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Zimsec hikes examination fees by 100%
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The Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has announced a 100% increase in examination fees for the June 2026 sitting, a move likely to place additional financial strain on parents and guardians.
Finance Circular Number 2 of 2026, signed by ZIMSEC Director of Finance Z. Muzenda, informs school administrators and district inspectors that Ordinary Level (O'Level) fees have risen from US$11 to US$24 per subject. Advanced Level (A'Level) fees have increased from US$24 to US$48 per subject.
Under the new fees, O'Level candidates taking nine subjects will pay US$216 in total, while A'Level candidates will pay US$144.
"Following the approval of the June 2026 Ordinary and Advanced Level examination fees, please be advised that all candidates in public schools, private schools, and colleges, including private candidates in public schools, will pay the full cost of the examination fees," the circular reads.
ZIMSEC explained that the hike is intended to mobilise sufficient resources for the preparation and administration of the national examinations. As an incentive, examination centres that remit their fees in full by January 31, 2026, will receive two sets of five core subjects' Emerald Key Question and Answer booklets.
Schools are advised to deposit fees directly into ZIMSEC accounts to avoid bank charges, which the authority has pledged to refund. All Zimbabwean dollar (ZWG) payments must be made at the CBZ selling rate on the date of payment. The deadline for fee submission and proof of payment, accompanied by entries for the June examinations, is February 27, 2026.
The significant fee increase comes amid a period of constrained household incomes, raising concerns about the affordability of national examinations and potential implications for students from low-income families.
Finance Circular Number 2 of 2026, signed by ZIMSEC Director of Finance Z. Muzenda, informs school administrators and district inspectors that Ordinary Level (O'Level) fees have risen from US$11 to US$24 per subject. Advanced Level (A'Level) fees have increased from US$24 to US$48 per subject.
Under the new fees, O'Level candidates taking nine subjects will pay US$216 in total, while A'Level candidates will pay US$144.
"Following the approval of the June 2026 Ordinary and Advanced Level examination fees, please be advised that all candidates in public schools, private schools, and colleges, including private candidates in public schools, will pay the full cost of the examination fees," the circular reads.
ZIMSEC explained that the hike is intended to mobilise sufficient resources for the preparation and administration of the national examinations. As an incentive, examination centres that remit their fees in full by January 31, 2026, will receive two sets of five core subjects' Emerald Key Question and Answer booklets.
Schools are advised to deposit fees directly into ZIMSEC accounts to avoid bank charges, which the authority has pledged to refund. All Zimbabwean dollar (ZWG) payments must be made at the CBZ selling rate on the date of payment. The deadline for fee submission and proof of payment, accompanied by entries for the June examinations, is February 27, 2026.
The significant fee increase comes amid a period of constrained household incomes, raising concerns about the affordability of national examinations and potential implications for students from low-income families.
Source - NewZimbabwe
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