Could thousands of students win COVID compensation from universities?
Could thousands of students win COVID compensation from universities?
More than 190,000 students who attended university during the pandemic are pursuing financial redress through a collective legal claim. The initiative, spearheaded by the Student Group Claim, centers on the argument that online education delivered during the early stages of the crisis offered significantly less value than the in-person services students paid for.
Scope of the claim
Initiated in 2023, the campaign initially gathered 100,000 participants, but the number has grown to 170,000. Legal notices have been dispatched to 36 universities in England and Wales, outlining the proposed compensation. According to the claim, students who accepted offers before April 1, 2020, are eligible, with the focus on academic years 2020-21 and 2021-22.
“Students paid for and expected in-person teaching and access to facilities, but received a far less valuable service,”
explained Asal Reyhanian, an associate at Asserson Law Offices. She added that the claim is not about universities following government guidelines, but about charging the same fees for a reduced quality of education.
Why the claim emerged
The initiative gained momentum in February after University College London (UCL) agreed to a £21 million payout. While UCL admitted no fault, it acknowledged the challenges students faced during the pandemic. The settlement was hailed as a “good test case” by Reyhanian, leading to a surge in sign-ups, with 50,000 additional students joining the effort.
Reyhanian emphasized the argument: “It’s like paying for a five-star holiday and getting a one-star experience. You’re entitled to compensation.” The claim asserts that online courses typically cost 25-50% less than on-campus programs, so universities should reimburse the difference in value.
Universities involved
Following UCL’s settlement, 36 institutions have received pre-action letters. These documents outline the claim and demand specific actions from universities. Universities UK, representing over 140 schools, noted that the pandemic was an “unprecedented challenge” requiring rapid adaptation to changing circumstances.
A spokesperson stated: “During lockdown periods, universities couldn’t provide in-person teaching as usual. They had to innovate quickly to ensure students could complete their studies.” However, this does not absolve them of the claim, which targets the disparity between fees and service quality.
What’s included and excluded
The claim covers online teaching disruptions in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 academic years. It excludes: • Online instruction in 2019-20 • Restrictions on campus access in any year • Teaching cancellations due to industrial action.
Compensation details
The potential payout for each student varies based on the university, course fees, and the extent of service reduction. On average, UK residents could receive approximately £5,000, according to the claim. The deadline for submissions is September 2026, giving students time to evaluate their eligibility and gather evidence.
