Could thousands of students win COVID compensation from universities?
Could thousands of students win compensation from universities for pandemic disruptions?
Over 170,000 students who studied during the early stages of the coronavirus outbreak are now pursuing financial reparation from educational institutions. The initiative, known as the Student Group Claim, asserts that universities failed to deliver the in-person education and services students paid for when classes were abruptly moved online.
Initially launched in 2023, the campaign gained traction after 100,000 students joined the no-win, no-fee legal action. Since then, the number of participants has surged to 170,000, prompting 36 universities to receive formal pre-action letters outlining the potential claim.
Scope of the Claim
The claim, led by Harcus Parker and Asserson Solicitors, centers on the disparity between what students paid and the reduced quality of service they received. Under English consumer law, it argues that universities should refund the difference in value between in-person learning and online instruction during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 academic years.
- Teaching conducted online in 2020-21 and 2021-22
- Students who accepted offers before April 1, 2020
- Excludes campus facility restrictions in all academic years
- Excludes teaching cancellations due to industrial action
- Excludes online teaching in the 2019-20 academic year
Why the Claim Emerged Now
The movement gained momentum in February following a £21 million settlement by University College London (UCL). While UCL acknowledged no legal obligation, it highlighted the challenges students faced during the pandemic, stating that “the years were incredibly difficult for students” and that universities adapted to “a fast-changing situation.”
“The settlement serves as a good test case,” said Asal Reyhanian, an associate at Asserson Law Offices. “It demonstrates a clear willingness among students to seek compensation for the high fees they paid despite receiving less valuable services.”
Reyhanian emphasized that the core issue is universities “charging the same fees for a significantly diminished service,” likening it to “paying for a five-star holiday and getting a one-star experience.”
Universities Involved
Following UCL’s agreement, 36 additional institutions have been notified of the claim. These pre-action letters formally outline the legal arguments and demand specific responses from universities.
A Universities UK spokesperson noted the pandemic as an “unprecedented challenge,” acknowledging that the sector “had to adapt quickly to ensure students completed their studies amid lockdowns.” However, they stopped short of endorsing the compensation model, stating that “universities adjusted creatively to meet circumstances.”
Estimated Compensation
The compensation amount varies based on the university, course fees, and the extent of disruption experienced. The claim estimates that UK-resident undergraduates could receive an average of £5,000, reflecting the reduced value of online education compared to in-person learning.
The deadline for submitting claims is set for September 2026. As the case progresses, students will determine whether the financial adjustment aligns with their expectations during the pandemic era.