The Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has doubled examination fees for both Ordinary and Advanced Level candidates ahead of the June 2026 national examinations, a move likely to place additional financial pressure on families.
Under the new fee structure, Ordinary Level candidates will now pay US$24 per subject, up from US$11, while Advanced Level fees have increased from US$24 to US$48 per subject.
This means a candidate sitting for nine Ordinary Level subjects will be required to pay US$216, while an Advanced Level candidate taking three subjects will pay US$144.
The revised fees were announced in Finance Circular Number 2 of 2026, signed by ZIMSEC Director of Finance, Z. Muzenda.
The circular was distributed to senior government officials, education administrators, district schools inspectors and heads of examination centres.
ZIMSEC said the increase applies to all candidates, including those in public and private schools, colleges and private candidates registered through public examination centres.
According to the council, every candidate will be required to meet the full cost of the examinations.
“Following approval of the June 2026 Ordinary and Advanced Level examination fees, all candidates will pay the full cost of the examinations. The 2026 full cost per subject is US$24 for Ordinary Level and US$48 for Advanced Level,” reads part of the circular.
The examination body said the new fees are meant to help mobilise resources for the preparation and administration of the June 2026 examinations.
To encourage early remittance, ZIMSEC said centres that pay their full examination fees by January 31, 2026, will receive two sets of Emerald Key Question and Answer booklets for five core subjects.
Schools have also been directed to deposit examination fees directly into ZIMSEC bank accounts to minimise bank charges, with the council undertaking to reimburse any charges incurred.
Payments made in Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG) will be calculated using the CBZ selling rate on the date of payment.
The deadline for payment of examination fees, submission of proof of payment and examination entries has been set for February 27, 2026.
The fee increase has raised concern among parents and guardians, many of whom are already struggling with rising education costs amid low incomes and a high cost of living, and is expected to reignite debate over access to education in Zimbabwe.
thevhayeya.com to the world🌎
Story by Jeremiah Gora
