Could thousands of students win COVID compensation from universities?
Could thousands of students win COVID compensation from universities?
Over 170,000 students who attended university during the pandemic are now pursuing financial redress, according to a legal campaign. The initiative, initially launched in 2023 with 100,000 participants, has expanded significantly, with 36 institutions receiving formal legal notices about the claim.
Why the claim was filed
The case centers on the argument that students were charged full fees for a reduced educational experience during the early stages of the pandemic. Teaching was transitioned online, limiting access to campus amenities and in-person instruction, which the law firms Harcus Parker and Asserson solicitors claim diminished the value of the services students paid for.
“Students paid for and expected in-person teaching and access to facilities, but what they received was far less valuable,” explained Asal Reyhanian from Asserson Law Offices. “It’s like paying for a five-star holiday and getting a one-star experience—compensation should be fair.”
Scope of the claim
The claim specifically targets the 2020-21 and 2021-22 academic years, where universities shifted to online learning due to pandemic restrictions. It does not cover disruptions in earlier years or cancellations linked to industrial action. Eligible students must have accepted offers before April 1, 2020.
- Teaching moved online in 2019-20
- Restrictions on campus facilities across all academic years
- Teaching cancellations due to strikes or industrial action
Key developments
The campaign gained momentum in February 2023 after University College London (UCL) settled for £21 million. Though UCL admitted no fault, it acknowledged the pandemic’s impact, stating it “recognised the challenges students faced during these years.” The settlement served as a pivotal example, prompting 50,000 additional students to join the claim.
What universities say
Universities UK, representing over 140 institutions, emphasized the sector’s need to “adapt to rapid changes” during lockdowns. A spokesperson noted, “Some periods required universities to suspend in-person teaching, and they adjusted creatively to ensure degrees were completed.” However, the legal challenge argues that these adjustments did not justify maintaining full fees.
Estimated compensation
Under the proposed claim, UK-resident undergraduates may receive an average of £5,000 in compensation. This figure depends on the university, the course fees, and the extent of the student’s experience with online learning. Courses requiring more in-person interaction could see higher payouts.
The deadline for submitting claims is set for September 2026, giving students time to finalize their cases. The law firms continue to stress that universities should account for the difference in service value, ensuring fair compensation for the disruption caused by the pandemic.
What’s next?
With 170,000 students involved and 36 universities already notified, the case could set a precedent for financial accountability in higher education. The legal battle aims to challenge how institutions balanced cost reductions with unchanged tuition fees during the pandemic.
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