While the Quebec government and others see a need to hike university tuition fees, student leaders are adamant the proposed increases are unfair and will keep worthy young people out of the classroom.

Tens of thousands of students plan to take part in rallies in Montreal and Quebec City on Thursday to protest a 75 per cent increase in university tuition they say will jeopardize the province's tradition of keeping education accessible to people of all incomes.

Police moved in on student protesters gathered near McGill University, during a planned demonstration against tuition hikes.