By Antony Chawagarira
THE Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has implemented a substantial increase in examination fees for both Ordinary Level and Advanced Level students.
Candidates will now pay $24 per subject for O-Level exams, a rise from the previous fee of $11. Similarly, A-Level students will be required to pay $48 per subject, doubling the prior cost of $24.
This new fee structure means that an O-Level candidate taking nine subjects will need to pay a total of $216, while an A-Level candidate enrolled in three subjects will face a fee of $144. These increases are expected to place significant financial strain on many families who are already grappling with various economic pressures.
The announcement was contained in Finance Circular Number 2 of 2026, which was signed by ZIMSEC’s Director of Finance, Z Muzenda. It was addressed to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, as well as to various Chief Directors and Heads of Secondary School Centres.
According to the circular, all candidates, including those from private and public schools, as well as private candidates in public schools, are now required to pay the full examination fees.
The circular states, “Following the approval of the June 2026 Ordinary and Advanced Level exam fees, please be advised that all candidates will pay the full cost of the examination fee.”
In an effort to incentivise exam centres, ZIMSEC has announced that schools that remit their exam fees in full by January 31, 2026, will receive two sets of five core subjects’ Emerald Key Question and Answer booklets to assist with exam preparation.
Payments in ZWG will be accepted at the CBZ selling rate on the date of the transaction, ensuring that fees align with the current economic conditions.
The decision to raise the fees is part of ZIMSEC’s broader effort to mobilise resources necessary for the preparation of the June 2026 national examinations. However, the steep increases have drawn concern from parents and guardians, who fear that such financial demands may hinder students’ ability to complete their exams.
