Prime Minister Tony Abbott's claim only students who begin university in 2016 will be affected by a deregulation of course fees has been contradicted by university vice-chancellors and the federal Education Department.

Fairfax Media revealed on Wednesday university leaders fear up to 160,000 school leavers could be forced to select courses without knowing whether they will pay tens of thousands of dollars in extra fees.

University of Western Sydney vice-chancellor Barney Glover asked for the postponement of fee deregulation during talks with the office of Education Minister Christopher Pyne last week.

Peak body Universities Australia is also calling for a delay, saying the government has not allowed enough time to implement the changes.