Bedfordshire University Investigated Over Allegations Of Student Visa Fraud

25 June 2014, 07:44 | Updated: 25 June 2014, 09:24

Home Office is investigating Bedfordshire University after 48,000 immigrants may have fraudulently obtained English language certificates despite being unable to speak English.

The University of Bedfordshire is being investigated by the Home Office over allegations of student visa fraud.

The university, which has campuses in Luton and Bedford, has been banned from sponsoring foreign students while an investigation takes place.

Home Office Minister James Brokenshire, said: "We have told two universities, the University of Bedfordshire and University of West London, that they are no longer allowed to sponsor new students pending further investigations which will decide whether they too should be suspended."

It's after an inquiry into both universities by the government found an estimated 48,000 immigrants may have fraudulently obtained English language certificates despite being unable to speak English.

Mr Brokenshire told the Commons that the inquiry into abuse of the student visa system had found evidence of criminal activity, which would now be investigated fully.

A spokesman for the University of Bedfordshire said: "The University's licence to recruit has not been suspended. Our issuing of 'Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies' letters is currently paused, pending a full audit which we had been expecting and which will take place shortly. I am confident we will, through that process, demonstrate the robustness of our procedures.