The Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has announced a sharp increase in examination fees, doubling the cost for both Ordinary and Advanced Level candidates ahead of the June 2026 examinations.
According to Finance Circular Number 2 of 2026, ZIMSEC has raised Ordinary Level examination fees from US$11 to US$24 per subject, while Advanced Level fees have jumped from US$24 to US$48 per subject. The circular was signed by ZIMSEC Director of Finance, Z. Muzenda, and distributed to senior government officials, education administrators, district schools inspectors and heads of examination centres.
The new fee structure means an Ordinary Level candidate sitting for nine subjects will now be required to pay US$216, while an Advanced Level candidate taking three subjects will pay US$144.
The increase has sparked concern among parents and guardians, many of whom are already struggling to meet school-related expenses amid low incomes and rising living costs.
In the circular, ZIMSEC stated that all candidates — including those in public schools, private schools, colleges and private candidates registered through public centres — will be required to pay the full examination cost.
“Following approval of the June 2026 Ordinary and Advanced Level examination fees, all candidates will pay the full cost of the examinations,” reads part of the notice. “The 2026 full cost per subject is US$24 for Ordinary Level and US$48 for Advanced Level.”
ZIMSEC said the revised fees are meant to help the council mobilise resources required for the preparation and administration of the June 2026 national examinations.
As an incentive, examination centres that remit their full examination fees by January 31, 2026, will receive two sets of Emerald Key Question and Answer booklets covering five core subjects.
Schools have been directed to deposit collected examination fees directly into ZIMSEC bank accounts to avoid unnecessary bank charges. The council has also pledged to reimburse any bank charges incurred by centres during the remittance process.
For payments made in Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG), ZIMSEC stated that the CBZ selling rate on the date of payment will apply.
The deadline for payment of examination fees, submission of proof of payment and examination entries has been set for February 27, 2026.
The move is expected to intensify debate around access to education, as families grapple with the rising cost of schooling across the country.
