Study in the UK: ATAS Certificate UK

16-Jun-2025

Pollstereducation

Study Abroad

Study in the UK: ATAS Certificate UK

If you're planning to study certain postgraduate courses in the UK, particularly in science, engineering, or technology fields, you may come across a requirement called the ATAS Certificate. For many international students, understanding what this certificate is and whether it's required can be confusing. This blog will explain everything you need to know about the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)—what it is, who needs it, how to apply, and how Pollster Education can help.

What is the ATAS Certificate?

ATAS stands for Academic Technology Approval Scheme. It is a UK government security clearance certificate that certain international students must obtain before they can study specific sensitive subjects at postgraduate level.

The scheme aims to prevent the spread of knowledge that could be used in the development of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) or advanced military technologies. It applies primarily to subjects in science, engineering, and technology.

Who Needs an ATAS Certificate?

You need an ATAS certificate if:

You are not a national of an EU country, the European Economic Area (EEA), Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, or the USA.
You are applying for a postgraduate course (Master's, PhD, or integrated master’s leading to postgraduate study) in a sensitive subject area as defined by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Note: Even if you already have an ATAS certificate from a previous course, you will need to apply for a new one if you're changing your course or university.

For Which Courses is ATAS Required?

ATAS is required for specific courses in areas such as:

Physics
Mathematics
Engineering (aerospace, nuclear, mechanical, electrical)
Biotechnology
Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering
Materials Science
Computer Science with cryptography or cybersecurity
Military technology-related disciplines

Each university has a list of courses with CAH3 (Common Aggregation Hierarchy) codes, which help determine if ATAS is required.

To know if your course requires an ATAS certificate:

Check the CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) or offer letter issued by the university.
Look for a note about ATAS requirements, usually stating:
"This course requires ATAS clearance. Please apply before your visa application."

When Do You Need to Apply for an ATAS Certificate?

You must apply for and receive your ATAS certificate before submitting your UK Student Visa application.

It is free to apply for an ATAS certificate.
Processing time can take up to 30 working days, so it’s advisable to apply early.
You can apply for ATAS 6 months before your course start date.

How to Apply for the ATAS Certificate

Here’s a step-by-step process:

Receive your conditional/unconditional offer letter from your UK university.
Ensure the university provides your CAH3 code and confirms whether ATAS is needed.
Visit the official ATAS application portal.
Complete the online application form with:
- Your course and university details
- A personal statement
- Research topic (for research degrees)
- Supervisor’s details (for PhD students)
Submit the form and wait for the decision via email.

What Documents Do You Need to Apply?

Passport
Offer letter from the university
CAH3 code and course title
Details about your previous education
Statement of purpose or research proposal
Contact details of your supervisor (for research degrees)

How Long is the ATAS Certificate Valid?

The ATAS certificate is usually valid for 6 months from the date of issue. You must use it to apply for your visa within this period. If your course gets delayed or you change your course/university, a new application is required.

What If You Don’t Need an ATAS Certificate?

If your course doesn’t require ATAS, or if you're a national of exempt countries, then you can proceed directly with your visa application without this additional step.

However, it's still important to double-check with your university to ensure you're complying with UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.

How Pollster Education Can Help

Pollster Education assists international students throughout their study abroad journey, including:

Checking if your course needs ATAS
Helping you collect the right documents and CAH3 code
Filling out your ATAS application form correctly
Ensuring your visa process stays on track
Guiding you on timelines and preventing delays in CAS or visa issuance

With years of experience in UK student visa guidance, Pollster Education ensures that nothing gets missed—from ATAS to visa interview prep.

The ATAS certificate is an essential but often overlooked part of the UK student visa process for specific science and technology-related postgraduate courses. If your course requires it, make sure to apply early and correctly. With Pollster Education’s expert guidance, students can navigate the ATAS application with ease and focus on preparing for their academic future in the UK.