A report published on Tuesday by Universities UK, the major representative body and membership organization for Britain's higher education sector, looks at the likely impact that changes to the variable fees system might have on universities, students and government.

    The report studied the implications of increasing tuition from current 3,000 pounds (4,200 U.S. dollars) to 7,000 pounds (9,800 dollars).

    If fees were raised to 7,000 pounds a year, said the report, a graduate in 2016 would have 32,400 pounds (4,5360 dollars) worth of debt after three years' study, which might discourage young people from going to universities.

    Twelve university vice-chancellors suggested in the study an average of 6,500 pounds (9,100 dollars) for future tuition fee to cope with rising operation cost which is growing faster than the inflation rate.

    Professor Rick Trainor, President of Universities UK, said, "the report makes a valuable evidence-based contribution to Universities UK's preparations for the independent review of variable tuition fees. It will help universities make informed judgements about the effect of future fee and funding regimes, and assess the impact on their own institutions."

    Trainor said the report is not about presenting a 'preferred' scenario. It assumes that 2012-13 will be the earliest date in which any change in the financing of higher education could be introduced.

    "This is a time of deep economic uncertainty for all of us, and the modelling work we have done is aimed at equipping universities to prepare for challenging times ahead. While our universities must receive sufficient funding to remain world-class, any changes to the current fee regime must also take account of the implications for widening participation," said Trainor.

    "UK higher education requires further injections of resource, from whatever source, particularly for teaching and learning. This is essential if we are to meet the rising expectations of UK and overseas students as well as employers," the professor added.

    British top universities have long complained about lack of investment in research and development which is vital for the cutting edge higher education the country has been renowned for.