Students who have missed out on lectures because of coronavirus curbs could be reimbursed by taxpayers, under plans outlined today.
Ministers should consider funding universities to provide any refunds students are owed because of the Covid-19 outbreak, the Commons Petitions Committee recommended.
More than 347,000 people signed an e-petition calling for the Government to reimburse all students of this year’s fees due to strikes and Covid-19.
Research by the committee found just 7% of students felt satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of teaching they current receive.
Some 87% said teaching hours had fallen since social distancing rules were introduced.
And 47% revealed they were paying for university accommodation they do not need.
Committee chairwoman Catherine McKinnell said: “As the Government take steps to protect the economy from Covid-19, it is vital that they now take urgent action to ensure students, and our vitally important institutions, are not left behind as the virus continues to wreak havoc on our higher education system.
“We are calling on the Government to give clarity on students’ rights to a refund for their education.
“We also believe the Government should consider funding universities to support them in reimbursing students' fees where it is clear their experience and service has fallen short due to the incredibly challenging situation we have been facing.”
The committee urged ministers to set out how students can claim refunds or repeat parts of their courses, making it easier to seek a refund, and to consider providing extra support for students whose courses have been affected by the outbreak.
It ruled out recommending “a universal refund or reimbursement of tuition fees to all university students”.
“While we do not consider that a blanket refund for all students is necessarily required, we believe that the Government has a role in ensuring any student whose university experience has fallen short is compensated,” said Ms McKinnell.
“The coronavirus pandemic and its effect on UK universities represent the greatest challenge they have faced for generations.
“If the Government fails to offer a comprehensive and accessible support package for both universities and students, then we face letting down an entire generation and critically damaging a sector that will play a crucial role in our country’s post-Covid economic recovery.”
The Government has two months to respond to the report.