Around 500 India-based students are part of a class-action lawsuit against 36 UK universities. They seek compensation for disrupted education during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lawsuit, filed by Student Group Claim, involves over 20,000 international students. A pre-action letter detailing the claim has been sent to the universities.
Lawsuit Details
Student Group Claim alleges students did not receive the expected level of education. They paid for in-person teaching and access to facilities. However, teaching moved online, and facilities closed for extended periods. The claim asserts universities should compensate students for this reduced value.
Shimon Goldwater, partner at law firm Asserson, stated, “UK undergraduates at university during the pandemic borrowed money at ridiculous interest rates to fund courses which were ruined by online teaching and closed facilities.” Law firms Asserson and Harcus Parker represent the students.
The group’s legal team argues that fees for online courses are typically 25-50% lower than in-person programs. They contend universities should have refunded this difference to students. This represents a significant financial burden for students who incurred substantial debt.
Student Experiences
Adam Zoubir, partner at Harcus Parker, commented, “Students who were at university during COVID, particularly in the 2020-21 academic year, had a very rough ride, but they have received no compensation or tuition fee reductions.” He added, “Instead, they have been saddled with eye-watering debt from fees and costs for an educational experience that utterly failed them.”
The legal team is pursuing compensation based on English consumer law. This law states consumers are entitled to compensation if they receive a service of lower value than paid for. The compensation would reflect the difference in market value.
University Response and Precedent
University College London (UCL) recently reached a confidential settlement with its student group. UCL admitted no liability. It stated it followed government guidance and implemented safety measures. UCL acknowledged the difficulties students faced during the pandemic.
Dr. Michael Spence, UCL President & Provost, said, “We recognise that the COVID years were incredibly difficult for students.” He added, “UCL has never disputed the principle that individuals may seek legal remedies.” He noted many students secured compensation through existing processes.
Next Steps and Deadlines
Student Group Claim is pursuing similar compensation for students from other UK universities. They are focusing on claims related to the 2020-21 academic year . This period was most severely impacted by COVID-19.
Other students who may have a claim are invited to join. The deadline to file is September 2026 under the UK’s Limitation Act. The group stated, “Anyone who was at university during the pandemic, particularly in the 2020-21 academic year, could have a substantial claim for compensation.”
Universities UK International (UUKi) represented the interests of 140 UK universities. A spokesperson stated the pandemic presented “unprecedented challenge.” They added that institutions adapted quickly to government guidance during lockdowns.