What is ATAS?

The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) applies to all international students and researchers (apart from exempt nationalities) who are subject to UK immigration control and intend to study or research at postgraduate level in certain sensitive subjects.

The subjects and research areas are those where knowledge could be used in programmes to develop Advanced Conventional Military Technology (ACMT), weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) or their means of delivery. Researchers and students in these sensitive subjects must apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before studying or starting research in the UK.

The entry clearance officer (ECO) will ask to see your ATAS certificate as part of your application for permission to enter the UK. A caseworker will also need to see your ATAS certificate as part of an application for permission to stay in the UK.

Certain nationalities are exempt from the ATAS process - a complete list of countries requiring ATAS will be available on the UK Government's website. 

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) processes all ATAS applications for international students who require one. It is a free online application that will be needed to be undertaken alongside your admissions journey. The standard ATAS processing time is 20 working days, although this can increase to 6 weeks or more during the peak period July – September.

Students will be notified on their university offer letter if an ATAS certificate is required. 

As always, your NCUK Counsellor at your study centre and the NCUK Student Support team will be able to support you and answer any questions about the ATAS process.