Could thousands of students win COVID compensation from universities?
Could Thousands of Students Claim COVID Compensation from Universities?
Over 190,000 students who attended universities during the pandemic are now seeking financial restitution. The case centers on the argument that institutions failed to deliver the services they promised, leading to a drop in value for education fees.
Claims Based on Reduced Service Value
The Student Group Claim, led by law firms Harcus Parker and Asserson solicitors, claims students were deprived of in-person learning and campus resources during the early stages of the crisis. With teaching shifted online, the firms argue the service provided was worth less than what students paid for, aligning with consumer law principles.
Timeline and Legal Actions
The initiative began in 2023 with 100,000 students joining the no-win, no-fee claim. Since then, the number has surged to 170,000, prompting legal notices to be sent to 36 universities. These letters outline the proposed case and demand formal responses from the institutions.
Scope of the Claim
Eligibility is limited to specific periods and conditions. The claim covers online teaching disruptions in the academic years 2020-21 and 2021-22 at English and Welsh universities. Students must have accepted offers before April 1, 2020, to qualify.
Excluded from the claim:
- Online teaching in 2019-20 due to COVID-19
- Restrictions on campus access in any academic year
- Teaching cancellations caused by industrial action
Why the Claim Emerged
The case gained momentum in February after University College London (UCL) agreed to a £21m settlement. While UCL admitted no liability, it acknowledged the pandemic’s impact on student experiences, stating the “difficulties were widespread.”
“The UCL settlement was a strong test case,” said Asal Reyhanian of Asserson Law Offices. “It showed students are eager to address the high costs of education during these years.” She noted the settlement encouraged 50,000 additional sign-ups, highlighting the disparity between fees and the quality of service received.
Reyhanian emphasized that universities should refund the difference between in-person and online tuition costs. “It’s like paying for a five-star holiday and getting a one-star experience,” she explained. “Students deserve compensation for the reduced value of the service.”
Universities Responding to the Claims
Following the UCL settlement, 36 universities received pre-action letters. These formal documents outline the claim and require institutions to commit to specific steps. Universities UK, representing over 140 schools, called the pandemic an “unprecedented challenge,” noting the sector adapted to changing circumstances.
Estimated Compensation
Compensation varies depending on the institution, fees paid, and the extent of service reduction. The Student Group Claim estimates UK undergraduates may receive an average of £5,000. Course-specific factors, such as reliance on in-person classes, also influence the amount.
The deadline for submitting claims related to the pandemic is set for September 2026. Students are encouraged to review their agreements and gather evidence of service degradation to support their cases.
