Last Updated 18th February 2026. If you have been made to suffer due to a university data breach, then you might question whether you could take legal action. Here at Legal Expert, we completely understand that the data breach compensation claims process can often appear daunting and confusing, especially to those with limited legal knowledge. After all, it is fair to assume that nobody anticipates or prepares for the day they require legal representation.
Throughout this online guide, we aim to provide you with free advice concerning the claims process. In doing so, we will answer crucial questions and provide you with impartial advice regarding university data breaches. We will discuss what data breaches are, how they are caused, what impact they can have, and most importantly, what steps you could consider when seeking compensation.
Nobody should ever be made to suffer from a university data breach, and with the support of a solicitor, you don’t have to. Once you have read this guide to the very end, you will have been provided with the information you need to have a greater perception of the claims process. You will also understand how one of our solicitors could offer to take on your case, although having a solicitor is not a necessity. Should you have any questions or concerns while reading this guide, please do not hesitate to contact our team. Our claims team are well versed in the law, which means they can provide you with free legal advice of no obligation.
4.8 (466 reviews) What Is A University Data Breach?
In short, a data breach is when your personal information is stolen, lost, misused, or exposed without consent. If a data breach were to occur, it has the potential to cause various types of trauma and damage, as it could cause psychological trauma and financial loss.
To prevent data breaches from occurring, some measures can be taken. For instance, we previously touched upon the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Both have installed incredible groundwork in terms of data protection for businesses to abide by. But despite the laws and practices that have been implemented to promote data protection, unfortunately, there are circumstances where breaches could occur.
In the unfortunate event that a university data breach were to occur, it could expose, leak, or share the following types of personal data:
- Mobile number
- Home address
- Online activity
- Date of birth
- Usernames
- Passwords
- Email address
Not only could a university data breach compromise the security of its students’ information, but it could also affect the university’s staff and their data. Although they are an educational service, universities also operate as employers, and it is their duty as employers to keep their employees’ private information confidential. However, if a breach were to happen, then employee information could be compromised.
Regardless of whether you are a student or an employee of a university, if you have been affected by a data breach, you could have grounds to make a claim.
What Types Of Data Do Universities Hold?
Universities hold a wide range of personal and sensitive data, both on students and staff. This kind of data includes:
- Student Identification And Contact Details
- Tuition Fee And Payment Information
- Academic Records And Grades
- Medical And Disability Information
- Immigration And Visa Documentation
- Staff Employment And Payroll Data
In order to keep this data secure, universities have numerous obligations imposed on them through the likes of the UK GDPR. These include:
- The data subject must be fully informed of how and why their data is being used and stored.
- Data controllers are required to be compliant with laws and regulations.
- All personal information must be stored safely and securely — and these measures must meet the required standards.
Now that you have read some of the roles and responsibilities, we hope you have a clearer understanding. While the UK GDPR and data protection laws do a great job in establishing what measures must be taken, unfortunately, data breaches still occur.
If you believe you have been affected by a data breach, please feel free to contact our team. One of our advisers would be happy to chat with you and answer any questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you.
Who Is Responsible For University Data Breaches?
The university itself is primarily responsible for university data breaches in its capacity as the data controller. As the controller, the institution determines how and why your personal information is processed.
While a university may use third-party vendors, such as cloud storage or software providers, to process data on its behalf, the institution remains responsible for ensuring compliance with data protection legislation. A breach may occur if the university or its processor fails to implement the necessary organisational and security measures to protect personal data.
Do you believe that a data controller or processor failed to safeguard your personal information? Call us today to discuss whether you may have grounds to seek university data breach compensation.
Common Causes Of University Data Breaches
When we discuss data breaches, it is essential to highlight that there are various ways a breach can be caused. Naturally, there are technical implications, such as cyber-attacks, malware, ransomware, and technological glitches that could cause a violation to occur. However, there are also physical implications that could be a contributing factor. For example, a data breach could be caused by:
- An employee sending an email including personal data to the wrong participant.
- If a letter containing personal information is sent to the wrong household.
- An unauthorised person could access information if a computer or office is left unattended.
- Cyberattacks and phishing scams
- Lost or stolen devices
- Inadequate staff training
- Third-party provider failures
In order for a solicitor to take on your case, you will be required to provide evidence to support your claim. In the sections that follow, we are going to look at evidence collection in greater detail. Outlining the various types of evidence you can provide to support your case, what steps you could consider, and most importantly, how a solicitor can assist you throughout the claims process.
The Impact Of University Data Breaches On Students And Staff
A university data breach can significantly affect students and staff, ranging from financial losses to lasting mental health damage.
Below, we have provided some examples of the collateral damage that can be caused by a university data breach:
- Disruption of studies, such as ransomware attacks that result in the loss of coursework or the inability to grade exams.
- Exposure of sensitive information, including medical conditions or disability accommodations.
- Significant emotional distress, the development of conditions like anxiety, and loss of trust in the university as an institution.
- Academic and professional setbacks, such as compromised research or the disclosure of private disciplinary records.
If you have experienced any of the impacts above, please contact us today. We can address any questions and provide the support you deserve throughout the university data breach claims process.
How Much Compensation Can You Claim For A University Data Breach?
A university data breach can have a serious impact on you and your life. You may consider seeking compensation for any damages you’ve experienced. If that is the case, then it is important to acknowledge that compensation can be awarded for your:
- Non-material damage — this refers to you psychological harm.
- Material damage — this refers to your financial losses.
We have previously touched upon the importance of evidence and how you will be required to provide evidence to support your University data breach claim. In this section, we will outline some types of evidence you can acquire to support your case.
If you have psychologically suffered due to a university data breach, you will be required to attend a medical assessment to support your case. Upon attending, the professional conducting the medical evaluation will ask you a series of questions concerning the injury. In addition to asking questions, they will also evaluate the severity of the trauma and determine whether there are future implications to take into consideration.
All of the information that is collected from the medical assessment will be placed in a report that can then be used to value and support your case. Here at Legal Expert, we can help you set up a medical assessment with an impartial professional. We always try to organise the evaluation as close to your home as possible.
4.8 (466 reviews) How Long Will It Take For My Claim To Settle?
The amount of time it takes for university data breach claims to settle varies on a case-by-case basis. So, we unfortunately cannot give you a specific date for when this will be.
Some data breach claims may be more complex than others. Therefore, some claims may take longer to reach a settlement. Here are some factors that may determine the length of time it takes for your claim to settle:
- Whether your psychological injuries are still being diagnosed
- Whether you know who the third party responsible for the data breach is
- The time it takes to obtain evidence and build your claim
- The time it takes to calculate your compensation award
- Whether the third party has admitted or disputed liability
- Whether your claim needs to go to court, however, our solicitors will try to avoid this
Understandably, having your data breached may negatively impact your mental health and financial state. Therefore, our solicitors will work hard to ensure your claim is settled within a reasonable timeframe.
If your university data breach claim is successful, you will receive a compensation payout at the end of the claims process.
If you have any questions regarding the length of time it takes to settle a data breach claim, please do not hesitate to contact our helpful advisors.
Work With Our Specialist Data Breach Solicitors
By reading client reviews, you can gain incredible insight and valuable information to aid you throughout the decision-making process. For instance, by reading reviews, you can determine whether the firm is a good fit for you and your case. You can see whether they have relevant experience handling similar cases to yours, and how previous clients felt about their experience.
While we strongly suggest that you read reviews to further your understanding of a firm and its services, we’d highly recommend that you pick up the phone and speak with a solicitor. We offer a free consultation. So that you can have all your questions answered.
If you would like to be connected to an expert solicitor, please call our team today.
No Win No Fee University Data Breach Compensation Claims
All our No Win No Fee solicitors work under Conditional Fee Agreements (CFA), which allow claimants access to legal representation regardless of their financial situation. No Win No Fee agreements have the following benefits:
- There are no service fees to pay for a solicitor to start your case.
- No service fees to pay a solicitor while the case is ongoing.
If the claim happens to be successful and compensation is awarded, your solicitor will deduct a fee for the services they provided. However, please note that the fee is capped by law, so you do not have to worry about losing out on a significant portion of your settlement.
If you would like to discuss No Win No Fee agreements in more detail, please speak to one of our advisers.
Speak To A Data Breach Claim Expert
After taking the time to read our guide, you might have additional questions relating to the claims process. Alternatively, you may have further questions relating to the content within this guide. No matter what questions you may have, our claims teams are standing by and would be more than happy to speak with you.
Not only is our claims team available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with you, but they can also offer free advice with no obligation. So, if you would like to speak with one of our advisers, then please contact us using one of the following methods:
- Telephone: 0800 073 8804
- Visit our ‘contact us‘ page
- Live Chat: click the icon on the right-hand side of the page.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find the answers to some of the most common FAQs regarding university data breaches:
Can Students Claim Compensation For Data Breaches?
Yes, students can claim compensation for data breaches if they can prove that the university failed to comply with data protection legislation and they suffered emotional or financial harm as a result.
Can I Claim If My University Leaked My Personal Data?
Yes, you can claim if your university leaked your personal data and you can prove that the institution didn’t comply with data protection laws, resulting in harm (whether financial or psychological).
Can Academic Record Breaches Lead To Compensation?
Yes, academic record breaches can lead to compensation if a university’s failure to comply with data protection laws results in financial harm and psychological distress.
Can Tuition Fee Data Breaches Lead To Claims?
Tuition fee data breaches can lead to claims if students, staff, or parents experience financial or psychological harm due to a university’s failure to protect their personal information.
Can Email Errors Cause University Data Breach Claims?
Email errors can cause university data breach claims if they compromise the personal information of students or staff, leading to financial or psychological harm. For example, an email sent to the wrong recipient can reveal highly sensitive personal data, such as religious or political beliefs.
Can Staff Claim For University Data Breaches?
Yes, staff can claim for university data breaches if they are able to prove that the university failed to comply with data protection laws and they suffered psychological or financial harm.
Can You Claim Without Financial Loss?
You can claim without financial loss, as you could pursue compensation for the psychological harm caused by the university data breach on its own.
We understand that the answers above are brief, and you may need more in-depth responses. Connect with an advisor today to find out more.
Learn More
We have now reached the final section of the university data breach guide. We hope you have found the advice we have provided useful.
Now that you have read this guide to the end, understandably, you might search for additional resources to further your understanding of the claims process. If that is the case, then please continue reading. Below, we have included some additional information to further your understanding.
- No Win No Fee Guide — why not take advantage of our No Win No Fee guide to learn more?
- I Suffered From Stress Due to A Data Breach Guide — take a look at our guide to learn more.
- NHS Resources — take a look at mental health resources provided by the NHS.
- Information Commissioner’s Office — click to learn more about the ICO.
- Data Breach Claim Against A Solicitor — find out if you could claim against a lawyer.
