Universities will be able to “poach” students mid-way through their degree, under Government proposals that will make it easier for late bloomers to “trade up” to more prestigious institutions during their studies.

Jo Johnson, the universities minister, has set out his intention for universities to make it easier for students to “transfer” from one institution to another.

He wants the new regulator, the Office for Students (OfS), to force institutions to promote the concept of student transfer by making it a condition for registration.

Ucas, the university admissions service, has said it too regards greater “portability of qualifications” as “vital”. Plans are now underway at Ucas to change its website so that students can search for second and third year vacancies.

The move is aimed at giving students greater flexibility and choice, but experts have warned that it could open up a new wave of competition between institutions to attract students for a second round of recruitment.