Could thousands of students win COVID compensation from universities?
Could Thousands of Students Secure Financial Redress from Universities?
Over 190,000 university students who experienced disruptions during the pandemic are pursuing claims for financial compensation. The initiative, spearheaded by the Student Group Claim, centers on universities failing to deliver the in-person services students paid for, as teaching shifted to virtual formats.
Scope of the Claim
The legal action, led by law firms Harcus Parker and Asserson solicitors, argues that universities provided a diminished service during the initial lockdowns. According to the claim, this led to a loss in value for students, triggering entitlement to refunds under English consumer law.
Initially launched in 2023 with 100,000 participants, the no-win-no-fee campaign has expanded to include 170,000 students. Legal notices have been dispatched to 36 institutions, detailing the proposal. However, the claim does not cover all pandemic-related issues.
What’s Included and Excluded
Under the current terms, the claim applies specifically to online teaching during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 academic years. Students who accepted offers before April 1, 2020, are eligible. Other factors not covered include:
- Teaching moved online in the 2019-20 academic year
- Restrictions on campus access across all years
- Class cancellations caused by industrial action
Lawyers emphasize that the focus remains on the shift to digital learning. They clarify that universities are not being faulted for adhering to government guidelines, but for maintaining standard fees despite the reduced quality of education.
Why Now? The UCL Settlement
The movement gained momentum in February after University College London (UCL) agreed to a £21 million payout. While UCL admitted no fault, the settlement acknowledged the challenges faced by students during the pandemic. “The pandemic disrupted society, and universities were no exception,” stated the institution.
“This settlement served as a strong precedent, showing the potential for students to reclaim value from their education fees,” said Asal Reyhanian, an associate at Asserson Law Offices. “It highlights the disparity between what students paid and what they received.”
The deadline for submissions is set for September 2026. The claim estimates that UK-based undergraduates could receive an average of £5,000 per person, depending on their course and the extent of in-person learning they missed.
Universities’ Response
Universities UK, representing over 140 institutions, described the pandemic as an “unprecedented challenge.” The organization noted that universities adapted swiftly to changing circumstances, offering virtual alternatives when in-person sessions were unfeasible.
A spokesperson added: “Some lockdown periods prevented normal in-person teaching, forcing quick adjustments to ensure continuity in education.” Despite these efforts, the legal challenge persists, with students asserting their right to compensation for the perceived loss in service quality.