The government wants to introduce top-up fees in England

The EIS claims this is the only way to make sure Scotland can compete with the best universities elsewhere.

Students at all UK universities are currently charged the same annual fee of �1,125, rising to �1,150 next year.

The UK Government is proposing to enable universities in England to charge up to a maximum of �3,000.

The EIS argues that such a step would give them an unfair advantage over higher education institutions north of the border.

The union said the only solution is extra government funding for all Scottish universities.

That view is shared by the Scottish Parliament's enterprise committee, which conducted an inquiry into the impact of the changes north of the border.

'Lack of communication'

Its report warned that recruitment and retention problems would worsen unless there was a "significant" increase in funding.

The committee said top-up tuition fees at English universities would have an "adverse impact" in Scotland.

MSPs also criticised the UK Government for a "lack of communication" with Scottish ministers in developing the policy.

The Scottish Executive will publish its own findings in its higher education review early next year.