The MZPN, youth branch of the Nationalist Party, has urged the government to repeal increases in Matsec exam fees during the Budget.

It said that based on the annual average of exam applications, the increases would yield the government €454,000.

"The imposition of these fees comes at a decisive time when students should be encouraged rather than presented with more hurdles to drop out from continuing their education," the movement said. 

Based on an average SEC student sitting for 10 O-level examinations the expense stood at €151.45 whereas the new fee structure it would be at €225.00 – a 33% higher cost, the MZPN said.

The fee for an intermediate level examination (with practical)  was rising from €18.63  to €45.00.

Based on the May 2014 session, students would be forking out €311,000 more in registration and examination fees for O levels and in the case of Intermediate and Advanced level, an €143,000 increase, the movement said.