Abstract: This quantitative study investigates the language learning motivation (LLM) adopted by form six students in preparation for the Malaysian University English Test (MUET) in Kota Kinabalu. The subjects were 306 form six students enrolled in the Malaysian University English Test (MUET) in Kota Kinabalu. The instrument for data collection was a 27-item six-point Likert scale Language Learning Motivation Questionnaire (LLMQ) which was adapted from Foreign Language Learning Motivation Questionnaire (FLLMQ). Descriptive statistics using SPSS v 28 were used to analyse the data. Results indicated that generally, the students were highly motivated to learn English in preparation for MUET. Students’ motivation orientation in learning English was sociocultural followed by knowledge. These results offer useful practical instructional implications concerning the students’ motivational orientations in the English language and MUET classroom.