By Zheng Tong | At a time when many believed that Zimbabwe’s new currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZIG), had stabilized, parents have been dealt a shocking blow—schools are effectively blocking ZIG payments for ZIMSEC examination fees, demanding US dollars instead.
A recently issued newsletter from First Choice Private School confirms that while ZIMSEC will allow payments in ZIG between March 24 and 27, 2025, First Choice has set its own deadline for payments on March 21, 2025—three days before ZIMSEC’s designated ZIG payment window.
This means parents who rely on ZIG have no choice but to source USD to pay the fees, which are set at $24 per subject for Ordinary Level and $48 per subject for Advanced Level, with additional practical fees of up to $60 for science subjects.
Parents Left Frustrated
Many parents had chosen ZIMSEC over the Cambridge syllabus to avoid the high costs associated with foreign currency payments. However, the refusal to accept ZIG effectively removes that cost-saving advantage.
“Where are we supposed to get USD at such short notice?” one parent lamented. “We work and get paid in ZIG, yet schools refuse to accept it for exam fees. It’s unfair.”
Some parents speculate that schools might be collecting USD from parents and later submitting ZIG to ZIMSEC, taking advantage of potential currency fluctuations for financial gain.
Government Silence and Economic Struggles
The controversy comes amid President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 agenda, which promises economic stability and growth. However, the inability of schools to confidently accept ZIG suggests a lack of trust in the government’s own currency.
As inflation fears persist, parents are calling on education authorities to intervene and allow fair payment options. With deadlines rapidly approaching, families are left scrambling for a solution—another stark reminder of the challenges of Zimbabwe’s currency policies.
Mnangagwa who has been caught on camera brandishing US dollar notes was still comment over the development at the time of writing.
Below is the full transcription of the document:
FIRST CHOICE PRIVATE SCHOOL
Examination Newsletter 1/2025
Date: Feb 25
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Greetings. I hope this newsletter finds you well. We have started the year on a positive note, having received the results for both Ordinary and Advanced levels for the 2024 intake. The results were quite pleasing, with a 100% pass rate at the Advanced level and a 79.5% pass rate at the Ordinary level.
The Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) has announced the 2025 Examination fees for both June and November sittings. Please note, however, that First Choice College is not offering June sittings. The examination fees are therefore pegged as follows:
• Ordinary Level: $24 per subject
• Advanced Level: $48 per subject
Stationery Fees: $25 (FIRST CHOICE LEARNERS ONLY)
O LEVEL
Practical fees for Science subjects are as outlined by the table below:
| SUBJECT | REG FEE | PRAC FEE |
| Biology | $24 | $60 |
| Chemistry | $24 | $60 |
| Physics | $24 | $60 |
| Combined Science (Single Science only) | $24 | $40 |
| Combined Science | $24 | $40 |
A LEVEL
| SUBJECT | REG FEE | PRAC FEE |
| Biology | $48 | $60 |
| Chemistry | $48 | $60 |
| Physics | $48 | $60 |
| Computer Science | $48 | $40 |
Payment in ZWG will be made on 24 March 2025 and 27 March 2025 at the prevailing rate communicated to all Centres by Zimsec.
Closing date: Following the announcement of the examination fees, please note that the closing date for the November 2025 Examination fees at First Choice is 21 March 2025.
[Stamp from First Choice Private School]
Updated Article:
Parents Shocked as ZIMSEC Exam Fees Must Be Paid in USD
By Zheng
At a time when many believed that Zimbabwe’s new currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZIG), had stabilized, parents have been dealt a shocking blow—schools are effectively blocking ZIG payments for ZIMSEC examination fees, demanding US dollars instead.
A recently issued newsletter from First Choice Private School confirms that while ZIMSEC will allow payments in ZIG between March 24 and 27, 2025, First Choice has set its own deadline for payments on March 21, 2025—three days before ZIMSEC’s designated ZIG payment window.
This means parents who rely on ZIG have no choice but to source USD to pay the fees, which are set at $24 per subject for Ordinary Level and $48 per subject for Advanced Level, with additional practical fees of up to $60 for science subjects.
Parents Left Frustrated
Many parents had chosen ZIMSEC over the Cambridge syllabus to avoid the high costs associated with foreign currency payments. However, the refusal to accept ZIG effectively removes that cost-saving advantage.
“Where are we supposed to get USD at such short notice?” one parent lamented. “We work and get paid in ZIG, yet schools refuse to accept it for exam fees. It’s unfair.”
Some parents speculate that schools might be collecting USD from parents and later submitting ZIG to ZIMSEC, taking advantage of potential currency fluctuations for financial gain.
Government Silence and Economic Struggles
The controversy comes amid President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 agenda, which promises economic stability and growth. However, the inability of schools to confidently accept ZIG suggests a lack of trust in the government’s own currency.
As inflation fears persist, parents are calling on education authorities to intervene and allow fair payment options. With deadlines rapidly approaching, families are left scrambling for a solution—another stark reminder of the challenges of Zimbabwe’s currency policies.
Would you like any refinements or additional elements added?