The survey comes after the federal government announced they would deregulate university fees, allowing institutions to charge their own prices for courses.

Chairman of the National Excellence in Teaching Awards Allen Blewitt said the current uncertainties surrounding the costs of higher education are impacting the decisions of students from areas such as Dubbo to attend university.

"Parents of regional Australia are very concerned given that they have to factor in the costs of city accommodation as well as increased university fees," Mr Blewitt said.

"Students from regional Australia do aspire to attend the best metropolitan universities, and for them, the budget changes have just added an additional hurdle."

Chief Executive Officer of the Country Education Foundation of Australia in Orange, Sarah Taylor, agrees not knowing the outcome of the government's prepositions is a major factor influencing potential university students.

"For someone in year 12 the future is very uncertain.

"The measures for higher education are yet to pass through the Senate so it's difficult to predict the impact," Ms Taylor said.

She said the ASG survey reflects the feedback the Country Education Foundation has received.

"For rural and regional students, the very high cost of leaving home and pursuing tertiary education is a concern.

"For city kids it's just a matter of jumping on a bus and away they go. It's something they take for granted," Ms Taylor said.

She said students from rural and regional areas are greatly under-represented in higher education, and in many cases it is due to the high cost.

The CEO said she often meets students from regional areas who are working two or three jobs just to make ends meet.

If passed through the Senate, the increased interest rate on the HECS debt will begin in 2016.

Ms Taylor said the changes are also a concern for those currently in the system facing excessive debt and wondering ho they will manage the financial implications of unknown fees.