It recommends the Government consider funding universities to provide any refunds university students are entitled to as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The report follows an inquiry where thousands of students raised concerns that they had not received a reasonable standard of education due to Coronavirus. During the investigation, the Committee also heard evidence on how the outbreak has impacted in particular those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and those on more hands-on courses where students need to use university facilities.
Research by the Petitions Committee found that just 7% of students surveyed felt satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of their education they are currently receiving. The same research found that 87% of students noted their teaching hours had decreased since social distancing guidelines were introduced. Meanwhile, 47% of students surveyed revealed they were paying for university accommodation they don’t currently need.
The report recommends the Government take a number of urgent actions, including clarifying how and when students can claim refunds or repeat parts of their courses, making it easier for those who believe they haven’t received the education they are entitled to seek a refund, and to consider providing additional support for students whose courses have been affected by the outbreak. The detailed report also recommends that the Government provides emergency funding to universities, to support them in refunding eligible students as they may already face costs of up to £2.5 billion in lost fees and teaching grant income alone.
The report says it is vital to 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.