Government to Cover CSEC Examination Fees for Students 

By S.Browne. Updated 12:13 p.m., Tuesday, August 4, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Prime Minister Dr Godwin Friday has announced that the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines will cover the cost of CSEC examination fees for students sitting upcoming examinations, following through on a commitment made during last year’s general election campaign.

Dr Friday made the announcement on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, during an interview on NBC Radio, while discussing the government’s back-to-school initiatives and measures aimed at reducing financial pressures on families.

He said students should not face financial barriers when it comes to completing their secondary education and sitting external examinations.

“Those students who are writing CXC and CSEC this year coming up, those are going to be paid by government because we believe that’s a continuation of your education,” Dr Friday said.

The Prime Minister said students should not reach the end of secondary school and have to seek financial assistance to sit multiple examination subjects.

“You shouldn’t get to Form 5 and then you’re basically going around with a sponsor sheet to write eight and 10 subjects,” he said.

Dr Friday added that examinations form part of a student’s education and should be supported by the state.

“Whatever the subjects that your teachers say that you are capable or qualified to write, that’s part of your education. The state will take care of that responsibility,” he said.

The announcement follows a pledge made by the New Democratic Party (NDP) during the 2025 election campaign to remove financial barriers associated with education, including the payment of examination fees for students.

At the launch of the party’s manifesto in November 2025, Dr Friday said his administration would ensure that students were able to sit their examinations without the added burden of finding sponsorship or financial support.

“We will complete the process,” Dr Friday said at the time. “As a government, as a people, as a society, we will ensure that every student qualified to write their subjects can do so without financial strain.”

During Tuesday’s interview, the Prime Minister said the examination fee policy forms part of broader efforts by his administration to support education and expand opportunities for young Vincentians.

He also pointed to the removal of registration fees for secondary schools and the Community College, as well as efforts to secure scholarship and training opportunities through international partnerships.

The announcement comes as families prepare for the new school year, with the government also set to host a VAT-free shopping day on August 28, 2026, aimed at providing relief on school-related purchases.

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