What is ATAS?

International students applying to sensitive subjects in the UK will need to apply for an ATAS certificate before applying for a student visa.

The ATAS has become a requirement for international students studying in the UK since 2007. According to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the checks that applicants undertake as part of the ATAS application process are to filter out any applicants whose intentions are a risk to national security.

What is ATAS?

ATAS is the Academic Technology Approval Scheme. It's a scheme that was created to provide entry into the UK to study in technology-related fields.

This is required for students who want to study "sensitive subjects". These subjects involve knowledge that could potentially pose a threat to national security and be used to develop Advanced Conventional Military Technology (ACMT) or Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs).

What subjects require an ATAS?

There isn't a publicly available list of all subjects that require an ATAS. This is because not all universities will offer the same subjects, and not all courses are always offered. The best way to find out is by checking your university's website, as they're required to list ATAS subjects.

These sensitive subjects include:

• Aerospace engineering
• Biomedical sciences
• Biosciences
• Chemical engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Materials Science
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Naval Architecture
• Pharmacology
• Pharmacy
• Physics (including Nuclear Physics)
• Toxicology

How do I apply for the ATAS?

The ATAS application is completely free! There are quite a few steps you'll need to complete.

• Your conditional offer or unconditional offer letter from your Higher Education Institute (HEI)
• Information about the course you're studying and the relevant Common Aggregate Hierarchy Code (CAH3)
• Information about your previous studies
• Information about your previous and current employment (if relevant)
• Information on all published papers.
• Information on any of the optional modules that you may take during a taught Master's degree
• Information on your area of research (for research degrees)
• The names and contact details of 2 references
• Information on how you will be funding your education

There are 10 overall sections for the ATAS online application, which are:

• Proposed course of study: You'll need to provide the name of the university that you are proposing to study with and any of their relevant details, like your offer letter. You'll need to provide your CAH3 code and identify what you will be studying and why you want to study it.
• Personal details: The details you provide here will be included on your certificate.
• Spouse: If you're married and are bringing your spouse with you, you'll need to provide their information. If they too are going to be studying an ATAS-relevant subject then they will need to apply for their ATAS certificate separately.
• Contact details: Your ATAS certificate will be sent to your preferred email address.
• Undergraduate/postgraduate studies: All details on any previous undergraduate and postgraduate degrees that you have studied before applying for your subject.
• Other studies: Any other subjects that you believe are relevant to the course you are applying for.
• Published papers: If you have any academic or professional papers published, you will need to declare them.
• Employment history: List any previous jobs you have had or any jobs that you currently hold. You must mention all jobs, whether they are relevant to your course or not.
• References: You will need 2 referees who have known you for a minimum of 3 years. It is best if these are from your academic life, but it is not essential. Any work experience referees are useful too. You cannot use family members.
• Financial sponsors: List details of any sponsors you're using to fund your degree. If you are meeting the costs yourself, list your name, address, and any other relevant details. The same goes if your funding is being dealt with by a family member.

You will need to apply for the ATAS online through the UK Government website. The application is free too!

Do I need an ATAS certificate?

International students applying from the following countries do not need the ATAS:

• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Canada
• Croatia
• Republic of Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• South Korea
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• United States of America

When applying to study in the UK, your Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) will ask to see your ATAS certificate.

Students entering the UK

You must obtain your ATAS certificate before applying for permission to enter the UK. You can apply for an ATAS certificate up to nine months before your course start date.

Your ATAS certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. You should apply as soon as you have received either a conditional offer or an unconditional offer from your university of choice.

Students already in the UK

You will need to obtain an ATAS certificate that accurately reflects the HEI that you are currently attending. Your application will need to include details of the course you are looking to study and the proposed research, as well as the details of your visa and its end date.

How long does the ATAS application take?

The UK Government and the Home Office aim to get back to you within 20 working days from the date that your application was submitted. It can take longer around peak times.

If you've not heard back within 20 days, then contact the ATAS application team or send an email. The ATAS team do not reply to emails that are sent before the 20 days are up.

What if my visa has expired and I haven't received my ATAS certificate?

You need to know the expiry date of your current visa and when you are legally required to return home. You will need to apply for the ATAS before re-applying for a student visa, and you must allow at least three calendar months before you apply for another visa.