Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) is used by the UK government to prevent the spread of knowledge and skills used to develop weapons of mass destruction and associated technology.

If you are studying certain science and technology programes, and you are of a relevant nationality, you will need to submit the ATAS clearance certificate with your visa application. 

Certain science and technology programmes require you to have an ATAS certificate. Your offer letter and your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) will tell you if you need an ATAS certificate.

It is your responsibility to check if you require ATAS clearance. 

ATAS Application Guidance (1.48 MB PDF)

The following nationalities do not need an ATAS certificate. This includes if you are a dual national with another country that is not on this list.

• Australia 

• Canada 

• Iceland 

• Japan 

• Lichtenstein 

• New Zealand 

• Norway 

• Republic of Korea 

• Singapore 

• Switzerland 

• United States of America 

• any EU country 

The Common Aggregate Hierarchy (CAH3) provides a standardised hierarchical grouping of subject codes and terms. Some of these codes identify programmes that require ATAS. You can check your offer letter for your CAH3 code.

If you started your programme before 2019 and you need to apply for a new ATAS certificate due to a change in circumstances, you will need to contact your School for a new CAH3 code.

Find more information about the CAH3 code