Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
If you’re applying for undergraduate or postgraduate (taught and research) study in certain subject areas you will need to apply for Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance before you can study in the UK.
For some undergraduate and postgraduate courses you will require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before you can study in the UK.
Programmes that require ATAS can include:
- integrated undergraduate programmes
- taught and research postgraduate programmes
These programmes are predominantly in the science, engineering and medical subject areas. When you receive an offer for your programme of study, and if your programme requires ATAS, this will be stated on your offer letter.
Who will require an ATAS certificate
Nationals of the following countries do not require ATAS clearance:
- EEA countries
- Switzerland
- USA
- South Korea
- Singapore
- New Zealand
- Japan
- Canada
- Australia
Students of all other nationalities that are not listed above must apply for ATAS if the programme of study requires one.
Courses requiring an ATAS certificate
To find out whether your programme of study requires an ATAS certificate, you will first need to know the CAH3 code for that programme. This should be stated on your offer letter.
You can also complete the questionnaire on the ATAS website to check if your programme of study requires an ATAS certificate.
How to apply for an ATAS certificate
You will need to make the ATAS application in good time before applying for your visa if you intend to study on a Student Route visa; or prior to the start date of your course if you intend to study on a visa of a different category.
An ATAS application can take up to 30 working days or 6 weeks to be processed.
If you are applying for a Student Route visa, you will not receive a CAS from the University before providing your ATAS certificate.
If you are not on a Student Route visa but studying on a programme which requires an ATAS certificate, then we will need to ensure that you have obtained it before starting your course of study.
When you will need a new ATAS certificate
You may need to obtain a new ATAS certificate if any of the following applies if:
- your Student Visa expires and you wish to apply to extend the Student Visa
- you change your programme or area of research
- your course end date is delayed by 3 months or more.
- your primary supervisor changes
- your financial sponsor or conditions for financial sponsorship change at any time during your study or research