THE Cambodian Independent Teachers’ Association (CITA) on Monday accused administrators at a Svay Rieng province high school of charging excessively high exam fees, after some students reported paying as much as 10,500 riels (about US$2.50) to complete their exam applications.

In a letter sent to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, CITA said the Krol Kor Hun Sen high school’s administrative board had demanded that all students sitting for exams pay the fees, adding that they should only come to about 3,000 riels for the entire process.

The letter states that the school board demanded that the students pay 4,500 riels, as well as 6,000 riels for accompanying photos, which are submitted with application forms.

Huy Mead, a 12th-grade maths teacher, also complained that students were required by the school board in some instances to spend 25,000 riels to have Grade 9 certificates endorsed at Svay Rieng provincial hall. Students need certificates endorsed by provincial authorities in order to apply for their Grade 12 certificates.

Rong Chhun, the president of CITA, said the exploitation of students by education officials was a serious problem throughout the country. “So far, similar problems have occurred in Kampong Thom, Preah Vihear and Kandal provinces,” he said.

Yut Saruth, the deputy chief of the Svay Rieng provincial education department, said Monday afternoon that he was unaware of the CITA complaint.

“We will investigate the problem, and if it is true, we will educate [the school board],” he said.

Officials at Krol Kor Hun Sen high school could not be reached for comment Monday.