In putting together my start-up visa legislation, I've talked to professors at famous universities, political scientists, economists and foreign businessmen, all of whom are happy to help.

CNN: Passion and pain on Capitol Hill

If such a formal accreditation system could be established it would raise the prospect of online students anywhere in the world being able to study for a degree with famous universities, at a cost that is likely to be much lower than a traditional campus-based course.

BBC: Gates Foundation funds online university open access

Both universities, respected in England, but not world-famous, have decided that risk is worth taking in the hope of boosting their global profile.

ECONOMIST: Higher education