Could thousands of students win COVID compensation from universities?
Could thousands of students win COVID compensation from universities?
Nearly 200,000 students who studied during the pandemic are pursuing financial claims against their universities. The Student Group Claim asserts that those enrolled in the early stages of the outbreak received less valuable services than they paid for, as classes transitioned to online formats.
What is and isn’t covered in the claim
The Student Group Claim, led by law firms Harcus Parker and Asserson Solicitors, argues that students were charged full fees for a reduced service. According to the claim, online courses in 2020-21 and 2021-22 were worth 25-50% less than in-person classes, making universities legally obligated to refund the difference.
Initially, the firms sought compensation for both loss of campus access and canceled teaching due to strikes. However, the scope has narrowed to focus solely on the shift to online learning during the specified academic years. Eligibility requires acceptance of a place before April 1, 2020.
Teaching moved online due to the pandemic in 2019-20, campus facility restrictions in any year, and cancellations caused by industrial action are not part of the claim.
Why has the claim been brought now?
The initiative gained traction in 2023 when 100,000 students joined the no-win-no-fee campaign. This number has since grown to 170,000, with 36 universities receiving formal legal notices. The claim’s momentum increased after University College London (UCL) agreed to a £21m settlement in February.
UCL acknowledged the pandemic’s challenges, stating, ‘COVID-19 created disruption across society, and universities were no exception.’ The settlement, described as a ‘good test case’ by associate Asal Reyhanian, sparked more interest from students aiming to challenge high fees.
Reyhanian emphasized that students paid for in-person experiences, such as campus resources and live instruction, but received a significantly diminished service. She noted, ‘We aren’t criticising universities for following government guidelines, but for charging the same fees for a less valuable service.’
‘It’s like paying for a five-star holiday and getting a one-star holiday,’ Reyhanian explained. ‘Students are entitled to compensation.’
What universities are involved?
Following the UCL settlement, 36 additional institutions have been notified of the claim. These pre-action letters serve as formal demands for specific actions from the universities. Universities UK, which represents over 140 schools, described the pandemic as an ‘unprecedented challenge’ and highlighted the sector’s efforts to adapt to changing circumstances.
How much compensation could you get?
The amount students might receive varies depending on their institution, tuition fees, and the impact of the pandemic on their studies. Courses requiring more in-person instruction could result in higher compensation. Estimates suggest UK residents could claim an average of £5,000 as compensation.
Claims must be submitted by September 2026. The process aims to address the disparity between what students paid and the value of the service they received during the crisis.
