Malaysian University English Test

The Malaysian University English Test (MUET) is a test of English language proficiency, largely for university admissions. The test is set and run by the Malaysian Examinations Council (which also runs the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia examination). MUET is largely recognised only in Malaysia and Singapore. However, there are still a small number of universities outside of Malaysia and Singapore which recognise MUET.

Most candidates who sit for MUET do so to apply for admissions in public and private universities and colleges. MUET is a prerequisite in applying for admissions into all public universities and colleges in Malaysia. MUET is also accepted for admissions into most universities in Singapore including National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University and Singapore Management University, as well as a few universities outside Malaysia and Singapore such as University of East London, Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Gloucestershire, Robert Gordon University, Upper Iowa University, Nagoya University, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong Polytechnic University and United International College.

The universities set different target band scores for different courses. For instance, most courses in the Malaysian universities set the minimal requirement of a Band 3 in MUET, while students who want to study Medicine, Law, TESL, English Linguistics, and English Literature are required to obtain at least a Band 4. MUET is also compulsory for graduating from a local university. Thus, candidates are advised to take the MUET as soon as possible to avoid delays in their graduation.[1]

Public (government) servants also take MUET for promotion opportunities. For instance, police officers, teachers and administrative staff take MUET as an English qualification.

Candidates usually have to register via their institution, private candidates with their State Education Department, with a registration fee which used to be RM 61, but has now gone up to RM 101. Candidates can register for MUET online via the Malaysian Examinations Council website. Although Malaysian government has decided to abolish government examination fees from 2007 onwards,[2] MUET will remain as a paid test. From the year 2012 onwards, MUET is administered thrice a year, in March, July and November. It is advisable to allocate sufficient time for preparation, to obtain the band score required for university. On average, 85,000 candidates sit for the MUET each time.[3]