THERE are fears students could be saddled with a lifetime of debt after the Government announced plans to allow universities to charge up to £9,000 a year in tuition fees.

While there were smiles all round for those who have reached the end of their Southampton Solent University careers, yesterday proved no joke for young people yet to start higher education.

From 2012, institutions will be free to almost double fees from £3,290-a-year to £6,000.

But Tory Universities Minister David Willets added they could charge up to £9,000 if they can prove they’re helping encourage people from poorer backgrounds to apply.

That led to claims last night students could face three decades of debt to get a degree, while some talented youngsters could be put off university because of the spiralling cost.

Fees will not have to be repaid until a graduate is earning £21,000, when they will pay nine per cent of any income above that level, but there will be penalties for anyone trying to clear their debt early.

Labour Southampton Itchen MP John Denham claimed the scheme represents the “worst of all possible worlds’’, highlighting the case of Solent University, where central funding is likely to fall from £42m to just £5m.

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The Shadow Business Secretary said: “That is a £37m black hole that will have to be filled by students paying higher fees and the university may end up having to take some hard decisions.

“For most students, their own children will have started university before they have finished paying off their debts.”

Solent’s head of marketing, Trevor Thorne said the university is “disappointed” fees will rise. He said: “We’re a university that’s committed to social justice and are concerned that it’ll affect the ability of all those who can benefit from higher education to take part, whereas ability to benefit, not ability to pay is the key.”

The University of Southampton’s vice-chancellor, Don Nutbeam said he believes universities warrant public funding because of the benefits they bring to society and the economy.

But because of the £2.9bn of cuts to higher education, he welcomes higher tuition fees.

He said: “The government’s proposals represent a viable way of funding an internationally competitive higher education sector while allowing students to access university regardless of their financial background.”

Tommy Geddes, deputy vice-chancellor of the University of Winchester, said higher fees are necessary because some courses, especially arts and humanities, will receive no other funding in future.