diff --git a/arch/mips/src/pic32mz/pic32mz-head.S b/arch/mips/src/pic32mz/pic32mz-head.S
index 32197a8f532..84c4ed9e082 100644
--- a/arch/mips/src/pic32mz/pic32mz-head.S
+++ b/arch/mips/src/pic32mz/pic32mz-head.S
@@ -539,6 +539,16 @@ __start:
 	and		t0, t0, ~CP0_STATUS_BEV	/* Clear BEV */
 	mtc0	t0, PIC32MZ_CP0_STATUS
 
+#ifdef CONFIG_MIPS_MICROMIPS
+	/* Exception handlers are also being compiled for microMIPS, so enable 
+	 * config3ISAOnExc now that exception vectors have been [re]located.
+	 */
+
+	mfc0	t0, MICROAPTIV_CP0_CONFIG3		/* Load CONFIG3 register */
+	or		t0, t0, CP0_CONFIG3_ISAONEXC	/* Specify microMIPS mode on exceptions */
+	mtc0	t0, MICROAPTIV_CP0_CONFIG3		/* Update CONFIG3 register */
+#endif
+
 	/* Start NuttX. We do this via a thunk in the text section so that
 	 * a normal jump and link can be used, enabling the startup code
 	 * to work properly whether main is written in MIPS16 or MIPS32