Weeks after you sit the MUET. Candidates can check their MUET results online from the MEC website or by SMS by typing "MUET RESULT" "space" "identity card number" and send to 15888.
For example: MUET RESULT 658498123436

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