The announcement of examination fees is always a critical juncture for students and parents alike, marking the onset of meticulous planning and financial considerations. In Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has unveiled the exam fees for the 2024 Ordinary and Advanced Level examinations. This revelation comes with its nuances, including subsidies for public school students and additional charges for practical subjects and late entries. As parents and students brace themselves for the academic challenges ahead, understanding these fees is paramount for effective planning and preparation.
- Also Read: ZIMSEC Advanced A Level Results 2023 Statistics: Pass Rate, Boys Vs Girls, Special Needs Candidates
Understanding the ZIMSEC Exam Fees Structure
ZIMSEC has laid out a comprehensive fee structure for the 2024 examinations, catering to both O-Level and A-Level candidates. For O-Level candidates, the fees stand at US$24 per subject, while A-Level candidates are required to pay US$48 per subject. However, there’s a significant relief for students attending public schools, as the government has pledged to cover 55 percent of the total examination fees for these students, applying to a specific number of subjects.
The 55 percent subsidy covers 7 Subjects at Ordinary Level.
For Advanced Level the 55 percent subsidy covers 4 subjects including Communication Skills.
ZIMSEC O-Level Examination Fees for Public vs. Private Schools:
Candidates in public schools will only need to cover 45% of the examination fees per subject.
For O-level candidates in public schools, the fees amount to USD$11 per subject, while A-level candidates will pay USD$24 per subject.
However, students attending private schools or colleges, including private candidates in public schools, are required to bear the full brunt of the examination fees.
Additional Fees and Penalties:
Beyond the standard examination fees, candidates should note that there are additional charges for practical subjects and certain late entry penalties. Late submissions and changes to registered subjects incur extra charges, emphasizing the importance of timely planning and organization.
- Changing a subject: Candidates who wish to change a subject they had previously registered for will be charged an additional US$11 for O-level exams and US$22 for A-Level exams.
- Adding a new subject: Adding a new subject will incur a fine of US$29 for O-Level Students and US$59 for Advanced level Students.
- Late entries: Late entries will be subject to a fee of US$48 per subject for O-Level and US$96 per subject for A-Level.
- O-Level practical subjects: Subjects like Physical Education, Building Technology and Design, Food Technology and Design, Home Management and Design, and Theatre Arts will have additional fees of US$48.
- A-Level practical subjects: For Advanced Level practical subjects, additional fees of US$96 will be charged for subjects like Theatre Arts, Food Technology and Design, Home Management and Design, Physical Education, Sports and Mass Displays, and Sports Science and Technology.
Payment Options and Deadlines:
While examination fees are denominated in US dollars, parents and guardians have the option to pay in Zimbabwean dollars at their respective centers during designated periods.
For the June 2024 examination fees payment in local currency, the period is set between March 13th and March 20th, 2024.
The deadline for payments and submission of proof of payments, along with entries for the June examinations, is March 20th, 2024.
Grade 7 Results 2022 Statistics
Detailed Breakdown of 2024 ZIMSEC Exam Fees For O-Level & A-Level June and November
1. Ordinary Level Examination Fees:
1.0 O-Level Fees Per Subject
Candidates in Public Schools ( formal)______________US$11.00 (instead of US$24.00 following 55 percent subsidy).
Candidates in Public Schools (non-formal)___________US$24.00 (there is no subsidy so they pay the full US$24.00).
Candidates in Privates Schools and Colleges__________US$24.00 (there is no subsidy so they pay the full US$24.00)
Extra Territorial Candidates ____________________ US$56.00
1.1 Additional Fees Charged for the following:
O-Level Practical Subjects
Candidates in Public Schools____________________US$11.00
Candidates in Privates Schools and Colleges __________US$24.00
- 4002 Physical Education, Sports and Mass Display
- 4052 Building Technology and Design
- 4054 Food Technology and Design
- 4056 Home Management and Design
- 4063 Theatre Arts
1.2 Amendment Fees: O-Level
Change of Subject/Option US$11.00
Addition of a new subject US$29.00
1.3 LATE ENTRY SUBJECT FEE US$48.00
Additional Fees Charged For the Following US$48.00
- 4002 Physical Education, Sports and Mass Display
- 4052 Building Technology and Design
- 4054 Food Technology and Design
- 4056 Home Management and Design
- 4063 Theatre Arts
1.4 Centre Penalty for late submission of Entries US$100
[Image Credit: UNICEF]
2. Advanced Level Examination Fees
2.0 A Level Examination Fees Per Subject
- Candidates in Public Schools ( formal) pay US$22.00 (instead of US$48.00 following 55 percent subsidy).
- Candidates in Public Schools (non-formal) US$48.00 (there is no subsidy so they pay the full US$48.00).
- Candidates in Privates Schools and Colleges US$24.00 (there is no subsidy so they pay the full US$24.00)
- Communication Skills in Public Schools (formal) US$20.00
- Communication Skills in Private Schools, Colleges and non-formal US$44.00
- Extra Territorial Candidates US$98.00.
2.1 Additional Fees Charged for the following:
A-Level Practical Subjects
- Candidates in Public Schools US$22.00
- Candidates in Privates Schools and Colleges US$48.00
- 6026 Theatre Arts
- 6036 Food Technology and Design
- 6038 Home Management and Design
- 6070 Physical Education, Sports and Mass Displays
- 6080 Sports Science and Technology
2.2 Amendment Fees: A-Level
- Change of Subject/Option US$22.00
- Addition of a new subject US$59.00
2.3 LATE ENTRY FEES
- Subject Fees US$96.00
- Communication Skills US$88.00
Additional Fees Charged For the Following
Advanced Level Practical Subjects: US$96.00
- 6026 Theatre Arts
- 6036 Food Technology and Design
- 6038 Home Management and Design
- 6070 Physical Education, Sports and Mass Displays
- 6080 Sports Science and Technology
2.4 Centre Penalty for late submission of Entries US$150.00
References:
- Zimsec Reveals 2024 O and A-level Exam Fees with Good News for Parents and Guardians
- Zimsec sets 2024 examination fees
- Zimsec release fees and due dates for June and November exams
