ZIMSEC 2025 Exam Fees Spark Mixed Reactions Across Zimbabwe
- Southerton Business Times
- Sep 2
- 2 min read
The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has released the official 2025 Ordinary and Advanced Level registration fees, sparking debate among parents, educators, and watchdog groups. While government subsidies aim to cushion public school candidates, questions of affordability and accountability persist.
Fee Structure Breakdown
According to the latest ZIMSEC circular, exam fees are as follows:
Public Schools: O-Level – US$11 per subject | A-Level – US$22 per subject
Private Schools: O-Level – US$24 per subject | A-Level – US$48 per subject
Extra-Territorial Candidates: O-Level – US$56 per subject | A-Level – US$98 per subject
Government subsidies will cover 55% of fees for up to seven O-Level subjects and four A-Level subjects per candidate. Payments can be made in USD, ZAR, or ZiG at official interbank rates.
ZIMSEC spokesperson Mrs. Nyasha Chikasha said the council’s priority is inclusivity:
“We aim to ensure no child is left behind due to financial constraints.”
Deadlines and Payment Channels
Registration and payment dates have been set as follows:
June Exams: March 10–14, 2025
November Exams: March 24–28, 2025
In response to mounting pressure from lawmakers, ZIMSEC extended the payment deadline to May 16, 2025. This adjustment, particularly affecting rural schools, is covered in the companion report Zimbabwe Exam Fees Payment Deadline Extended to 2025.
Public Reaction
Parents and guardians expressed mixed feelings about the new structure.
In Glen View, parent Tariro Moyo said:
“We’re still paying school fees, uniforms, and now this. It’s overwhelming.”
Private school families noted they were excluded from subsidies, while educators voiced frustration over administrative hurdles and late payments. To support students, resources such as ZimSec & Cambridge Exam Preparation Tips for Zimbabwean Students have gained traction online.
Accountability and Oversight
Civil society groups are demanding transparency on fee usage, citing previous scandals where exam funds were allegedly mismanaged.
Education analyst Dr. Tendai Mahere said:
“We need full disclosure. Every dollar must be accounted for.”
The issue echoes past controversies highlighted in The Newsflash @3 | ZBC News Online report, where school authorities were accused of misusing collected fees, leaving candidates stranded.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is expected to issue a follow-up statement on monitoring mechanisms. Meanwhile, parents have been urged to verify official payment channels and keep proof of transactions.
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