Student complaints about their university have soared by more than a third in just two years.

Figures from the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education has revealed more than 1,000 students complained this year - up by 37 percent on two years ago.

The figure is double that of 2005 when just 537 complaints were lodged. Students demanding more for the money it costs to enter higher education has been linked to the number of complaints doubling in the last five years.

OIA chief executive Rob Behrens believes a combination of a tough labour market and the introduction of top-up fees were making students more critical of what they got from their degree. He said: "The labour market is very difficult for students right now. They want to get the best they possibly can from their university experience, which means they will complain if they don't get what they think they deserve.

"Students see themselves more and more as customers and they are more assertive than they have ever been. There is also the debate around the fees issue. They know that what they are getting at university they are paying for."

Aaron Porter, NUS President-elect, agrees the rise in complaints is linked to the introduction of top-up fees in 2006. He said: "It comes as no surprise, that there have been more complaints than ever before and as students are being saddled with ever larger debts these figures show that they expect a better experience from their universities. Students demand first-rate teaching and facilities and will not stand by quietly as politicians slash funding for universities."

"Students have a right to know what to expect from their experience in higher education and institutions must make absolutely clear what they will provide and deliver on those promises."

Universities and Science Minister David Willetts downplayed the rise in complaints, claiming they are just a small proportion of dissatisfied students. He said: "Students are entitled to the best learning experience, so it is reassuring that there were only a small number of complaints – one for every 2,000 students – received last year, with a small minority of those actually upheld. An effective complaints procedure is one of the ways that universities can better understand the requirements and expectations of students, and I encourage universities to continue to improve their internal complaints processes, and to provide clear information for students.