Govt subsidises exam fees
Lumbidzani Dima
In a bid to level the playing field for Zimbabwe’s public school students, the government has unveiled a subsidy initiative aimed at reducing the financial strain associated with the 2024 Ordinary and Advanced Level examinations, the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) confirmed.
Under the subsidy program announced on Friday, the government will shoulder 55% of the examination fees per subject for candidates enrolled in public, local authority, and mission schools, while those attending private institutions will be required to cover the full cost, according to a circular issued by Zimsec.
The fee structure outlined in the circular indicates that candidates sitting for Ordinary Level subjects will be charged US$24 per subject, while Advanced Level subjects will incur a fee of US$48 each. The subsidy is applicable to a maximum of seven Ordinary Level subjects and four Advanced Level subjects, encompassing Communication Skills.
However, candidates opting to take additional subjects will be responsible for paying the full fees for the extra subjects, along with supplementary charges for practical subjects and any necessary amendments, the circular clarifies.
Zimsec has advised examination centers to remit fees in foreign currency to designated accounts to circumvent bank charges, with payments in local currency to be made within specified timelines. Late payments will be subject to additional fees, as stipulated in the circular.
Emphasizing the overarching goal of alleviating financial burdens on students and their families, Zimsec underscored the subsidy’s role in fostering equitable access to education. The council expressed optimism that the initiative would incentivize a greater number of public school students to pursue their academic aspirations.
The move comes amidst longstanding disparities in educational access across Zimbabwe, with many children grappling with financial, infrastructural, and socio-cultural obstacles. In some remote areas, students endure lengthy commutes of up to 10 kilometers due to the dearth of educational facilities nationwide.
