Five universities paid their heads more than half a million pounds last year despite calls for restraint from ministers and regulators.
Figures from the student watchdog showed that the Open University paid out the most, with a total bill of £718,000 going to two vice-chancellors. It included a £255,000 loss-of-office payment to Peter Horrocks, who resigned in April last year after a staff revolt over his plans for budget cuts.
At the London Business School, François Ortalo-Magné, the dean, was paid £596,000, including a £95,000 accommodation allowance.
The University of East London, which had a vice-chancellor depart and another arrive in the year, paid £592,000, including £183,000 to John Joughin, who resigned.
Imperial College London paid Alice Gast, its president, £576,000, including a £157,000 allowance