ZIMSEC doubles exam fees for June candidates as subsidy ends

No surprise bill this time, ZIMSEC blinked, kept exam fees flat for 2026, and quietly told June rewrite candidates to pay the full tab.

What ZIMSEC just confirmed

• Zimbabwe School Examinations Council locked in 2026 fees at the same levels as recent years.
• This applies across Government schools, private schools, and colleges.
• The update landed as prep for the 2026 exam cycle ramps up.

Who made it official

• ZIMSEC public relations manager Nicky Dhlamini put it on record.
• Parents and guardians were told, straight up, nothing went up.

Ordinary and Advanced Level numbers

• Ordinary Level sits at US$24 per subject.
• Advanced Level comes in at US$48 per subject.
• Those figures reflect the usual Government support calculation.

The June exam catch-up

• June sittings are treated differently.
• These exams are mainly for rewrites or subject top-ups.
• Because candidates already benefited before, the subsidy does not apply here.
• June candidates pay the full amount, no discount on energy.

Grade 7 fees breakdown

• Government, council, and not-for-profit mission schools charge US$5 per term.
• Private schools and colleges charge US$11.
• Same structure as before, no remix.

What parents are being told

• ZIMSEC wants families and schools to read the fee list carefully.
• Early planning is the goal, with fewer last-minute shocks.
• Registration should move more smoothly if everyone sticks to the published figures.

The takeaway vibe

• Fees staying flat is the rare calm headline.
• June candidates still feel the pinch.
• For everyone else, 2026 exams come with familiar price tags.