THE UNIVERSITY of West London is under investigation and as a result currently unable to sponsor foreign students.
The probe has followed a BBC Panorama investigation that took place earlier this year.
Evidence of 'serious concern' was uncovered at some campuses, and the government has downgraded Glyndwr University in north-east Wales from its status as a 'highly-trusted sponsor' of student visas.
In addition, 57 private further education colleges have also had their licences for admitting foreign students suspended.
A further two universities - the University of West London and University of Bedfordshire - are now no longer allowed to sponsor new students pending further investigations, which will decide whether they too should be suspended.
University of West London, Vice-Chancellor Peter John said: "The University of West London’s Highly Trusted Status licence has not been suspended. However, our Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (C.A.S.) allocation has been reduced to zero, pending an external audit by UK Visa and Immigration (UK VI) early next week. We will be working very closely with UK VI over the next seven days and will issue a further statement after that time."
An estimated 48,000 immigrants may have fraudulently obtained English language certificates despite being unable to speak English, the government has said.
Immigration Minister James Brokenshire told the Commons this week that an inquiry into abuse of the student visa system had found evidence of criminal activity, which would now be investigated fully.
He said: "It is likely that the true totals will be higher. The government is not prepared to tolerate this abuse. Since the start of February immigration enforcement officers, with the support of the National Crime Agency, together with officials from UK Visas and Immigration, have been conducting a detailed and wide-ranging investigation into actions by organised criminals to falsify English language tests for student visa applicants.
"They've also investigated a number of colleges and universities for their failure to ensure that their students meet the criteria set out in immigration rules." The probe followed a BBC Panorama investigation earlier this year."
