Universities thrust into bitter fees dispute

Angry students increasingly demanding tuition fee refunds—raising fears of knock-on hit to research budgets

Universities are bracing for another hit to their finances, as a surge in coronavirus cases deepens student discontent and fuels demands for fee refunds. 

Despite months of preparation by staff, students’ return to campuses for the autumn term has been marred by local coronavirus outbreaks and lockdowns. The situation has now caused growing anger among students over fees.