New Research released today shows students who would begin university this year should expect their debt levels to reach £25,000.

University guide Push, published its annual survey of face to face interviews with 2000 students in the UK, which also highlights the rise in average yearly debt by 5.4% to £5,600 per year in university.  Speaking to students across 139 university campuses, the research reveals variations in debt levels based on how higher education system is funded.  

Debt levels in Scotland was at £2,637 which is almost half of the debt for students in England at £5,293 per year.  Northern Ireland average student annual debt is £3,769 while Welsh university students owed £6,411 per year.

There is considerable variation between individual universities too. The national average projected debt on graduation for anyone in higher education right now stands at £16,614, but at 9 universities, the figure has already broken the £30,000 barrier. However, at 20 universities, most of which are in Scotland, borrowing is likely to remain under £10,000.

Commenting on these figures higher education minister David Willetts reiterated the government's position that those who benefit from gaining a university deegree "should contribute to the cost of their education" while emphasising the government's commitment to "social mobility".

The National Union of Students' President Aaron Porter seeks a fairer alternative to the current top up fees system.

"Universities should look at improving the student experience, and providing better financial advice and support, rather than spending their time lobbying to add over £10,000 to the average student's debt," he said.

The higher education minister pledged that the government would take student debt levels into consideration as it reviews the Lord Browne Review due to be published this autumn and make any changes to student finance.