Students should make a “substantial contribution” towards their university education in times of economic hardship, according to David Willetts.

On average, higher education boosts a graduate’s earnings by £100,000 over a lifetime, the Universities Minister argued.

Addressing the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, Mr Willetts confirmed that Lord Browne’s long-awaited review into student funding will be published next week.

He also announced that children of servicemen killed in action will be handed scholarships to university, and revealed that students who complete apprenticeships in key sectors are to be awarded the title “technician.”

Mr Willetts told the conference: “Many young people aspire to go to university. On average it boosts your earnings by £100,000 over a lifetime. So, when money is tight, it is right to expect people to make a substantial contribution towards the cost of their university education – not when they are studying but afterwards when they are graduates on a decent income. And there should be protection for the lowest paid.

“But we cannot expect people to pay more after they graduate if they have not been properly taught. I want to be able to look students in the eye and say they are getting a better education in return for the higher contributions they will make. At the moment academics are more likely to be promoted for research work or for administering their department rather than for excellent teaching. That has to change.”

He added: “There is more to university than Club 18-30 - going away from home for three years when you are 18.”

“You should have something to mark your achievement after you have completed a rigorous apprenticeship.”