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University leavers considering putting off the search for graduate jobs in London may be interested to hear that the US has boosted the number of international students at its colleges in the past year.

Figures released today show that the number of foreign students in US colleges has increased by seven per cent to a record high.

The growth is being attributed to the relaxation of immigration policy, which was tightened during the 9/11 attacks.

According to the annual report from the Institute of International Education, the increase follows a three per cent rise last year, both of which came after a period of decline in 2004-05.

Michael Jackson, vice-president for student affairs at the University of Southern California, told the news provider: "After 9/11 everyone was concerned about access, and at that time we did experience a slowdown in visas."

"But that has all but disappeared. Most students are getting visas with no problems," he added.

Meanwhile, according to Computer World, American IT firms are risking falling behind those in other countries if the do not use graduates to focus on pure research.

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