A university decision to charge top tuition fees of £9,000 has been described as “deeply regrettable” by its student union.

The University of Sussex yesterday announced plans to charge the highest amount allowed by the government from 2012.

The move to nearly treble its current £3,290 fees puts it alongside universities including Oxford, Cambridge and Warwick.

Bosses said the move was necessary due to a government reduction in teaching grants by 80% over the next few years.

They also announced a new scholarship scheme, the First Generation Scholars, to support students whose parents have not been to university, as well as those from low-income families.

However the move was criticised by unions.