What is ATAS?
The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) is a security-clearance programme applicable to international students who are subject to UK immigration control and are intending to study or conduct research in certain subject areas. The scheme is managed by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) who issue ATAS certificates to successful applicants.
Who needs ATAS
If you have received an offer to study a PhD or Masters-level programme at Ulster in certain subject areas or are extending/changing your existing UK visa in order to continue study in these areas, you are required to hold an ATAS certificate.
Additionally, if you are a current PhD researcher at Ulster and the Chair of your supervisory team has changed, you will be required to apply for a new ATAS certificate to reflect this change.
You can check if you need an ATAS certificate if you already know your subject code (CAH3 code) from a previous application – if not, please email pgr@ulster.ac.uk so that we can provide you with this.
ATAS exemptions
If you are a UK or EU national, or a national of the European Economic Area (EEA), Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland or the United States of America, you do not need an ATAS certificate.
How to apply
Before you submit an application for ATAS clearance you will need an ATAS letter from Ulster which will contain the course-related information you need to input into your ATAS application. Once you receive this you can apply online.
You can view the FCDO’s guidance on Guidance on how to apply for an ATAS certificate - GOV.UK.
How long does it take?
Applications can take between 30 and 60 working days to be considered, but please note that deferments (late starts) due to ATAS delays will not be considered so it is important that you apply as soon as possible and that you keep an eye on your ATAS Application Portal for the decision.
There is no method to expedite an application, even if it is urgent. However, you can take several steps to reduce the likelihood of delays, including:
- Carefully completing the application, ensuring all information is accurate and that your course and project details match exactly with those in the letter we sent you.
- Prompting your referees to be vigilant for any contact from the FCDO regarding your ATAS application.
- Frequently checking your ATAS portal in case a notification email has been filtered into your spam folder.
ATAS refusals
If you are a new student and your ATAS application is not successful you will likely have an option to appeal the decision within 30 days. Appeals can take time to consider but please note that Ulster will not be able to defer your course start date to accommodate this appeal. We also will not issue amended or edited ATAS letters as you cannot submit a new application for the same course for at least 90 days from the date of refusal.
If you are an existing student applying for your new ATAS due to either a change in your course or as part of a visa change/extension and your ATAS is refused you will immediately need to pause your study at Ulster while you appeal the decision. If the refusal is not overturned you would not be able to continue your studies in the UK.
Disclaimer – this information is correct at the time of publication. View the most up-to-date information.