The Government are considering plans to cut college fees, under new proposals to reduce the cost of third-level education.
Higher Education Minister Simon Harris also wants to see the grant system reformed, so that more part-time students can access financial support.
A multi-million euro fund from the Public Expenditure department will be used to significantly reduce the student/lecturer ratio in colleges and universities, among other issues.
Education writer John Walsh says changes to college funding have been a long time coming.
"The Minister has promised that he would be the one to take on the funding of higher education.
"The funding can has been kicked down the road so often that it's run out of space.
"A decision has been long overdue on the funding issue."
However, it's not thought that a reduction in the 3,000 euro college registration fee will be cut immediately.
President of the Union of Students in Ireland, Clare Austick, says the student contribution charge needs to be abolished.
"It's not just that, it's accommodation, it's the rents, it's the cost of living.
"Those students that don't get the SUSI grant have to work part-time jobs and are really really struggling.
"So when we really want to tackle access to education and make it equitable, we certainly have to tackle it at the core."
