ZIMSEC Doubles Examination Fees for 2026 Sitting
ZIMSEC doubles exam fees for June 2026 and removes government subsidies. O-Level fees rise to $24/subject. Find deadlines and payment details here. The Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has announced a 100% increase in examination fees for the June 2026 session. O-Level fees have risen from US$11 to US$24 per subject, while A-Level fees have jumped from US$24 to US$48. This spike is compounded by the removal of the 55% government subsidy for public school learners, meaning all candidates must now pay the full cost. ZIMSEC cites resource mobilization for exam administration as the reason for the hike, setting a final payment deadline of February 27, 2026
Dumisani Ndlovu 
Harare - The Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has announced a 100 percent increase in examination fees for the June 2026 session, a decision expected to deepen financial pressure on parents and guardians across the country.
According to Finance Circular Number 2 of 2026, signed by ZIMSEC Director of Finance, one Z. Muzenda, Ordinary Level (O’Level) examination fees have been raised from US$11 to US$24 per subject, while Advanced Level (A’Level) fees have doubled from US$24 to US$48 per subject.
As a result, an O’Level candidate sitting for nine subjects will now be required to pay a total of US$216, while an A’Level candidate taking three subjects will pay US$144.
The circular, which has been distributed to heads of schools, district inspectors and education officials nationwide, makes it clear that all candidates will be required to pay the full cost of examinations.
This applies to learners in public schools, private schools, colleges, as well as private candidates registered through public institutions.
“Following the approval of the June 2026 Ordinary and Advanced Level examination fees, please be advised that all candidates in public schools, private schools and colleges, including private candidates in public schools, will pay the full cost of the examination fees,” reads part of the directive.
The move marks a significant policy shift, as the government previously subsidised 55 percent of examination fees for learners in public schools.
With the subsidy now removed and the base fees increased, families are facing what many describe as a double financial burden.
ZIMSEC says the fee adjustment is aimed at mobilising adequate resources for the preparation, administration and running of national examinations.
To encourage early payment, the council has introduced an incentive for examination centres that remit all fees by January 31, 2026.
Such centres will receive two sets of Emerald Key Question and Answer booklets covering five core subjects.
Schools have been instructed to deposit examination fees directly into ZIMSEC accounts as they are collected, a measure intended to minimise bank charges.
ZIMSEC has indicated that any bank charges incurred will be refunded.
Payments made in Zimbabwean dollars must be calculated using the CBZ bank selling rate on the date of payment.
The deadline for the submission of examination fees, proof of payment and candidate entries for the June 2026 examinations has been set for February 27, 2026.
The substantial increase comes at a time when many households are grappling with constrained incomes, sparking concern over the affordability of national examinations.
Education stakeholders fear the new costs could negatively affect learners from low-income families, potentially limiting access to critical assessments that determine students’ academic and career progression.
