Foreign applications to U.S. graduate schools increased 11 percent, according to a 2006 survey of UT and 149 other universities.

But the survey, conducted by the Council of Graduate Schools, which represents the research and academic interests of graduate students nationwide, found that foreign applications were down 23 percent from 2003, despite the increases. The numbers began to decline in 2002, following heightened visa restrictions after Sept. 11, 2001, such as lengthier security checks and application processes.

Council spokesman Stuart Heiser said the increase was the result of an effort between graduate schools and the State Department to make the United States more accessible to foreign students.

Pat Ellison, UT admissions associate director, and her office tabulated estimates of the number of applications. She could not be reached for comment.

A fall 2005 report by International Student and Scholar Services, however, showed an increase in international students for the first time in three years. Of the 4,546 international students enrolled at the University, 2,870 are in graduate school. Korea is the largest contributor, with 873 students enrolled from that country, and India, the next largest contributing country, had 711 students.

Jerry Wilcox, director of the International Office, said University practices such as reimbursing students for the $100 information system fee charged by the Department of Homeland Security have aided UT's international student growth.

"It's modest, but $100 is $100," he said. "Every little bit helps."

Heiser said an international student's contact with the government is the first key to attracting them to an American graduate school.

"Trying to get a visa from the government is the first impression they have of authority in this country," he said. "The United States generally has the reputation of having the best graduate programs in the world, so the perception of quality is already there."

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