‘Paid for in-person classes, got online learning’: 500 Indian students sue 36 UK universities

Around 500 Indian students are among over 20,000 international applicants seeking compensation from 36 UK universities for online teaching and closed facilities during the COVID pandemic.

Student Group Claim, representing approximately 170,000 potential claimants globally, has issued a pre-action letter to all 36 universities involved. Students argue that although they paid for in-person teaching and access to facilities such as libraries, studios, and labs, their courses were moved online and facilities remained closed for extended periods during the pandemic.

Compensation argument

Law firms Asserson and Harcus Parker, representing the students, say universities should pay compensation reflecting the difference in value between the service paid for and the service actually received. Tuition for online courses during COVID was typically 25–50% lower than in-person courses, yet students paid full fees.

Shimon Goldwater, partner at Asserson, said: "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. Student Group Claim is helping students challenge universities to do what they should have done during COVID: pay students compensation for not providing them with the in-person teaching for which they paid."

Adam Zoubir, partner at Harcus Parker, added: "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. We are helping them seek fair financial compensation through the courts because this is perhaps the biggest misjustice coming out of the pandemic."

Settlements and university responses

University College London (UCL) recently agreed to a confidential settlement with a group of students, while stressing that it had followed UK government guidance during the pandemic. UCL President Dr Michael Spence said:

"We recognise that the COVID years were incredibly difficult for students. COVID-19 created disruption across society, and universities were no exception. UCL has never disputed the principle that individuals may seek legal remedies."

Other UK universities have yet to respond publicly, but Student Group Claim is pursuing compensation under English law, which entitles consumers to damages if they receive a service of lower value than paid for.

Students who attended UK universities during the 2020-21 academic year can still join the claim before the September 2026 deadline under the UK's Limitation Act. The group says many students may have substantial claims for compensation.

Universities UK International (UUKi) statement

UUKi, representing 140 UK universities, said: "Institutions – like other sectors – followed government guidance to adapt to a fast-changing situation. During some periods of lockdown, universities were not permitted to offer in-person teaching as usual and instead adjusted quickly and creatively to allow students to complete their degrees."

The legal action highlights growing awareness among international students, including Indians, about their rights and the financial impact of pandemic-era education policies.