What is the MU-GRAD Test? Mahidol's English exam for graduate admission
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The MU-GRAD Test is Mahidol University's own computer-based English proficiency exam, run by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and used for graduate (Master's and PhD) admission and English requirements. As of recent guidelines it has five sections — Listening, Grammar, Reading, Writing and Speaking — totalling 120 marks, costs about 1,000 THB, and returns results in roughly seven days. It is one accepted alternative to IELTS or TOEFL at Mahidol. Passing scores depend on your programme and level, so always confirm the current format, scores and fee on the official Faculty of Graduate Studies site (graduate.mahidol.ac.th).
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 five sections and scoring (total 120)
As of recent guidelines, the MU-GRAD Test is built from five sections that add up to 120 marks:
- Listening — 20 marks.
- Grammar — 20 marks.
- Reading — 40 marks (the largest section).
- Writing — 20 marks.
- Speaking — 20 marks.
A note on the scoring above
That gives a total of 120 marks, with Reading carrying the most weight. Section names, weightings and the total can be revised by Mahidol, and some sources describe the Writing and Speaking components separately or list a slightly different maximum.
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 of the five sections, 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.
How to prepare for the MU-GRAD Test
- 1Check your programme's requirement
Confirm whether your Master's or PhD programme accepts the MU-GRAD Test and the minimum score it asks for.
- 2Learn the five sections
Get familiar with Listening, Grammar, Reading, Writing and Speaking and how the 120 marks are split.
- 3Take a diagnostic
Do a timed practice run to find which of the five sections is dragging your total down.
- 4Fix your weakest section first
Spend most of your time on the lowest section — often Reading, which carries the most marks — while keeping the others warm.
- 5Practise under time pressure
Because the test is computer-based and timed, rehearse with the clock so the pace feels normal.
- 6Confirm the current details, then book
Re-check the fee, dates and format on graduate.mahidol.ac.th, then register through the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Frequently asked questions
What is the MU-GRAD Test?
It is Mahidol University's own computer-based English proficiency exam, run by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and used for graduate admission and English requirements. As of recent guidelines it has five sections totalling 120 marks — but confirm the current format on the official site.
How much does the MU-GRAD Test cost?
The fee is around 1,000 THB as a recent, approximate guide. Confirm the current fee on the official Faculty of Graduate Studies site before you register.
What score do I need for the MU-GRAD Test?
There is no single pass mark — the required score depends on your specific programme and degree level. Check your own programme's current English requirement rather than using a number quoted for a different course.
Can I use IELTS instead of the MU-GRAD Test?
Often yes. Mahidol also accepts external tests such as IELTS and TOEFL, but each programme sets which tests and minimum scores it accepts, so confirm your programme's list first.
How long do MU-GRAD results take?
Results are usually announced about seven days after the test, as an approximate guide. Check the official examination calendar for exact timing.
How many sections does the MU-GRAD Test have?
As of recent guidelines, five: Listening (20), Grammar (20), Reading (40), Writing (20) and Speaking (20), totalling 120 marks. Verify the current structure on graduate.mahidol.ac.th, as it can change.
Where do I register for the MU-GRAD Test?
Through Mahidol's Faculty of Graduate Studies. Check the official site (graduate.mahidol.ac.th) for current dates, fees and registration steps.
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