Could thousands of students win COVID compensation from universities?
Over 190,000 students who studied during the pandemic are now pursuing financial claims against their universities, according to a legal campaign led by Harcus Parker and Asserson solicitors. The initiative began in 2023 when 100,000 students joined the no-win, no-fee initiative, which has since expanded to 170,000 participants with 36 universities receiving formal legal correspondence.
What the claim covers
The Student Group Claim argues that students during the early stages of the pandemic received a reduced quality of service compared to the in-person experience they paid for. Under English consumer law, the law firms assert that universities should compensate for the difference in value between the services they offered and the ones students expected.
Initially, the claim included compensation for loss of campus access and canceled classes due to strikes. However, by March 2023, the scope was narrowed to focus solely on the transition to online teaching during the academic years 2020-21 and 2021-22 at English and Welsh universities. Eligible students must have accepted an offer before April 1, 2020.
Why the claim was launched now
The campaign gained traction in February 2023 after University College London (UCL) agreed to a £21m payout. Although UCL admitted no fault, the settlement acknowledged the “incredibly difficult” circumstances students faced during the pandemic. Asal Reyhanian, an associate at Asserson Law Offices, called the agreement a “good test case,” noting it spurred 50,000 additional sign-ups.
“We aren’t criticising universities for following government guidelines, but for charging the same fees for a less valuable service,” Reyhanian said. “It’s like paying for a five-star holiday and getting a one-star holiday—students are entitled to compensation.”
The deadline for submitting claims related to the pandemic is September 2026. The law firms estimate UK residents could claim an average of £5,000, based on the drop in value from in-person to online learning.
Institutions targeted
Following the UCL settlement, 36 universities have been sent pre-action letters. These formal documents outline the claim and require institutions to respond. Universities UK, representing over 140 schools, described the pandemic as an “unprecedented challenge” and noted the sector adapted to changing conditions during lockdowns.
Key exclusions
The claim does not cover: • Teaching moved online in 2019-20 • Restrictions on campus access in any year • Classes canceled due to industrial action in any academic year.
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