ZIMSEC says June candidates don’t qualify for government subsidy, to pay full examination fees
THE Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has effectively blamed the scrapping of the government subsidy as a factor prompting the increase in final national examination fees.
The remarks come against a background where NewZimbabwe.com exclusively reported that the exams management body had ordered a US$24 per subject at Ordinary Level and US$48 per Advanced Level Subject ahead of the June 2026 examinations.
In the past years, Ordinary and Advanced Level candidates in government schools were directed to pay US$11 and US$24 per subject.
Such interventions have soared the country’s literacy rates and lowered the barriers to education, benefitting thousands of citizens of both below and above school going age.
With the policy directive likely to choke registration rates this year, the exams organ said circumstances beyond control prompted the hike.
In a statement publicised through a State-run publication, ZIMSEC said the exam fees jump was occasioned by the removal of the 55% subsidy for supplementing candidates.
“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 said.
June examinations, ZIMSEC noted, are sat by candidates who are rewriting or supplementing their subjects, meaning they would have already benefited from the 55% government subsidy during an earlier sitting.
“Therefore, for the June examinations, candidates do not qualify for the 55 percent subsidy and are required to pay full fees.”
However, observers say the exams body’s explanation appears to be largely generalised as it overlooks the fate of candidates from disadvantaged communities sitting for the exams in June 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.
“There are many who may have dropped out of school for varied reasons and will risk being affected by the policy directive as they plan make things right this time around,” said an analyst, who preferred anonymity. _*NewZimbabwe*_
