Coventry University expelled 445 undergraduates - 3 per cent of its total enrolment - for failing to pay their fees in the past academic year.

In addition, about 11 per cent of students are blocked from using library and IT facilities because of non-payment of fees, Coventry confirmed this week.

The university said it was unable to provide a detailed breakdown of the figures, including what proportion related to overseas students who pay full-cost tuition fees of several thousand pounds. 51³Ô¹Ï and European Union students receive a loan, repayable after graduation, to cover tuition fees.

A spokeswoman said: "While the university is mindful of the financial problems faced by some students, it is legally accountable for the use of public funds."

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She said that at present "about 11 per cent" have had their access to facilities blocked, a similar figure to last year. No students have been excluded so far in this academic year.

Some universities are owed large amounts of cash from defaulting overseas students.

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At the end of the past financial year, the University of Wolverhampton was owed more than £1 million by foreign students: £945,000 in tuition fees and £85,000 in accommodation fees.

melanie.newman@tsleducation.com.