This week saw the start of the Independent Review of Higher Education Funding and Student Finance.
Next year, the findings of the review are due to be presented to government, to be taken into account when sculpting future policy relating to tuition fees.
While a broad aim of simplifying the issue of student finance is in place, the review also seeks to improve affordability, with variable fees one area of focus.
Universities secretary Lord Mandelson said: "Variable tuition fees provide institutions with a secure income stream worth £1.3 billion, helping to sustain the long-term financial health and viability of the sector."
He added that student numbers have increased steadily since the introduction of variable fees, with more admissions from low-income households.
The website established to report on the progress of the review lists as its two primary aims the ambition to recommend actions to be taken on future fees policy, along with the desire to suggest steps to be implemented on full-time and part-time students' financial support.
