Source · Select Committees · Petitions Committee
Second Report - The impact of Covid-19 on university students
Petitions Committee
HC 527
Published 13 July 2020
Government response
Third Special Report - The impact of COVID-19 on university students: Government Response to the Committee's Second Report · published 16 Sep 2020
Recommendations & Conclusions
1
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 15
The Covid-19 outbreak has hugely disrupted the education of university students.
Conclusion
The Covid-19 outbreak has hugely disrupted the education of university students. A significant number of students have told us they are not receiving the standard of education that they had expected, feel they are entitled to, or which offers true …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the significant disruption and challenges faced by students, noting universities' adaptation to online teaching and the OfS's role in ensuring quality. It highlights that universities were enabled to increase hardship funds using existing funding to support disadvantaged students.
4
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Para 24
While it appears that to date relatively few students have raised formal complaints with their...
Recommendation
While it appears that to date relatively few students have raised formal complaints with their universities or taken individual action to seek a refund of their tuition fees, many students are not happy with how university courses are being delivered. …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees students should be aware of their rights and is working with stakeholders (UUK, NUS, OfS, CMA, OIA) to explore how existing communication channels can improve students' understanding of their consumer rights, noting universities are already required to make students aware of the OIA scheme.
5
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 30
If a university has failed to provide the education a student has paid for, the...
Conclusion
If a university has failed to provide the education a student has paid for, the student is entitled to a refund from that university. However, given the likely impact of Covid-19 on universities—which could cost them around £2.5 billion in …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that student entitlement to a refund depends on individual contractual agreements. It details various financial support measures provided to universities, including loans and a restructuring regime, to help them manage the financial impacts of COVID-19 and ensure sector sustainability.
8
Recommendation
Acknowledged
University students whose courses have been affected by Covid-19, particularly those in their final year,...
Recommendation
University students whose courses have been affected by Covid-19, particularly those in their final year, are understandably concerned about the impact the disruption to their courses could have on their futures. We welcome the Government’s acknowledgment of these concerns, and …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges challenges for graduates and highlights general employment support like the Kickstart Scheme. It states a working group has been established to consider existing or additional guidance for postgraduate study opportunities, but does not commit to providing additional funding for students to extend their education or specific ongoing employment advice.