The controversial introduction of fees is also being blamed for the cancellation of courses, job losses and a reduction in teaching hours.

The issue has created an unlikely alliance between conservative upper house MP Inga Peulich and the left wing Australian Education Union. Ms Peulich claims Frankston students are not applying for courses due to the higher fees.

"For the first time in Victoria's history, TAFE students are being forced to access a HECS style loan scheme to pay fees," Ms Peulich said.

Skills Minister Bronwyn Pike says Ms Peulich has jumped the gun and that enrolment figures have not yet been released.

"Inga Peulich is well aware that Victorian TAFEs are yet to finalise enrolment numbers, yet she couldn't resist the chance to talk them down," Ms Pike said.

"Anecdotal evidence suggests that overall enrolments across the system will improve."

The AEU released figures last week from a survey of almost 1000 TAFE teachers which the union says confirms its concerns.

"The poll results confirm the AEU's worst fears about the government's changes to the Victorian TAFE system in regional areas," Victorian AEU president Mary Bluett said.

She said the figures showed that fee changes were having an impact on regional communities.