BREAKING: ZIMSEC Hikes Public Examination Registration Fees by 100%

Harare, Zimbabwe — The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has sharply increased public examination registration fees, triggering concern among parents, learners and education stakeholders across the country.

According to Finance Circular Number 2 of 2026, Ordinary Level (O’Level) examination fees have been doubled from US$11 to US$24 per subject, while Advanced Level (A’Level) fees have risen from US$24 to US$48 per subject.

The new fee structure means an O’Level candidate sitting for nine subjects will now pay US$216, up from US$99 previously. An A’Level candidate taking three subjects will pay US$144, compared to the former US$72.

The circular, issued by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, authorises ZIMSEC to implement the revised charges with immediate effect, citing rising operational costs associated with administering national examinations.

The hike comes at a time when many households are already under severe economic pressure, raising fears that the increased costs could push vulnerable learners out of the examination system.

Education activists and parents’ associations have warned that the move may widen inequality in access to education, particularly for students in rural areas and low-income communities.

As of publication, ZIMSEC had not issued a detailed public statement explaining the breakdown of the new fees, while government officials are yet to respond to growing calls for subsidies or exemptions for disadvantaged learners.

More details to follow as the story develops.