ATAS Clearance
Students coming to study in the UK (or continuing further study) in certain engineering, medicine and science related subject areas may need Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance certificate as part of the admission as well as visa application process. The scheme is designed mainly for postgraduate (Master’s and PhD) students undertaking study in sensitive subject areas.
Students starting a new course (which is subject to ATAS clearance) or extending visa to finish an existing course need ATAS clearance. If your course is subject to ATAS clearance, you must obtain a clearance certificate before the University can issue your CAS. You must also provide your ATAS certificate with your visa application documentation.
The ATAS certificate is issued by the Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO) in the UK. Further detail is available on the GOV.UK website
Who needs ATAS?
Courses of any length in relevant subject areas will require ATAS clearance as it is specific to your research area, course level and nationality. ATAS clearance will also be required for individuals coming to the UK under the Standard Visitor visa route to undertake a short piece of research as an exchange student/scholar, as an academic, or a University of Huddersfield distance learning student visiting the University for up to six months.
If you are an academic researcher planning to undertake work in the UK, through the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, or Government Authorised Exchange (Temporary Worker) visa routes, you must obtain an ATAS certificate before applying for a UK visa or permission to stay. See HR webpage for further detail.
To check if you need an ATAS certificate as a student, you will need to know the CAH3 code for your research area. Your offer letter should have your CAH3 code on it. If you are a current University of Huddersfield student, please contact the Research Admin team for your school for further advice on CAH3 code for your research area.
You can use the CAH3 code on the FCO website link below to check if you will require ATAS clearance.
Find out if your course is subject to ATAS clearance
Changing your course or subject/research area
You may need to apply for fresh ATAS clearance if any of the following statements apply to you;
- you start a new Master's or PhD course that needs ATAS clearance.
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you switch to a course (or subject area) that requires ATAS.
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you are studying a research degree, and during your study your research changes significantly.
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you are applying for a visa extension to complete a course that is subject to ATAS clearance. Your previous ATAS certificate will be valid for only six months so you will need to get fresh ATAS clearance.
How to apply?
There is no fee for applying for ATAS clearance. You can apply for ATAS clearance online via the FCO website
Please note the standard processing time for ATAS application is 30 working days (6 full weeks), however it may take longer during busy periods (usually between April and September). There is no fast-track service so you must apply as early as possible.
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