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ATAS Certificate for UK: What is it & How to Apply?

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Fiona
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The ATAS, or Academic Technology Approval Scheme, is a necessary certificate for postgraduate studies in highly sensitive fields in the UK. It is exclusively applicable to non-citizens of Switzerland and the European Economic Area. If your chosen course necessitates it, obtaining an ATAS certificate is a prerequisite for securing a General Student Visa (Tier 4). Because of the sensitive nature of courses eligible for ATAS, UK immigration regulations require students to provide detailed information about their UK ATAS certificate to visa officials.

Obtaining an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) Certificate in the UK can be a challenging and time-consuming process, especially for international students. The application involves meticulous documentation and adherence to strict guidelines, which can often be confusing and overwhelming. This is where Yocket Premium steps in to simplify the process. With Yocket Premium, you gain access to a wealth of resources, expert guidance, and a dedicated support team that will navigate the complexities of the ATAS application on your behalf. 

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In this blog, we will discuss the requirements of the ATAS application form and how to apply for the ATAS application UK.

Table of Contents

What is ATAS Certificate?

The acronym ATAS stands for "Academic Technology Approval Scheme." It is a requirement for international students subject to UK immigration control who plan to pursue specific sensitive courses in the UK, particularly those related to the development or delivery of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The ATAS program mandates that these students obtain their ATAS credentials.

Most postgraduate and research students enrolling in courses within the fields of science, engineering, and technology, as well as undergraduate students undertaking integrated master's programs, are obligated to obtain this certificate. Students who come from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland and who have selected courses eligible for ATAS must fulfill this requirement.

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office established the ATAS program to prevent the proliferation of information used in the development of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The ATAS certificate plays a pivotal role in the visa issuance process. During the evaluation of your visa application, the Entry Clearance Officer will request your ATAS certificate, and failing to provide it will result in the denial of your UK student visa.

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What Courses Require an ATAS Certificate to Study in the UK?

The necessity of an ATAS certificate can vary depending on the specific degree program and university to which you've applied. ATAS-compliant courses can differ from one university to another. Therefore, it's advisable to contact your chosen university to determine whether an ATAS certificate is required for your particular degree. Moreover, many colleges typically inform applicants well in advance if an ATAS clearance is needed for their course of study.

The following courses require an ATAS certificate for enrolment. The courses start with these JACS codes:

Course

Subject Code

Subject Detail

Medicine

B1

Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology

B2

Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy


NA

B9

Others in subjects allied to medicine and biological sciences


NA

C1

Biology


NA

C2

Botany


NA 

C4

Genetics


NA

C5

Microbiology


NA

C7

Molecular Biology, Biophysics, and Biochemistry


NA

C9

Others in biological sciences


NA 

Physical Sciences

F1

Chemistry

F2

Materials Science


NA

F3

Physics


NA 

F5

Astronomy


NA

F8

Physical Geographical Sciences


NA

F9

Others in physical sciences


NA

Veterinary Sciences, Agriculture, etc.

D3

Animal Science

D9

Others in veterinary sciences, agriculture, and related subjects


NA

Mathematical and Computer Sciences

G0

Mathematical and Computer Sciences

G1

Mathematics


NA

G2

Operational Research


NA

G4

Computer Science


NA

G7

Artificial Intelligence


NA 

G9

Others in mathematical and computing sciences


NA

Engineering

H1

General Engineering

H2

Civil Engineering


NA

H3

Mechanical Engineering


NA

H4

Aerospace Engineering

NA

H5

Naval Engineering


NA

H6

Electronic and Electronic Engineering


NA

H7

Production and Manufacturing Engineering


NA

H8

Chemical, Process, and Energy Engineering


NA

H9

Others in engineering


NA

Technologies

J2

Metallurgy

J4

Polymers and Textiles

J5

Materials Technology not otherwise specified

J7

Industrial Biotechnology

J9

Others in Technology

Computer Sciences

I1

Computer Science

I4

Artificial Intelligence

I9

Others in Computer Science

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For undergraduate students, an ATAS clearance is typically required for courses that lead to a master's degree, such as M.Phys or MEng. Now, let's walk through the ATAS application process:

How to Apply for ATAS Certificate UK?

While submitting ATS, you must apply for the certificate before requesting a visa or a visa renewal. An ATAS certificate UK will be issued in a minimum of 20 working days. You will need the following to apply for an ATAS certificate online:

  • Complete information about your prior education.
  • Complete information about your current and past job (if applicable).
  • Complete details of papers published (if applicable).
  • Applications for ATAS in the past (if applicable).
  • Optional courses you plan to enroll in within a taught Master’s program.
  • Your research field and a brief description (for a research degree).
  • Complete names and contact information for two references
  • Finance proof of funds.

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From the Desk of Yocket

ATAS is a security clearance certificate required for international students planning to study postgraduate courses in the United Kingdom. It aims to prevent the misuse of sensitive technology by ensuring that students from outside the UK do not gain access to restricted information. Students must obtain an ATAS certificate before starting their studies in science, engineering, and technology to ensure compliance with UK immigration regulations.

Yocket Premium can significantly assist international students in obtaining their ATAS certificate for UK postgraduate studies. Our experts provide personalized guidance on the application process, ensuring you understand the specific requirements and deadlines. We offer valuable resources and support to help you navigate this crucial step, making your academic journey to the UK as smooth as possible. With Yocket Premium, you'll have the confidence and knowledge to secure your ATAS certificate, allowing you to focus on your education.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the ATAS Certificate UK

Is acquiring an ATAS certificate a necessity for UK universities?

Is an ATAS certificate only required for postgraduate courses?

Why are students required to submit an ATAS certificate?

What is the cost of acquiring an ATAS certificate?

Is every international student required to present the ATAS certificate?

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