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.

Kildare Rose Jessica Hunter Set For Rose Of Tralee Festival
Gardaí Appeal For Information Following Maynooth Shop Theft
Missing Person Appeal: Megan Phillipson (34)
Kildare Talent Set To Shine At Ireland's Largest Music Festival Electric Picnic
Kfm Obituary Notices
Over 100 Events Taking Place Across Kildare For Heritage Week
Over Half of Cigarette Packs Surveyed In Newbridge And Naas Had No Irish Duty Paid
Celbridge Brewery CEO Warns Of Mounting Costs Facing Craft Beer Sector