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More than 170,000 current and former students are pursuing legal action against 36 universities, arguing that the education they received during the Covid pandemic did not match what they had paid for. This development follows a settlement reached between University College London (UCL) and the Student Claim Group, a representative body now expanding its claims to other institutions.
Letters outlining potential legal claims have been dispatched to the 36 universities, signaling the students’ intent to seek damages. Central to these claims is the assertion that the tuition fees paid for in-person education should be adjusted to reflect the largely online delivery of courses during the pandemic. Economic analyses underpinning this argument aim to quantify the difference in value between online and on-campus learning experiences.
During Covid-19 restrictions, universities shifted much of their teaching online, with students confined either to their homes or campus accommodations. Access to campus facilities was limited, creating significant dissatisfaction among students, especially those enrolled in courses requiring specialist practical work, such as fine art or applied arts. Many students expressed frustration at missing out on the full university experience, including in-person interactions and graduation ceremonies, which were either delayed or held virtually. Graduates also entered a challenging job market as the economy began recovering from the pandemic’s effects.
Shimon Goldwater, a partner at Asserson Solicitors, emphasized the fairness of these claims by comparing them to consumer rights: “If you paid for a five-star holiday and received a one-star holiday, you are entitled to compensation.” He described the educational shortfall experienced by students as “one of the great injustices to come out of the pandemic”—an issue that has yet to be addressed. The Student Claim Group insists that consumer law principles should take precedence over any university contract clauses that attempt to shield institutions from liability for disruptions caused by the pandemic.
The group has sent pre-action letters to a wide range of universities including, but not limited to, the University of Birmingham, University of Bristol, Imperial College London, University of Leeds, University of Liverpool, Newcastle University, University of Manchester, and University of York. These claims also consider additional disruptions students faced due to staff strikes over pensions, pay, and working conditions.
One letter reviewed by the BBC mentioned that beyond financial loss, students “suffered disappointment and distress as a result of the failure of the university to provide the services promised.” The claims focus on the academic years 2019-20, 2020-21, and 2021-22. Universities UK, representing over 140 institutions, has been contacted for a response. Students have until September 2026 to submit claims related to their Covid-affected education
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