Matsec examination fees have been raised only to cover the increase in expenses, a Matsec board spokeswoman said yesterday.

She said this was the first rise since 2002 and the fee structure was expected to remain fixed for the next few years.

Announced two days ago, the revised fees caused controversy, especially in the case of students sitting for O levels (SEC), which have gone up from €13.98 to €21 per subject.

At intermediate level the new fee was raised from €18.63 to €25 and at A level from €20.96 to €28.

The registration fee for an application, which may include several subjects, was revised up from €11.65 to €15.

Other upward revisions were made for subjects that include a practical session.

Previously, a fee of €6.99 only applied to science subjects at A level, but now a practical session at SEC level will set students back €10 while at higher levels there is a €20 fee.

The charge for late applications has been raised from €46.59 to €70 whereas in case of very late applications the cost has gone up from €23.29 to €35 per subject. Other increases were announced for the revision of papers, students intending to sit for examinations abroad and other services.

A practical session at SEC level will set students back €10

The spokeswoman said that since the last revision 12 years ago, inflation was 28.6 per cent: “Although Matsec is not after making a profit, it needs to cover the expenses for the organisation and running of the examinations which have increased for various reasons.”

She added that a number of experienced examiners were no longer interested due to the poor remuneration. Replacements were very difficult to find in certain subjects, especially at advanced level, whereas supervisors and invigilators have been complaining for quite some time that their pay was well below the minimum acceptable rate.

In the case of subjects with an oral, listening comprehension or a practical examination component, expenses have increased considerably because of increases in hiring appropriate venues.

These include the use of laboratory equipment, sports facilities, theatre performances and venues with audio facilities.

The spokeswoman also noted that examination centres had been spread across several localities, to accommodate students within their region.

This required the hiring of more venues, the need for additional supervision staff and increased transport costs, she said.

In addition, introducing vocational subjects had contributed to a considerable increase in expenses. However, students sitting for these subjects will be paying the normal SEC fees.

The new tariff structure can be found on the Matsec website.

Matsec Examination Fees