Could thousands of students win COVID compensation from universities?
Could thousands of students win COVID compensation from universities?
Over 170,000 students who attended universities during the pandemic are pursuing financial redress. The initiative began in 2023 when 100,000 participants joined the no-win, no-fee campaign, and this figure has since expanded to include more than 170,000 individuals. Legal notices have been dispatched to 36 institutions, detailing the proposed claim.
Scope of the claim
The Student Group Claim, led by Harcus Parker and Asserson solicitors, asserts that students were deprived of the services they paid for during the pandemic. Teaching shifted online, which the law firms argue diminished the value of the education received.
Initially, the claim targeted both campus facility closures and disruptions from industrial action. However, as of March, the focus is narrowed to online instruction during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 academic years at English and Welsh universities. Eligibility requires acceptance of an offer before April 1, 2020.
Not included in the current scope are: • Online learning due to the 2019-20 pandemic • Restrictions on campus access across all academic years • Teaching cancellations linked to industrial action.
Driving the case: UCL’s settlement
The claim gained momentum in February following University College London’s agreement to a £21 million payout. Although UCL admitted no fault, it acknowledged the challenges faced by students during the pandemic.
“The settlement demonstrates the potential for universities to recognize the value lost during the pandemic,” said Asal Reyhanian, an associate at Asserson Law Offices.
Reyhanian noted that the case serves as a “test case” for students, highlighting that the pandemic’s disruption made in-person learning less accessible. This led to an additional 50,000 students joining the initiative, reflecting a shared concern over the disparity between fees and educational quality.
Ms. Reyhanian emphasized: “Universities are not being criticized for following government protocols, but for maintaining the same fees despite delivering a less valuable service.”
Universities involved
Following UCL’s settlement, 36 institutions have received pre-action letters. These formal documents outline the claim and request specific responses from the universities.
A Universities UK representative stated: “The pandemic posed an extraordinary challenge, requiring the sector to adapt rapidly to evolving conditions.” They explained that during lockdowns, in-person teaching was often unfeasible, and universities “quickly innovated to ensure students could complete their studies.”
Compensation details
Estimated compensation for eligible students ranges from £5,000 on average, according to the law firms. The amount depends on the institution, tuition fees, and the extent of the service impact. Courses requiring more in-person attendance may qualify for higher payouts.
The deadline for submissions is set for September 2026. This timeline allows students to evaluate their experiences and file claims based on the outlined criteria.
