University Fee Issues and Disputes

As the cost of higher education continues to rise, students expect a high standard of service in return. The relationship between a university and its students is governed by a contract, supported by public and consumer law principles. Despite the inherent imbalance in this relationship, students are not without legal recourse if universities fall short of their obligations.

Please note: we are only able to take on privately funded cases. If you are unable to fund your case privately or if you are looking for general guidance on what actions you can take to protect your or your child’s education rights , you may refer to the Citizens Advice website.

Legal Expertise in University Fee Disputes

Our education law team has extensive experience advising on university fee issues and disputes. We offer clear, strategic guidance to help resolve concerns relating to the quality of education, fee status, and financial redress.

We offer a fixed-fee initial consultation to discuss your situation and assess how we can assist.

Common University Fee Issues We Advise On

Concerns About University Service Quality

Students who feel the education they’ve received does not meet the standards promised—due to poor teaching, disrupted learning, lack of access to essential services, or significant changes to course content—may have grounds to raise a formal complaint. If internal resolution is unsuccessful, legal action may be available.

Remedies may include:

• A reduction in tuition fees
• Repeating parts of the course
• Compensation for breach of contract

Student Fee Status Disputes

Fee status disputes are another frequent issue. These often arise when a student’s residency or nationality status is unclear or contested. For example:

• A student with a British passport who has lived abroad may not be recognised as a “home” student
• A student may begin a course as a home student but later be reclassified as an overseas student
• Enrolment may be delayed pending a lengthy investigation into fee status

These cases can be complex, requiring careful analysis of legislation, regulations, and case law. Our team is well-equipped to navigate these challenges and provide robust legal support.