Student immigration information for staff

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

Certain international students are required to obtain an ATAS certificate prior to applying for a Student route visa application. Whether or not they have to obtain an ATAS certificate depends on their programme of study.

Some science and engineering programmes require nationals of certain countries to apply for permission to study from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) before they can begin their studies.

These programmes require the certification to prevent the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction. This is known as an ATAS certificate.

The classification of an academic subject within the UK Higher Education system is known as the CAH3 code*. If a student is required to obtain an ATAS certificate for the programme they will be studying, they are notified of this on their offer letter.

This applies to all relevant nationals who are not settled in the UK, regardless of visa status or length of stay.

If applicable, students must apply for an ATAS in the following circumstances:

  • before they begin a new programme
  • each time they change their programme
  • if they make changes to their area of research, or
  • if they extend their studies for more than 3 months.

Upon submitting the ATAS certification application online, students can usually expect to receive an outcome within 20 working days.

*The classification of relevant academic programmes under the CAH3 code system is based with the Student Systems Operations team.

Further links

Requesting a new programme

SIS Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) - UK Government guidance