How much do pupils know about the new university fees structure and could an awareness campaign make a positive impact? Gill Wyness reveals LSE’s research findings

Many people point to the fall in 2012/13 applications to English universities as evidence that studentshave been put off applying because of the near trebling of tuition fees. In theory, however, no-one should be put off by this change. Fees will now be deferred and paid back gradually after university, once a graduate is earning a good wage. And there are generous maintenance loans and grants on offer, meaning everyone, regardless of background, should be able to afford upfront to go to university.

But how many potential students actually understand this new payment structure? So far there is little evidence of whether young people making important decisions about university actually understand how much it costs, how and when they have to pay, and crucially, whether the financial benefits outweigh the costs.

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