UNIVERSITY of Winchester chiefs say it is too early to predict what effect higher fees will have on the number of applications next year.

The university is more than doubling its tuition fees from £3,375 this September to £8,500 in 2012.

The Government is allowing universities to charge up to £9,000 a year after cutting central funding for higher education.

Students taking three-year courses could leave with debts of more than £30,000, including living costs.

A survey of 50 universities suggested one in ten expects applications to fall when fees increase, some by as much as 20 per cent.

Lower ranking universities charging the top fees are said to be most vulnerable to a collapse in admissions.

But Professor Elizabeth Stuart, senior pro vice chancellor of the University of Winchester, said: “We think it is too early to tell. Recruitment for 2012 entry is at an early stage.

“We’re closely monitoring the level of interest from prospective applicants. Our recent undergraduate open day in May had an attendance in line with the same event last year which was encouraging.”

“Research suggests as long as students and parents understand that they do not have to pay their tuition fees upfront and those from lower income backgrounds understand what support is available for them a rise in tuition fees does not impact upon recruitment.

“It is unclear as to whether those messages are getting out to potential students and their families nationally.”

Universities charging more than £6,000 a year have to offer means-tested bursaries, summer schools and other schemes to encourage students from poorer backgrounds to apply.

The forecasted drop in candidates comes after a rush for places this year. Students who begin their course in September 2011 will not be affected by the fees increase in later years.

The University of Winchester had a 14 per cent increase in applications compared to the previous year. Nationally there has been an average six per cent rise.

In total, there are 6,428 students at the University of Winchester.

Only universities in Scotland anticipate a rise in demand as fees are set to be significantly lower for Scottish students.