More than 100,000 foreigners hoping to be granted visas to study in the UK are to be tested in face-to-face interviews rather than just submitting paper documents, as part of the latest attempt by government to stamp out abuse of the immigration system.

The move was announced in a speech by Theresa May, home secretary, which set out a new positive message on the importance of attracting the best migrants from emerging markets as well as maintaining a robust approach on keeping inflows from abroad under control.

Ms May confirmed that the student interviews, which will come into force next April, will be begin in countries such as Pakistan and India before being rolled out to cover other areas and types of migrants such as workers and those who enter the UK to join family members.