Coronavirus (Covid-19)

Universities UK is coordinating national efforts to respond to many of the challenges facing universities including student and staff health and welfare, admissions issues, and the longer-term impact on universities. 

These pages offer information and resources for universities on Covid-19, answers to frequently asked questions, and details of how universities can help their communities during this difficult time.

Please always follow the government guidance and follow the latest updates for your nation at gov.uk/coronavirus (England), nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19 (Northern Ireland) gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/ (Scotland), gov.wales/coronavirus (Wales).

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Safety, Health and Wellbeing

The top priority for all universities remains the safety, health and wellbeing of the entire university community, including mental health and those at risk of abuse.
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Supporting the national effort

Universities are providing skilled workers, equipment and contributing to research on Covid-19. Find out how they can help the local and national response.
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International

FAQs on the way the Covid-19 outbreak is affecting the international work of UK universities, their international students, staff and partners and international students looking to study in the UK in the near future.
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Reports and briefings

Find Universities UK analysis on the response to the pandemic and the needs of the higher education sector.
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FAQs and links to relevant bodies

FAQs covering the Covid-19 outbreak, including how universities are supporting students remaining in halls of residence, and what will happen to exams and assessments.
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Admissions

The implications for universities relating to UK school qualifications and admissions following school closures and the cancellation of exams.
2020MADEUS

#2020MADEUS

A campaign showcasing how universities are supporting students and continuing to provide a high quality education.

News

UUK response to updated DfE guidance for universities

10 September 2020
Responding to updated government guidance for universities ahead of students starting the new term, Alistair Jarvis, Chief Executive of Universities UK, said:

A business is born every two hours at UK universities

28 August 2020
​University graduates start 4,000 new businesses and are responsible for supporting tens of thousands of jobs every year.

UUK response to DfE announcement on action agreed to support students into their preferred universities

20 August 2020
Universities UK has responded to the Department for Education's announcement on the measures to support students into their preferred universities
group of students looking at their results

Record numbers of 18-year-olds and applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds accepted into university

13 August 2020
UUK responds to the record numbers of 18-year-olds and applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds that have been accepted into university in 2020