For the past three years, Irish students have benefitted from a temporary cost-of-living measure that cut €1,000 off the annual college fee of around €3,000.
Final budget negotiations are continuing this afternoon as a number of Departments make their last bids for funding.
Ministers have described the process as difficult this year and say there will be cuts in multiple Departments.
Among the final issues for negotiation are increases to core social welfare rates and the allowances for the Department of Housing.
A cut of €500 to student fees, down to €2,500 a year, has been agreed - while there are final talks on expanding the scope and level of the SUSI grant.
For the past three years, Irish students have benefitted from a temporary cost-of-living measure that cut €1,000 off the annual college fee of around €3,000.
That waiver now looks set to be scrapped.
Instead, the Government is expected to introduce a permanent €500 reduction in fees.

Setback For Monasterevin Fire Station As Site Sale Falls Through
Transport Users ‘Overwhelmed’ By Multiple Apps, Says TD
Kildare County Council Says "No Excuse" For Dog Fouling - But Won’t Provide Bag Dispensers In Maynooth
Government Moves To Let Gardaí Alert Schools After Domestic Violence Incidents
Aerosol Misuse In Kildare Raises Fears Of Sudden Death Risk Among Teens
New Housing Plan Could See Kildare County Council Bidding Against First-Time Buyers
Remembrance Service For JoJo Dullard: Parish Marks Three Decades Since Disappearance
Naas Special School Delay - 12 Children Promised A Place Still Not In Class