University of Brighton chief Sir David Watson is to call for a £900 increase in student tuition fees.

The vice-chancellor will argue increasing the flat rate to £2,000 is better than government plans for controversial "top-up" fees.

Sir David said he would try to convince the annual conference of Universities UK a "quick move" for leading universities to charge top-up fees of up to £3,000 a year by 2006 would be unfair.

The extra funding, which was desperately needed by universities, could instead come from an increase in the fee paid by all students who could afford it.

More scholarships should be introduced to help poorer students, he said.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow's conference, Sir David explained: "I hope these ideas will prove a rallying point for those uneasy about the impact of differential fees.

"Differentiated fees are not going to work unless and until a robust scholarship and financial aid structure is put in place.

"There is a strong political and economic case for an uplift of the basic flat-rate fee and a restored state scholarship."

Government plans for top universities to charge up to £3,000 per term, while the rest continue to charge £1,100, have split Labour MPs.

Many, including Brighton Kemp Town's Des Turner, fear they would lead to a two-tier system, with poorer youngsters put off from applying to top universities.

However, the Government insists this would be unfair on students who do not reap the benefits of attending elite universities.

Education Secretary Charles Clarke has said they will go on to earn bigger salaries and should therefore pay more in fees.