The sweeping change is mandated in Finance Circular Number 2 of 2026, authored by ZIMSEC Director of Finance Z. Muzenda. This official document, sent to heads of schools and education officials across the country, outlines a new financial reality for the June 2026 examination session. The circular leaves no room for doubt, stating:
“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.”
This represents a dramatic policy reversal. In the past, the government had subsidised 55% of exam fees for students in public schools.
The Stunning New Cost To Families
The practical effect of removing the subsidy while increasing the base fee is a financial double-blow. The circular confirms the new per-subject rates. Ordinary Level fees have jumped to US$24 (approx. R432) each, more than double the US$11 (approx. R198) parents paid for subsidised subjects in the past. Advanced Level fees are now set at US$48 (approx. R864) per subject.
The total sum for a single student has become staggering. A typical O-Level candidate sitting nine subjects now faces a bill of US$216 (approx. R3,888). An A-Level student taking three subjects must find US$144 (approx. R2,592). These amounts must be paid in full to ZIMSEC, with the circular setting a strict final deadline of 27 February 2026.
Incentives And Instructions For Schools
In light of the significant sums required, ZIMSEC has implemented a strategy to ensure timely collection. The circular reveals an incentive for schools that act swiftly. Examination centres that manage to remit the entire June 2026 examination fee amount by 31 January 2026 will be rewarded with two sets of five core subjects Emerald Key Question and Answer booklets.
Schools have also been given specific payment instructions to “deposit examination fees directly into any ZIMSEC accounts as and when fees are collected to eliminate bank charges.” ZIMSEC has committed to refunding any bank charges incurred by centres during this process. The circular adds that all payments in Zimbabwean Dollars (ZWG) must use the CBZ selling rate on the actual date of payment.
With the subsidy now a thing of the past, the full weight of the increased examination costs falls directly on households. The directive leaves parents and guardians racing against the calendar to secure the substantial funds required for their children to sit these pivotal exams.
