Two-thirds of English universities will charge students the maximum top-up fee of £3,000 for all their courses.

A survey of vice-chancellors by the Guardian reveals deep-seated unease about the funding system which the government pushed through the Commons despite a mass backbench rebellion.

Many vice-chancellors say they will charge the full rate when the fees are introduced in two years' time because they fear they will look "second rate" alongside their competitors if they charge less.