- Do I need an ATAS certificate?
- Students who do not need ATAS
- Students with a time-limited visa
- When should I apply?
- How do I apply?
- Do current students need a new ATAS certificate?
Do I need an ATAS certificate?
You must apply for and receive an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if you:
- are a non-EEA student
- are studying a Master's or doctoral-level course
- are on a course listed on the ATAS website
You must also obtain ATAS approval before transferring to:
- an MEng course
- an MPhys (Physics) course
You must receive your ATAS certificate before starting or transferring to the new course.
Students who do not need ATAS
Students from the following countries do not need an ATAS certificate:
- Australia
- Canada
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- South Korea
- United States
Students with a time-limited visa
If you hold a time-limited visa, including:
- Student visa
- Standard Visitor visa (for study)
- Refugee Leave
- Discretionary Leave
you must have a valid ATAS certificate before you can:
- repeat a year of study
- transfer to another course
When should I apply?
Apply for your ATAS certificate at least four months before:
- your visa expires
- you plan to transfer to another course
You cannot extend your visa or transfer course until you have received your ATAS certificate.
How do I apply?
Apply online through the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) website.
ATAS applications are free of charge.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) aims to process applications within six weeks, but processing can take longer during busy periods.
Do current students need a new ATAS certificate?
If your course requires an ATAS certificate, you must apply for a new ATAS Clearance Certificate within 28 calendar days of any of the following changes, regardless of when your visa expires:
- your primary supervisor changes
- your course details change
- your course end date is postponed by three months or more
- your financial sponsor changes
- the conditions of your financial sponsorship change
If your course end date is postponed by three months or more, contact the ATAS team for guidance:
For further information, see the ATAS guidance in the Immigration Rules on the Home Office website.