All other applications would be cancelled, with a full refund if a deposit had already been paid, the spokesperson added.

They said the university was “proud” to welcome more than 2,000 international students from more than 100 countries.

“Derby is a diverse and welcoming city, and we are committed to promoting and celebrating diversity and equality,” the spokesperson said.

“However, we must ensure that we comply with UK visa regulations, and we are asking our trusted partners to work with us to achieve this.”

The university said the “temporary hold” was expected to continue until at least the autumn.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We engage regularly with the education sector and UK universities to ensure they have robust recruitment practices in place to prevent abuse of our immigration system.

“All applications are considered on their individual merits in line with the immigration rules. Where an application is complex and we need to make further checks, these may take longer.”