Could thousands of students win COVID compensation from universities?
Could Thousands of Students Secure Financial Reimbursement from Universities?
Nearly 200,000 students who studied during the early stages of the pandemic are now pursuing monetary redress from their educational institutions. The dispute centers on the reduction in value of services they paid for, as universities transitioned to online learning amid the crisis.
Origins of the Legal Action
The initiative began in 2023, initially attracting 100,000 participants through a no-win-no-fee campaign. This number has since expanded to 170,000, prompting legal correspondence with 36 universities outlining the potential claim.
Scope of the Claim
Driven by Harcus Parker and Asserson solicitors, the claim asserts that students received a diminished educational experience compared to the value of their fees. Initially, the focus included campus closures and teaching disruptions linked to strikes, but as of March, the scope narrowed to online teaching during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 academic years in England and Wales.
To qualify, students must have accepted an offer before April 1, 2020. The claim excludes:
- Teaching moved online in the 2019-20 academic year
- Restrictions on campus access across all years
- Class cancellations due to industrial action in any year
Why the Case Has Gained Momentum
The movement gained traction in February following University College London’s agreement to a £21 million payout. Though the university acknowledged no direct liability, it highlighted the “extraordinary challenges” of the pandemic, emphasizing the disruption it caused to education. Asal Reyhanian of Asserson Law Offices called the settlement a “valuable precedent,” noting it spurred 50,000 additional signatories.
“Students paid for in-person instruction and campus access, yet received significantly less. It’s akin to paying for a top-tier vacation and getting a basic one—compensation is justified,” Reyhanian explained.
The deadline for submitting claims related to the pandemic is set for September 2026. According to the claim, UK-based undergraduates might receive an average of £5,000 in compensation, depending on their course and the extent of their experience.
Universities’ Stance
Following the UCL settlement, 36 universities have received pre-action letters. These formal documents outline the claim and request specific responses. Universities UK, representing over 140 institutions, stated the pandemic posed an “unparalleled challenge” requiring “swift adaptation” to shifting circumstances.
Key Law Firms Involved
Harcus Parker and Asserson solicitors are leading the legal effort, arguing that universities should refund the difference in value between in-person and online courses. Their approach underscores a broader critique of uniform pricing despite altered service delivery.
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