ZIMSEC Doubles Exam Fees for 2026, Subsidy Removed
Parents are facing financial challenges as the Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has announced a 100% increase in examination fees for the 2026 Ordinary and Advanced Level exams.
The government has also removed a critical subsidy that previously covered 55% of these costs.
Starting June 2026, all candidates must pay the full fees for each subject. According to a recent finance circular from ZIMSEC, the new fees for Ordinary Level subjects are now $24 each, up from $11. Advanced Level fees have increased to $48 per subject.
This sudden change means that a student taking nine subjects at O-Level will now have to pay $216, while an A-Level student with three subjects faces a bill of $144. All fees must be paid in full by February 27, 2026.
To assist schools in managing these changes, ZIMSEC is offering incentives for prompt payments.
Schools that submit the total fees by January 31, 2026, will receive educational materials. Additionally, schools are instructed to deposit fees directly into ZIMSEC accounts to avoid bank charges.
With the removal of the subsidy, families are now left to cover these significant expenses on their own, leading many to scramble for funds to ensure their children can sit for these important examinations.
