Your Rights as a University Student
University students in England and Wales have consumer rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (the university provides educational services), academic rights under the institution's regulations, and complaint routes through the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA). The Office for Students (OfS) regulates higher education providers.
Last updated: 2026-03-09
Your Rights
Consumer rights in education
As a consumer of educational services, you are entitled to services provided with reasonable care and skill, and information given to you (in prospectuses, on websites) that is accurate and not misleading.
Right to fair academic procedures
Universities must follow their own published regulations and procedures fairly. This includes assessment, examination, academic appeals, and disciplinary processes.
Right to complain to the OIA
If your internal complaint or academic appeal is not resolved satisfactorily, you can complain to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIA). The OIA can recommend remedies including compensation.
Right to reasonable adjustments
If you have a disability, the university must make reasonable adjustments to ensure you are not disadvantaged. This includes in teaching, assessment, and access to facilities.
Right to student finance
Eligible students are entitled to tuition fee loans and maintenance loans from Student Finance England. Repayment is income-contingent and written off after a fixed period.
Common Myths
Universities can change your course or fees without notice
Universities must honour the terms of your offer and contract. Material changes require reasonable notice and may give you grounds for complaint or withdrawal.
You have no recourse if you get an unfair grade
You can use the academic appeals process, then escalate to the OIA. However, the OIA cannot change academic judgments — only review whether the process was fair.
Student loans affect your credit score
Student loans do not appear on your credit file and do not affect your credit rating. Repayments are deducted from salary like a tax.
What To Do
Know your institution's regulations
Read your university's academic regulations, assessment policies, and complaints procedure.
Use the internal complaints process first
You must exhaust the university's internal procedures before going to the OIA. Request a Completion of Procedures letter.
Complain to the OIA if needed
Apply to the OIA within 12 months of the Completion of Procedures letter.
Key Legislation
- Consumer Rights Act 2015
- Equality Act 2010
- Higher Education Act 2004
- Higher Education and Research Act 2017
Useful Contacts
Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA)
Independent body for student complaints about higher education.
WebsiteStudents' Union Advice Service
Free advice from your university's students' union.