The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is a globally recognized qualification that serves as a foundation for further academic pursuits or entry into the professional world. In Botswana, the Botswana Examinations Council (BEC) oversees the registration and administration of IGCSE examinations. This guide provides essential information on the registration process, fees, deadlines, and examination venues for prospective candidates.
Registration Process
BEC offers an online registration platform for private candidates, streamlining the process and making it more accessible. To register:
- Access the Registration Portal: Visit the BEC registration portal at https://malepa.bec.co.bw.
- Create an Account: For new users, select “New Registration” and follow the prompts to set up your profile. Ensure you create a strong password that includes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Complete the Registration Form: Fill in all required fields accurately. Double-check your personal details and selected subjects to avoid any discrepancies.
- Preview and Submit: Review your application thoroughly before submission. Once satisfied, submit the form.
- Payment: After submission, you’ll receive an application number. Use this number as a reference when making payments.
Registration Fees and Deadlines
It’s crucial to be aware of the fees and deadlines to ensure a smooth registration:
- Administration Fee: A one-time fee of BWP 400.00 is applicable to all candidates.
- Subject Fees:
- IGCSE: BWP 970.00 per subject
- GCE O Level: BWP 970.00 per subject
- GCE AS Level: BWP 1,090.00 per subject
- GCE A Level: BWP 1,610.00 per subject
- Invigilation Fee: BWP 90.00 per examination session (morning/afternoon).
- Additional Fees:
- Oral Examinations (e.g., French or English as a Second Language): Additional BWP 800.00
- Practical Components: An additional fee of BWP 1,500.00, payable to Livingstone Kolobeng College for subjects requiring practical assessments.
Important Deadlines:
- Normal Registration: 23 January to 18 February 2025
- Late Registration: 19 February to 11 April 2025 (A late entry penalty fee of BWP 910.00 per subject will be charged during this period)
Timely registration is essential to avoid additional charges and ensure your spot for the examinations.
Payment Methods
BEC offers multiple payment options to accommodate candidates:
- Electronic Transfer or ATM Deposit: Payments can be made directly to BEC’s First National Bank account.
- Bank Name: First National Bank Botswana
- Branch Name: Corporate
- Account Number: 62221329940
- Branch Code: 282267
Ensure you use your application number as the reference when making payments.
Examination Venues
For the 2025 examinations, BEC has designated two primary centers:
- Gaborone: Centre AA920
- Francistown: Centre BW420
Specific venues within these centers will be announced closer to the examination dates. Candidates are advised to regularly check the BEC portal for updates on their Statement of Entry and contact BEC if the information is not uploaded promptly.
Contact Information
For any inquiries or assistance during the registration process, candidates can reach out to the BEC External Examinations Division:
- Phone: +267 3650700
- Email: ExternalExamsoffice@bec.co.bw
- Physical Address: Plot 54864, K.T. Motsete Road, Gaborone
Operating hours are Monday to Friday, from 7:45 am to 4:30 pm