June candidates don't qualify for Zimsec's government subsidy

THE Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has attributed the recent rise in national examination fees to the scrapping of a government subsidy that previously reduced costs for candidates.

The exams body recently set fees for the June 2026 examinations at US$24 per subject for Ordinary Level (O-Level) and US$48 per subject for Advanced Level (A-Level), marking a significant jump from previous charges of US$11 and US$24 per subject, respectively, in government schools.

ZIMSEC explained that the increase is largely due to the removal of the 55% subsidy previously available to supplement candidates. According to a statement published in a state-run outlet, the June examinations are primarily for candidates who are rewriting or supplementing subjects. These candidates would have already benefited from the government subsidy during an earlier sitting and, therefore, do not qualify for financial support this time.

"The 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% subsidy, which the candidates sitting for the June examinations are not eligible for as the sittings are meant for those rewriting or supplementing subjects," ZIMSEC stated.

The exams council stressed that the subsidy had previously helped boost literacy rates and lowered barriers to education, enabling more Zimbabweans - both young and adult learners - to access formal qualifications.

However, some analysts argue that ZIMSEC's explanation does not adequately consider candidates from disadvantaged communities who may be sitting for the June examinations for the first time.

"It overlooks the plight of eligible candidates at formal schools who sit for both sessions, June and November, in the same year," said an education analyst, requesting anonymity. "There are many who may have dropped out of school for varied reasons and will risk being affected by the policy directive as they try to make things right this time around."

The policy shift is expected to impact registration rates this year, particularly among students from low-income households seeking to rewrite or supplement their examinations.

ZIMSEC's decision underscores the broader challenge of balancing exam administration costs with equitable access to education, especially for candidates relying on government support.