Motoring Enthusiast Party senator Ricky Muir is the latest crossbencher to confirm he will vote against the Federal Government's bill to deregulate university fees.

Yesterday the Education Minister Christopher Pyne backed down on his threat withdraw $150 million for 1,700 science and research jobs unless the Senate passed the higher education package.

Mr Pyne also divided up the elements of the bill to split the deregulation proposal from an unpopular $1.9 billion cut to higher education courses.

The Education Minister wanted to push ahead with the specific deregulation measure in the Senate this week, but the bill appears set for certain defeat.

The Government needs six of the eight crossbench votes and Ricky Muir, Nick Xenophon, Glenn Lazarus, Dio Wang, Jacqui Lambie and David Leyonhjelm all remain opposed to the changes.

Senator Muir argued the Coalition does not have a mandate for the dramatic overhaul of tertiary education.

"I would like to reiterate my position that the Government should take the higher education reforms to an election," he said in a statement overnight.

Senator Muir also argued Labor needs to put forward its policy for changes in the university sector as soon as possible "so that the people of Australia can compare a real alternative to deregulation".

"Both of the major parties have contributed to the issues currently facing Australian universities," the Motoring Enthusiast Party senator said.

"I think it is important that both proposals to reform Australia's higher education system are compared to see which reform will mean Australian universities and students are better off."

Senator Muir said he "rejects" any suggestion that the crossbench should shoulder the blame for any consequences of voting down the bill.