The University of East London (UEL) has moved quickly to attract London Metropolitan University students without a place and facing deportation.

It has set up a telephone hotline in a bid to capitalise on the government’s decision to strip London Metropolitan of the right to authorise visas.

The decision means up to 2,500 foreign students have just 60 days to find alternative sponsors or will be ordered to leave the UK.

A UEL spokesman said the helpline would offer practical advice and guidance to students.

He said: “We would like to reassure these students that UEL is certainly one of the many serious options they can consider in order to continue their higher education.”

The number is 0208 223 3300.