'No hike in 2026 examination fees'

Fees for the 2026 Grade 7, June Ordinary Level and Advanced Level public examinations will remain unchanged from previous years, the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has announced.

In a statement, ZIMSEC said the fees apply to candidates sitting for examinations at Government schools, private schools and colleges, as preparations for the 2026 examination cycle gather momentum.

Confirming the position, ZIMSEC public relations manager Ms Nicky Dhlamini urged parents and guardians to note that there has been no adjustment to the examination charges.

"The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council has released the June Ordinary and Advanced Level examination fees for 2026," she said.

"Parents and guardians are implored to note that the fees have not been changed from previous years. They still remain the same."

According to the council, June 2026 examination fees are pegged at US$24 per subject for Ordinary Level and US$48 per subject for Advanced Level, after factoring in the Government's 55 percent subsidy.

However, Ms Dhlamini clarified that candidates sitting for the June examinations do not qualify for the Government subsidy, as these sittings are intended for candidates rewriting or supplementing subjects.

"June examinations are sat by candidates who are rewriting or supplementing their subjects, meaning they would have already benefited from the 55 percent Government subsidy during an earlier sitting," she said.

"Therefore, for the June examinations, candidates do not qualify for the 55 percent subsidy and are required to pay full fees."

She added that Grade 7 examination fees for 2026 have been set at US$5 per term for candidates at Government schools, council schools and not-for-profit mission schools. Candidates at private schools and colleges will pay US$11.

ZIMSEC has urged parents, guardians and schools to familiarise themselves with the published fees to ensure smooth planning and registration for the 2026 examination cycle.