What is the MU-GRAD Test? Mahidol's English exam for graduate admission

What the MU-GRAD Test is

The MU-GRAD Test (you may also see it written MU GRAD TEST, and alongside a related variant called MU GRAD PLUS) is Mahidol University's in-house English proficiency exam, administered by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. It is computer-based and used both to screen applicants for graduate programmes and to satisfy the English requirement for students already enrolled.

Because it is Mahidol's own test, it is the option many Mahidol applicants use instead of sitting an external exam. The exact format, section weighting and rules are set by Mahidol and can change, so treat the details below as an approximate guide from recent guidelines and confirm the current version on the official site (graduate.mahidol.ac.th).

The sections and scoring (100, or 120 with MU GRAD PLUS)

Per the Faculty of Graduate Studies guidelines, the MU GRAD TEST has four sections worth 100 marks, and MU GRAD PLUS adds Speaking for a total of 120:

• Listening — 20 marks.
• Grammar — 20 marks.
• Reading — 40 marks (the largest section).
• Writing — 20 marks.
• Speaking — 20 marks (MU GRAD PLUS only).

A note on the scoring above

That gives 100 marks for the MU GRAD TEST (120 for MU GRAD PLUS), with Reading carrying the most weight. Mahidol's examination system also runs separate Writing and Speaking sittings, and section names, weightings and totals can be revised.

So always verify the current structure and marks on graduate.mahidol.ac.th before you build a study plan — do not lock in a target based on an old guideline.

Fee, registration and results

As a recent, approximate guide, the test fee is around 1,000 THB, and results are announced roughly seven days after you sit the test. Your seat and venue are usually confirmed shortly before the test date.

Registration is handled through the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Fees, test dates, seat allocation and how long a result stays valid can all change, so check the current fee, calendar and registration steps on the official site rather than relying on an old post.

MU-GRAD vs IELTS and TOEFL (accepted alternatives)

MU-GRAD is not the only test Mahidol accepts. The university also recognises external exams such as IELTS and TOEFL, so applicants can often choose the route that suits them. MU-GRAD is the convenient in-house option — taken at Mahidol, usually cheaper than an international exam, with fast results — while IELTS or TOEFL may be worth more to you if you also need the score for another university, a scholarship or a visa.

• MU-GRAD: Mahidol's own computer-based test; about 1,000 THB; results in ~7 days; accepted at Mahidol.
• IELTS / TOEFL: internationally recognised; usually more expensive; widely accepted beyond Mahidol.
• Which to take depends on where else you need the score — check each programme's accepted list and minimum.

What score you need

There is no single MU-GRAD pass mark. The required score depends on the specific programme and the degree level (Master's or PhD), and some programmes set a higher bar than others. A score that is enough for one faculty may fall short for another.

For that reason, do not aim at a number you saw quoted for a different course. Find your own programme's current English requirement — including whether it accepts the MU-GRAD Test, MU GRAD PLUS or an external test, and the minimum it asks for — on the Faculty of Graduate Studies or your programme's page before you register.

How to prepare

The MU-GRAD Test rewards solid academic English: careful listening, accurate grammar, and above all strong reading, which carries the most marks. Little-and-often practice beats last-minute cramming, and timed practice matters because the test is computer-based and time-limited.

Start from your own programme's requirement, take a diagnostic to find your weakest section, then drill that first while keeping the others warm. engforedu.com offers original MU-GRAD-style English practice with instant marking and bilingual (Thai and English) explanations, so you can see why an answer is right and fix mistakes fast. It is independent study practice and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Mahidol University.