An investigation conducted by five American organizations, including the Board of Education, the Postgraduate Council and the Association of American Universities, shows that the number of applications for postgraduate studies for 2004 has decreased sharply. Overall, the number has dropped 32 percent and applications from Chinese mainland, in the biggest margin change, are only 76 percent of those the previous year.

This has been attributed to the stringent examination and approval process administered by American embassies and consulates. The US State Department and Central Intelligence Agency are urged to strengthen their consular guidance and improve channels of governmental communication.