Government Pays Full CXC Examination Fees for 2026 Candidates
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has completed full payment of all Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) fees for students preparing to sit the May–June 2026 examinations.
Education Minister Daryl Matthew made the announcement during Thursday’s Cabinet meeting, confirming that the Ministry of Education has settled all costs associated with CXC examinations, including CSEC and CAPE for eligible students across the country.
The move fulfils a commitment made by Prime Minister Gaston Browne during his December 2025 Budget presentation, when he pledged that the Government would absorb examination fees for all students sitting CXC exams beginning with the 2026 cycle.
According to Minister Matthew, all funds previously paid by parents and guardians to the Ministry of Education and to individual schools have been refunded in full. Schools have been directed to facilitate the return of those monies directly to parents and guardians.
The Minister said the measure is intended to ease the financial burden on families while ensuring that no student is disadvantaged due to the cost of examinations.
The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) administers regional secondary-level assessments, including the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), which are critical qualifications for tertiary education and workforce entry.
Government officials have described the initiative as a landmark investment in education, noting that the removal of examination fees represents a significant step toward expanding equitable access to academic opportunities.
The Ministry of Education is encouraging continued collaboration among schools, parents and students to ensure smooth implementation of the programme and to support candidates as they prepare for the upcoming examination season.
Good to see these kids and parents dont have to worry about the stress of fees. Now if only we have improve our math and science pass rates.