Region 6 parents, students applaud Govt’s CXC exam fees refund

Since April 2025, the Government of Guyana, under President Irfaan Ali, has committed to reimbursing students for exam fees for up to eight subjects for both CSEC and CAPE exams – applicable to students from public and private schools, as well as private candidates.
The Ministry of Education officially began the refund process on July 14, 2025, accepting national or community IDs for eligibility.
The programme covers full exam costs per candidate (around GY$46,500 for eight CSEC subjects, roughly GY$48,000 per student).
The refund was announced by President Ali that the Government will, from this year, pay exam fees for up to eight subjects.
When the announcement was made, fees were already paid; hence the reimbursement.

However, the Government has not released specific numbers on how many students are involved in the reimbursement scheme.
In Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), the reimbursement commenced on Wednesday.
Many parents and students applauded the initiative by the Government to refund exam fees for up to 8 CSEC and CAPE subjects.
Richard Bacchus, a parent whose child sat nine CSEC subjects, welcomed the reimbursement with appreciation.
“It’s a good thing because we never expected it, so we’re grateful and thankful for it. I’m sure that it will be put to some good use further. After all, you can’t count it as money gained because you wouldn’t have gotten it back. So you get it now for a good purpose. You could open an account or something. Thanks to the Government. I applaud the initiative; it’s a good thing. I’m sure it will help a lot of parents as children are preparing to go into the world of work, and they will have something to start them,” Bacchus said.
Another parent, Tashanie Nandankumar, whose child wrote 10 subjects, said the reimbursement is timely.
“It feels good; it was great. Actually, it will pay for what she’s going to learn now. She’s attending an accounting college, so the money would come in to help pay for that. To the Government, thank you very much, and we’re supporting the Government. Yes, I hope for more initiatives like this. I have more kids going to school, and maybe when the next one is ready to write [CXC], I won’t have to pay a cent,” Nandankumar shared.
Students themselves are equally appreciative. Navesh Jainarine, who sat the CAPE exams, said the initiative could reduce dropout rates.
“My thought on this initiative is that it will decrease the rate of high school dropouts because the toll of CSEC or CAPE fees will diminish,” he noted.
The initiative, which covers students from both public and private institutions, is part of a $700 million national investment.