Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) for Postgraduate Research (PGR) Students

On this page:

• What is an ATAS certificate?
• Who does not need an ATAS certificate?
• Before you apply
• How do I apply for an ATAS certificate?
• Before completing the form
• What Information will I need?
• Check your application before submitting
• How long does an ATAS application take?
• Check your application before submitting
• How long does an ATAS application take?
• What happens if my application is refused?
• What happens if my application is approved?
• Current students: when do I need a new ATAS certificate?

What is an ATAS certificate?

The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) applies to some international students and researchers studying certain postgraduate subjects in the UK.

If your course or research area requires ATAS clearance, you must receive an ATAS certificate before starting your studies or research in the UK.

The Doctoral College will tell you if you need to apply. You can also check the GOV.UK guidance on ATAS eligibility.

Who does not need an ATAS certificate?

You do not need an ATAS certificate if you are a national of:

An EU country
An EEA country
Australia
Canada
Japan
New Zealand
Singapore
South Korea
Switzerland
The United States 

Before you apply

Before starting your application:

1. Read the information provided by the Doctoral College Admissions Administrator.
2. Use the exact information shown on your ATAS Information Sheet.
3. Do not change the programme title, research summary or CAH3 code provided.
4. Contact DoctoralCollegeAdmissions@herts.ac.uk if anything is unclear before submitting your application.

Using different wording from your ATAS Information Sheet may delay your application.

How do I apply for an ATAS certificate?

1. Visit the ATAS application website.
2. Select the CAH3 code shown on your ATAS Information Sheet.
3. When asked whether you are a student or researcher, select "Taught / research student".
4. Select your nationality.
5. Create an account or sign in.
6. Select "Apply for an ATAS certificate".

Do not select "Researcher", as this option is only for employees undertaking paid research.

Before completing the form

• Use the GOV.UK guidance on completing an ATAS application.
• Read the instructions in each section carefully.
• Allow approximately one hour to complete the application.
• You can save your progress and return later.

What Information will I need?

Section1: Proposed study

Use the information provided on your ATAS Information Sheet, including:

• Programme title
• Programme start date
• Expected end date
• CAH3 code
• Qualification title
• Principal supervisor's name
• Research summary

For questions about:

• Why you want to study the programme
• Your goals after completing the programme

provide detailed and accurate answers to avoid requests for additional information.

If your programme is a joint award or dual award, select Yes and follow the information provided in your offer documents.

Section2: Personal details

Enter your details exactly as they appear on the passport you will use for your visa application and CAS.

Answer all questions accurately and truthfully.

Section 3: Spouse or civil partner

If you are married or in a civil partnership, you may be asked to provide information about your spouse or civil partner and whether they will accompany you to the UK.

Section 4: Contact details

Check all contact details carefully, especially your email address.

ATAS will normally contact you by email if further information is required.

Section 5: Previous undergraduate and postgraduate study

Include any completed undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications studied in the UK or overseas.

Do not include school-level education.

Section 6: Other study or training

Include professional or formal training completed since leaving school.

Do not include education up to age 18.

Section 7: Published papers

State whether you have published any academic or professional papers, including co-authored publications.

If applicable, provide a short summary.

Section 8: Employment history

Include:

• Paid employment
• Long-term voluntary work
• Significant unpaid roles

You do not need to include temporary jobs undertaken while studying.

If there are gaps in your employment or education history, explain what you were doing during that period.

Section 9: Referees

You must provide at least two referees.

Your referees must:

• Have known you for at least three years
• Include at least one academic referee
• Be listed using their full name

Referees from your home country are preferred but not mandatory.

Section 10: Sponsors

Provide details of who is funding your studies.

If you are self-funded, enter your own details.

If you have a University of Hertfordshire studentship, use:

You must also explain any conditions attached to your funding, where applicable.

Check your application before submitting

Check your application carefully before submitting.

Errors can:

• Delay processing
• Result in requests for further information
• Lead to refusal

If you discover an error after submission, contact ATAS@fcdo.gov.uk with your application reference number and passport number.

Do not submit a new application unless instructed to do so.

How long does an ATAS application take?

Typical processing times are:

July and August are usually the busiest periods and processing may take longer.

There is no priority service.

If you have been waiting more than 12 weeks, contact DoctoralCollegeAdmissions@herts.ac.uk.

The University can request a progress update but cannot speed up or influence the decision.

What happens if my application is refused?

If your application is refused, you must wait 90 days before submitting a new application for the same course.

The FCDO will not explain the reason for refusal to either you or the University.

Before reapplying, contact:

DoctoralCollegeAdmissions@herts.ac.uk

What happens if my application is approved?

An ATAS certificate is valid for six months from the date it is issued.

If your programme start date changes but your certificate remains valid when you submit your visa application, you do not need a new certificate.

If the certificate expires before your visa application is submitted, you must apply for a new ATAS certificate.

Once your certificate has been issued, send a copy to:

DoctoralCollegeAdmissions@herts.ac.uk

so your CAS can be issued.

Current students: when do I need a new ATAS certificate?

You must apply for a new ATAS certificate within 28 days if:

• Your supervisor changes
• Your course details change
• Your course end date is extended by more than three months

This requirement applies regardless of when your current visa expires.

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