27 June 2012 Last updated at 06:24 ET

Cardiff University probes foreign queue jumping claims

Cardiff University said it "takes very seriously the issues raised"

Cardiff University is investigating allegations about places being offered to foreign students with lower A-level grades who pay higher fees than UK counterparts.

The Daily Telegraph refers to Cardiff University in its probe about queue jumping involving an agency in Beijing.

A university statement said it "takes very seriously the issues raised".

It said the alleged practices by an agency misrepresent the "university and Cardiff's robust admission procedures".

"As a result, Cardiff University is investigating the allegations," said the statement.

"The university aims to recruit the most able students that can benefit from and successfully undertake the university's courses.

"Agents do not make admissions decisions. All decisions on eligibility for courses at Cardiff University are taken by the university itself."

The Telegraph said it conducted the probe following concerns raised by academics and schools.

Undercover reporters visiting a company in Beijing which placed more than 2,500 students in British universities last year, purporting to look for a place for a Chinese student.

The newspaper said Golden Arrows Consulting acted as the official agent for more than 20 British universities and was their representative in China.

It reported that the fictitious student was said to have achieved three C grades at A-level, which is below the entry requirement of most leading British universities.

'Exceptional case'

"However, they were offered a place at both Cardiff and Sussex," said the Telegraph.

When the undercover reporters asked what universities the student could go to if they re-sat their exams and managed to obtain three Bs at A-level, the newspaper claimed she was told she could also choose between the University of East Anglia or Southampton university.

The Telegraph said some UK school heads say they have noticed it is becoming tougher for British students to get into top universities than overseas students.

The Telegraph said Golden Arrow admitted that it had found a place for a student at Cardiff with A, C and D grades at A-level, but insisted this was an exceptional case.

Sussex University told the newspaper it makes "no C, C, C offers whatsoever".

"It is possible, however, that during the Ucas clearing process offers may be made at slightly below the advertised entry criteria, but this is unlikely to drop by more than one or two grades," it said.