Could thousands of students win COVID compensation from universities?
Could Thousands of Students Secure Compensation from Universities for Pandemic Disruptions?
Over 190,000 students enrolled in higher education during the early stages of the pandemic are pursuing financial redress through a collective claim. The initiative began in 2023, with an initial 100,000 participants, and has since expanded to 170,000 individuals. Legal notices have been dispatched to 36 universities, outlining the potential for compensation under a new proposal.
Scope of the Claim
The Student Group Claim, spearheaded by law firms Harcus Parker and Asserson solicitors, asserts that universities failed to deliver the full value of services students paid for. This includes reduced access to campus resources and the transition to online learning, which the claimants argue diminished the quality of education.
Initially, the claim targeted both facility restrictions and cancellations due to industrial action. However, as of March 2024, its focus has narrowed to the shift to remote teaching during the academic years 2020-21 and 2021-22. Eligibility requires enrollment before April 1, 2020, ensuring the claim applies to those affected by the pandemic’s early impact.
What Is and Isn’t Covered
Students are seeking reimbursement for the difference in value between in-person and online courses. The claim argues that online tuition typically costs 25-50% less, warranting compensation for the reduced service. However, the following scenarios are not part of the current dispute:
- Teaching moved online in the 2019-20 academic year
- Access limitations to campus facilities during any pandemic period
- Cancellations of classes due to strikes or industrial action
By settling the case, universities acknowledged the unique challenges posed by the pandemic. For instance, University College London (UCL) agreed to a £21m payout in February, which sparked further interest among students. Asal Reyhanian, a legal associate at Asserson Law Offices, noted that the settlement served as a “good test case,” highlighting the desire to challenge the cost of education during times of disruption.
Next Steps and Compensation
With the deadline for submissions set for September 2026, the claim aims to secure an average of £5,000 per student. The amount will vary based on the institution, the fees paid, and the extent of the impact on each individual’s experience. Courses requiring more in-person interaction may result in higher compensation.
“We aren’t blaming universities for following government guidance, but for charging the same rates for a significantly less valuable service,” Reyhanian emphasized. “It’s akin to paying for a five-star holiday and receiving one-star hospitality—students deserve compensation.”
Universities UK, representing over 140 institutions, acknowledged the pandemic’s unprecedented nature, stating that the sector had to “adapt to a rapidly evolving situation.” Despite these challenges, the claim persists, with students arguing that the financial burden was unjustly maintained despite reduced educational quality.
