The rise in tuition fees could deter as many as one in 10 potential students from attending university.

A survey for the BBC of more than 1,000 A Level students revealed the impact of the tuition fees on student attitudes to university.

While 10 percent said they were "definitely put off" by the new fees, 54 percent said they would still go and more than a quarter said they weren't really put off and will definitely go.

Around a half said they would consider a university closer to home to cut living costs, or go abroad so they cheaper fees.

Universities and Science Minister David Willetts told the BBC: "It’s important that prospective students are not put off applying to university.

"Going to university depends on ability – not the ability to pay. Most new students will not pay upfront, there will be more financial support for those from poorer families and everyone will make lower loan repayments than they do now once they are in well-paid jobs."