By Munacho Gwamanda-The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has announced the examination fees and structure for the June and November 2025 sessions, maintaining the same fee structure as in previous years despite economic instability and currency fluctuations.
In a statement issued on Thursday, February 13, ZIMSEC confirmed that fees remain unchanged and urged candidates to adhere strictly to their schools’ registration dates and deadlines set.
The 2025 Ordinary Level examination fee is set at US$24 per subject. Candidates enrolled in public schools, local authority schools, and non-profit mission schools will pay US$11, while the government will subsidize the remaining US$13.
However, private school, college, and independent candidates will not benefit from the subsidy and will be required to pay the full US$24 per subject.
For Advanced Level candidates, the examination fee is US$48 per subject. Those in public, local authority, and mission schools will pay US$22, with the government covering US$26. Private candidates, including those in private schools and colleges, must pay the full US$48 per subject.
The subsidy applies only to a maximum of seven subjects for Ordinary Level candidates and four subjects for Advanced Level candidates, including Communication Skills. Additionally, candidates retaking subjects are not eligible for the subsidy, nor does the BEAM programme cover retake examinations.
Parents and guardians can pay in United States Dollars (USD), South African Rand (ZAR), or Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), the country’s newly introduced currency that replaced the Zimbabwean dollar (ZWL). For those opting to pay in ZiG, the interbank exchange rate as of March 10, 2024 (for June exams) and March 24, 2024 (for November exams) will determine the exact amounts.
Zimbabwe’s economic history has been marred by hyperinflation, which led to the collapse of the local currency multiple times. The recent reintroduction of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency is meant to stabilize the economy by anchoring it on mineral reserves. However, concerns remain over the volatility of the exchange rate, making many parents hesitant to pay fees in ZiG, fearing depreciation before exam dates.
Although ZIMSEC has kept fees unchanged, Zimbabwe’s inflationary pressures could erode affordability, particularly for families earning in local currency. The government’s continued subsidy provides some relief, but with the cost of living rising, many parents may still struggle to afford multiple subjects, especially at the Advanced Level.
Education activists have raised concerns that the examination fees, particularly for private candidates, remain high relative to average incomes. They have urged the government to expand subsidy eligibility to ensure more students can sit for their exams without financial barriers.
Registration Process Underway
ZIMSEC has advised candidates and guardians to visit their nearest school or examination centre to complete registration.The council emphasized that all fees must be paid within the stipulated deadlines to avoid late penalties.