Academic Technology Approval Scheme
ATAS aims to help stop the spread of knowledge and skills that could be used in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery.
The scheme is specifically designed to ensure that those applying for study in certain sensitive subjects do not acquire knowledge that could potentially be used in WMD programmes.
- What is the scheme?
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The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) is aimed primarily at specific postgraduate research areas, but also includes a number of taught Master's and certain four year undergraduate MEng and MPhys degree courses.
ATAS is compulsory for applicants and for current and returning students who need a Tier 4 Student visa, in specific areas of study. UK, EU, EEA and Swiss nationals do not need an ATAS certificate.
- What subject areas need ATAS?
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The following degrees at Sussex require ATAS approval:
Research (MPhil / PhD)
Subject area JACS Code Astronomy F500 Biochemistry C700 Biology C100 Chemistry F100 Cognitive Science G700 Engineering H100 Genome Stability C450 Geography F800 Mathematics G100 Neuroscience B140 Physics F300 Masters (MSc)
Course JACS Code Advanced Mechanical Engineering H300 Frontiers of Quantum Technology F300 Mechanical Engineering H300 Particle Physics F370 Physics F300 Physics (Euromasters) F300 Sustainable Energy Technology H800 You will also need to obtain an ATAS certificate if you are applying for one of these Undergraduate courses:
courses UCAS Code MPhys – Physics F303 MPhys – Physics (Research Placement) F302 MPhys – Physics with Astrophysics F3FM MPhys – Theoretical Physics F328 MEng – Automotive Engineering H330 MEng – Mechanical Engineering H301 - I am starting a new course at Sussex, how and when do I apply for ATAS?
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The ATAS application is made online, before applying for your visa, and it is free of charge. It is your responsibility to check if this scheme applies to you. If you need an ATAS certificate admissions (or the Student Progress and Assessment Office (SPA) for continuing students) will automatically enclose with your offer letter a form containing the information that you require in order to apply. You need the ATAS statement in order to make your visa application. You should apply as soon as you receive this information from admissions/SPA as the ATAS application process can take more than one month.
The application form and details of applying for ATAS can be found on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.
The possession of an ATAS certificate does not guarantee you a visa or extension of stay. However applications will not be processed without an ATAS certificate and will automatically be refused if you need an ATAS certificate and cannot provide one.
You must allow sufficient time for your University application to be considered and processed in time for you to apply for ATAS clearance and your Tier 4 visa. For example, for Masters courses starting in September, applications should be received by 1 August at the latest. Research applicants will need to leave more time for their application to be considered.
- How long will my ATAS application take?
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The ATAS team aim to respond to all applications within 20 working days of successful completion. They will not start processing the application until it is satisfactorily completed. You will be sent an initial email acknowledging your application and a further email, with the result of your application, including an ATAS clearance certificate, if approved. The ATAS team give the following advice on their website:
'If you have not heard anything within 4 weeks please check your inbox is not full (and therefore rejecting our message). Please also check your ‘Spam’ folder or ‘Junk email’ folder to make sure that our message has not been filtered out. You can also contact us if you are concerned you have missed our response.'
Please contact us if your application has taken more than 20 working days from the date your application was completed by emailing immigration@sussex.ac.uk
- I am already studying at Sussex and I need to extend my visa, do I need to apply for ATAS again?
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Yes, if your course area requires ATAS approval you need to apply for ATAS again even if you are only extending your visa for a short period of time. You should contact the Student Progress and Assessment Office 3 months before your visa expires in order to give yourself time to apply for ATAS before you need to make your Tier 4 visa extension.