The university students of the future are confused about the cost of higher education, according to a survey.

A total of 300 school and college students aged 16 to 19 were questioned about the costs they expect to encounter if they go to university and the support available.

The research carried out by Manchester Metropolitan University and the Learning and Skills Development Agency, revealed that most of the teenagers were ignorant about likely costs and baffled by the variety of financial support initiatives.

Just 39% of Year 12 and 57% of Year 13 pupils knew both that they will have to pay tuition fees and how much they will be.

Only 9% of Year 12 and 30% of Year 13 pupils realised they will not have to pay top-up fees, which do not come into effect until 2006.

Most either underestimated the costs of accommodation and living or did not know what they might be.

The survey also showed that young people rely on the advice of friends more than anything else in choosing which university to attend.

Susan McGrath, Head of Education Liaison at Manchester Metropolitan University, said, "Ignorance about financial arrangements and the role of friends in advising about higher education were the two findings that most concerned us. The friends they rely on are those still at school or college, not those already in higher education."

"We have found finance to be a major factor in decisions by students not to enter HE. So ready availability of clear, authoritative information is an urgent need."