Students will be hit with double fees for some arts degrees and at least 55 per cent rises for engineering and science degrees at the University of Sydney under the federal government's controversial overhaul of higher education.

An analysis of the cost implications to the university from the government's planned 20 per cent reduction in funding for university places shows fees for communications, social science, environmental and engineering degrees will soar.

A Sydney University student protest on May 28, 2014. Credit:Edwina Pickles

A Sydney University three-year bachelor of environmental systems costs a domestic student a minimum of $25,839 based on current fees.

Under the changes, students would face a bill of at least $42,405 for the same degree from 2016.