The university said last month it had expelled 11 - as UK admissions fraud was reported to be at a record level.

There have been continuing claims that others had obtained places after purchasing fake qualifications.

Oxford Brookes said on Wednesday checks were continuing. It could not comment on the status of individual students for data protection reasons.

'Rigour'

"All Oxford Brookes students are required to provide evidence of their qualifications, and the qualifications are then checked for validity," the university said in a statement to the BBC News website.

"A total of 12 students have been excluded from Oxford Brookes University as a result of our recent checks on student qualifications as part of the enrolment process," it added.

Asked when the 12th expulsion had taken place, a spokesperson said it was last Friday. Others were still being checked.

The statement added: "Oxford Brookes University takes the issue of fraudulent applications very seriously, and takes the necessary disciplinary action to exclude students where they fail to provide documentary evidence of their qualifications submitted on their application forms.

We maintain rigour at all times in our admissions process for all students, including those applying from overseas. Oxford Brookes University

"We maintain rigour at all times in our admissions process for all students, including those applying from overseas.

"In the case of international students this process is particularly rigorous because they are also required to comply with visa regulations, which includes evidence that they have a university place and the funds to complete their course, including any living expenses."

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service said it had detected 1,000 fake qualifications in 2004 - more than twice the usual number.

The cancelled applications included two groups of 200 submitted by people from China and Pakistan.