Cardiff University has announced it is investigating allegations that places are being offered to foreign students with lower grades than their UK counterparts, in order to make more money.
The allegations were made by the Daily Telegraph, whose undercover reporters say they have filmed the Russell Group university's official agent in Beijing, China, saying she could secure over-subscribed places for foreign students.
The agent is recorded saying she could guarantee a student a place at either Sussex or Cardiff University, even if they had only attained three C-grade A-levels - considerably below Cardiff's AAB requirement.
Cardiff is one of the universities involved in the alleged scandal
A statement released by Cardiff on Wednesday said the university was investigating the allegations, which it took "very seriously".
A spokesperson said: The alleged practices by the agency Golden Arrow misrepresent the university’s robust admission procedures.
"Agents do not make admissions decisions. All decisions on eligibility for courses at Cardiff University are taken by the University itself.
"The number of international students applying to study at Cardiff University has no impact on the number of places available to home/EU students."
The Russell Group has yet to comment on the accusations, while Sussex University told the Telegraph: "We make no C,C,C offers whatsoever."