Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

An ATAS clearance certificate will be a mandatory requirement for some Postgraduate Research and some Postgraduate Taught Masters students in Science, Engineering or Technology disciplines.

You do not need an ATAS Certificate if you are a UK/EU/EEA national.

You do need an ATAS certificate if:

• You require a student Entry Clearance or Visa to commence study in the UK.
• You wish to study within certain subject areas (list provided at the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) website) at a UK University where the exit award will be a Doctorate Postgraduate Masters Degree by Research or a Masters Degree.
• You are applying for a visa extension and your subject area falls within the list provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office - see  ATAS Scheme - Flow Chart (23.0KB word docx) for list of eligible subjects.

Before you apply for an ATAS certificate, you must be in possession of an unconditional offer letter from a UK University or be a current Masters or Research student of the University, requiring a student visa extension. 

When you receive an offer letter from the University, it will clarify whether you have to apply for an ATAS clearance certificate before applying for a Visa. You will have to do this online via the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) website.  However, before you do this, and as preparation for your ATAS certificate clearance, you should agree the wording of the short proposal with your Principal Supervisor. 

Additional Information

Further information about living in Aberdeen for International Students can be sourced via the International Office: After you Apply