No subsidy for June O‑level exams, says Government

THE Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education says candidates intending to sit for the June 2026 supplementary Ordinary Level examinations will not receive any Government subsidy and will be required to pay the full US$24 examination fee, as they would already have benefited from the subsidised November session the previous year.

Traditionally, learners pay only US$11 per subject for the November exams, an amount reduced through State support.

Speaking in Parliament recently, Minister Torerayi Moyo said all candidates opting for the mid-year session must pay the full, unsubsidised fee.

“I wish to inform the House that the examination fee per subject remains at US$24. This amount has not changed. The total fee covers the full cost of administering examinations, including registration, security printing of examination materials, invigilation marking, grading, moderation and certification.

“However, the House is advised that the Government does not provide the subsidy for the June examination session.

The June examinations are largely meant for candidates who are repeating subjects or improving their previous grades.

Since these learners would have already benefitted from the Government subsidy during their initial examination sitting, the policy does not permit a second subsidy for repeat attempts. Consequently, candidates sitting for the June examinations are required to pay the full examination fee of US$24 per subject,” he said.

For learners in public schools sitting the November examinations, the Government provides a 55 percent subsidy, reducing the payable fee to US$11 per subject, with the State covering the remainder. The subsidy, Minister Moyo said, is meant to promote equitable access to education and ease the financial strain on parents and guardians. He added that Government remains committed to ensuring national examinations remain accessible, credible and sustainable, while providing targeted assistance where appropriate.

Asked whether first-time candidates writing in June qualify for the subsidy, Minister Moyo was unequivocal.

“My response is that those first-timers who are writing in June do not benefit because this subsidy is only directed to November candidates,” he said.

Legislators also raised concerns about children living on the streets and other school dropouts who are still of school-going age. Minister Moyo acknowledged the challenge and said measures were in place to support them.

“We have a programme, which we call the Early Warning System, in which we encourage all schools to find ways to identify several drop-outs from schools. It (Government) has BEAM, where the Government can pay for the children, for them to be enrolled in school. At the moment, we are looking at very disadvantaged children whom we can assist,” he said.

He added that Government would collaborate with the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to help children living on the streets.

“Those known as street kids, the Government will try to discuss this issue with the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare so that we can assist those children who are not going to school and are living on the streets,” he said.

Minister Moyo also said the ministry has systems in place to retain children in school. — @NyembeziMu