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Government Pays Full CXC Examination Fees for 2026 Candidates

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Government Pays Full CXC Examination Fees for 2026 Candidates
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.

Shermain Bique-Charles

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Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

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Comments (7)

  • Cool February 21, 2026, 2:11 PM

    I hope parents realize its a sacrifice the government is doing and they should be gratful and go and vote for them

  • Informed citizen February 21, 2026, 12:38 AM

    i still don’t see how this is a smart move economically. A more efficient plan would have been to offer assistance in a 50/50 sense so that more important areas of education can be covered. but hey, we love freeness.

  • Tromos February 20, 2026, 8:40 PM

    While the exam fees are covered, many of us are still paying for private tutoring and extra classes. So the financial pressure isn’t completely gone, but this definitely helps.

  • Ryan Wedding February 20, 2026, 6:40 PM

    Education is an investment in the country’s future. Removing CXC fees makes sense because not every parent can afford them easily. I believe this will give more students a fair chance.

  • Ursulla February 20, 2026, 6:02 PM

    As a mother of one child preparing for CSEC, I can honestly say this takes a huge weight off my shoulders. Thanks Gvt.., Between school supplies, uniforms, transportation and extra lessons, the costs add up quickly. Not having to worry about CXC fees this year is a blessing for many of us.

  • Apex Jones February 20, 2026, 4:59 PM

    What a welcome relief for so many parents, especially those who really couldn’t afford it

  • Sean Casten February 20, 2026, 11:37 AM

    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.

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