Education Minister Christopher Pyne says the latest figures show the Government's proposed overhaul of university funding is not scaring off future students.

He said the number of students enrolling for next year's university courses had increased by 2 per cent.

The lift in numbers comes as the Federal Government negotiates with crossbench senators about deregulating student fees.

Mr Pyne told 774 ABC Local Radio in Melbourne the increase in enrolments showed potential students were not concerned about the changes.

"When they discover that the Higher Education Contribution Scheme is remaining in place, contrary to Labor's scare campaign, [they] are quite comfortable," Mr Pyne said.

"Knowing that when they go to university, with all the opportunity that brings of both private benefit and public benefit, and they can borrow that money from the taxpayer, they are quite happy to continue to enrol."

Mr Pyne said the increase in enrolments demonstrated that the Government's proposed changes were not a cause for confusion among future students.

"The good news is that enrolments are continuing to be about the same as they were last year and the year before," Mr Pyne said.

The Education Minister detailed the proposed changes at a higher education summit held in Melbourne today.

The main changes include the deregulation of university fees and changes to interest rate arrangements for student loans.

Mr Pyne took special aim at the Labor Party which has opposed the changes since they were announced.

"But as sure as night followed day, we faced a storm of what can only be described as populist opportunism," Mr Pyne told the conference.

"We are all for debate but blatant populism has no place in a debate such as this and should be called for what it is – and that is deception."

Mr Pyne is now in negotiations with crossbench senators to get the university changes through Parliament.

He noted on Wednesday morning that the Palmer United Party (PUP) wanted more free university education.

He said he is willing to be flexible during negotiations and is offering a significant scholarship program to allay the PUP's concerns.

My Pyne told today's summit a number of higher education organisations such as Universities Australia, the Regional Universities Network and the Australian Technology Network had outlined the need for change.

Scheme will not increase equity: Kim Carr

The Opposition's higher education spokesman Kim Carr also addressed the conference and refuted a number of Mr Pyne's points.

"No gimmicks, like the Commonwealth scholarship scheme, will assist," Senator Carr said.

"The faux scholarship scheme will not increase equity. Rather, as regional vice-chancellors have noted, it will entrench division within our university system."

Senator Carr also questioned Mr Pyne's assertions that the university sector supported the changes.

"I do not agree with that. Vice-chancellors have been making claims they support aspects of this. When you read the vice-chancellors' remarks – the caveats are extensive," Senator Carr said.

Senator Carr said he was also discussing the university changes with PUP.

The Education Minister said the legislative changes will not be put to a vote in Parliament until he has the numbers to get the bill through.

Mr Pyne expects debate on the higher education changes to resume when Parliament sits next week.