Foreign graduates of French universities and colleges will have more chance of finding work in the country after officials instructed local authorities to review work permit applications.

The New York Times reported that the move comes after criticism from students and heads of schools who said that current policies were forcing highly qualified graduates to leave.

A memo was issued jointly by the ministries of interior, higher education and labor which asked for prefects to look at requests that were put forward when stricter rules were in place.

It means that non-European holders of a French master's degree or equivalent, or any higher qualification, will now have half a year after graduation to find employment and apply for their working papers in the country.

Pierre Tapie, chair of the Conference des Grandes Ecoles, said: "France strongly affirms its willingness to host foreign students."

The news comes after the country received a boost from rating agency Moody's, which confirmed it was maintaining France's top AAA economy rating.

Posted by Sarah Dixon