HARARE – The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in Zimbabwe, led by minister Torerayi Moyo, has officially gazetted the school fees for the academic year 2024.
The announcement, made through Statutory Instrument 240 of 2023, provides a breakdown of tuition fees for both primary and secondary government schools.
For primary schools, the tuition fees are set in US dollars but allow parents and guardians to pay in the local currency at the prevailing exchange rate on the date of payment.
The fees for different primary school levels are as follows:
- P3 rural schools: US$5 per term
- P2 schools in high-density suburbs: US$10 per term
- P1 low-density suburban schools: US$20 per term
Minister Moyo highlighted the flexibility for payments in local currency, ensuring accessibility for Zimbabwean pupils.
He stated, “Although the tuition fees are set in US dollars, parents and guardians can pay in the local currency at the exchange rate on the date of payment for Zimbabwean pupils.”
For secondary schools, the gazetted fees for different levels and locations are specified in the Education (Tuition and Boarding Fees) (Government Schools) (Amendment) Regulations, 2023 (No. 1):
- S1 schools in low-density suburbs: US$40 per term
- S2 schools in high-density suburbs: US$20 per term
- S3 schools in rural areas: US$10 per term
Minister Moyo emphasized that parents only contribute a small fraction of the total costs, with the state covering teachers’ salaries and certain other expenses.
He highlighted the significant state support, especially for Zimbabwean pupils, where the tuition fees reflect a portion of the actual costs.
The fees for foreign pupils, who do not receive state support, were also disclosed.
Primary tuition fees for all government schools for foreign students are set at US$300 per term, while secondary school fees stand at US$400 per term, requiring payment in US dollars.
In addition to the gazetted tuition fees, the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) program, which is expanded, covers the costs for pupils from the most economically challenged families.
Moreover, many government schools may request a supplementary levy from parents through school development associations for additional expenses, subject to the approval of the Ministry.
