Christopher Pyne's threat to sack 1700 researchers unless he gets his way in uncapping university fees has sparked an angry response from crucial crossbench senators and even caused Liberal Senator Cory Bernardi to reassess his own support for the government's policy.

The Education Minister vowed to "fight right through to the vote" and warned the crossbench of the "consequences" for 27 research facilities whose funding is tied to the reforms, which are widely expected to be rejected for a second time when put to the Senate this week.

"The consequences are that potentially 1700 researchers will lose their jobs," Mr Pyne warned. "The savings are in the reform, therefore the savings and the spending are inextricably linked. You can't do one without the other," the minister said.

The tactic has left the majority of the crossbench unimpressed and sparked a backlash even within the government, with Mr Pyne's South Australian colleague Senator Bernardi saying the move appeared "counter-productive".