Elizabeth covering student in praise (5)
I believe the answer is:
bless
'praise' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'elizabeth covering student' is the wordplay.
'elizabeth' becomes 'Bess'.
'covering' indicates putting letters inside.
'student' becomes 'l' (as in L-plates for learner drivers).
'bess' enclosing 'l' is 'BLESS'.
'in' is the link.
(Other definitions for bless that I've seen before include "set aside for holy purpose?" , "Isn't that sweet?" , "Sanctify" , "Invoke divine favour on" , "Give honour to" .)