ATAS - Academic Technology Approval Scheme

You can apply for ATAS once you have been sent your ATAS instructions which will be no more than 6 months before the start of your programme.

Please wait until you are sent this information as it will contain all of the details that you need to apply for ATAS. This includes a list of the modules on your programme. You will need to copy all these modules onto the application form. If you omit any of the modules it may result in you having to apply for ATAS again.

If you have applied for more than one programme you will need to submit a new application for clearance for each programme. These can all be submitted at the same time.

It can take up to 30 days to receive a decision, but it can take much longer than that in the busy few months before programmes start.

Therefore, you should apply for ATAS clearance as soon as you are sent the details from the University.

The online application form has 10 sections. You should complete it fully, with as much detail as possible in each section. The application portal is the same for researchers and students. 

ATAS applications with incorrect information will cause delays to the processing of your application. 

Proposed course of study/area of research:

The University or research institute you are proposing to study/research at will provide you with the relevant details. For example: in your conditional offer letter or statement of research. They will advise you of the appropriate CAH3 code. 

If you are a research student, you will need to submit the exact research description stated on your university letter. You should also add your supervisor stated on your letter, or the Head of Department if you are still waiting for a supervisor allocation. 

If you are a masters or undergraduate student, you should submit the full list of modules for your programme.   

Personal details:

Details from this section will be included in your ATAS certificate. Complete this carefully and in full and review it before submitting. If you have served in the armed forces or trained in Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear (CBRN), you should provide details including:

• courses undertaken
• relevant roles
• if applicable, years of service

If you have undertaken government funded research, include the funding agency and details of the project. Mistakes and transposed numbers are regular errors in this area. If the details provided do not match the details in your passport exactly, it may affect or delay your visa application.

Spouse:

If you are married and planning to bring your spouse into the UK, you'll need to include their details here.

If your spouse chooses to study or research an ATAS relevant subject while accompanying you, they will need to apply separately for their own ATAS certificate. 

Contact details:

Make sure your contact details are accurate. The ATAS certificate will be sent to the preferred email address you include in this section. 

Undergraduate/ Postgraduate studies:

You'll need to provide information on all previous undergraduate and postgraduate studies you have undertaken. 

Other studies:

If you have undertaken any other studies that you think may be relevant to your application, include this on the form.

Published Papers:

If you have had any academic or professional papers published, either on your own, or with co-publishers, you'll need to include this here.

Employment History:

With as much detail as possible, include any jobs you have held. You should include jobs that relate to your proposed course of study or research area. 

Referees:

You'll need to provide details of two referees who have known you for a minimum of 3 years. At least one of the referees must be from the academic sector.

If you have work experience, you should include a referee from your employment. A referee from your home country would be preferable, but it is not essential if you have studied and/or worked in another country. Family members are not accepted as referees. 

Financial Sponsors:

Include details of sponsors you have for the funding of your proposed studies. If you are waiting for a funding decision, include this and note the decision is pending.

If you are funding your own studies or research, include your name and address in the relevant boxes.

If another family member is paying for your studies, include their details.

You will need to upload the approval or refusal to your undergraduate or postgraduate application through your applicant portal. Admissions will then:

• check the document and if all correct and you received the clearance
• mark the condition on your offer as met

If you have submitted the request for approval using incorrect modules, we will advise you to reapply.  If you received a refusal, you may be able to submit an appeal or reapply, but the University will be able to advise you on this.

Yes, you need a new ATAS certificate for every student visa application until you have completed your course.

You will need to provide a research statement, but you can explain that you are at the writing-up stage.

Once you receive your ATAS certificate, where there is time, if you need to obtain a new passport after submission you are advised to:

• contact ATAS by email with a scanned copy of your new passport
• ask for a new ATAS certificate to be issued with the new passport number on

If there isn't enough time, you are advised to submit the visa application with both passports.