The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) was introduced on 1 November 2007 and students studying certain subject areas at MSci/MEng undergraduate level, PhD or Masters level will require ATAS clearance. Most non-EEA nationals who require immigration permission to be in the UK and intend to study on one of these courses will be required to apply for ATAS clearance. Full details of the courses that are part of this scheme can be found on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.
The ATAS scheme falls under a wider responsibility at Imperial to ensure that our research balances protecting the UK’s national security while driving scientific advancements forward. Further information is available on our website.
| Exempt nationalities | Student Route visa | non-Student Route visa | Extending visa in the UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nationals from the UK, EU, EEA, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the USA are NOT required to have ATAS clearance. | The majority of students will be applying to study under a Student Route visa and if ATAS is required for your course / nationality then this will be a condition of your offer for study. A CAS number will not be issued until all conditions of your offer have been met. | If you are in the UK under a non-student visa, and that immigration permission allows you to study in the UK, and ATAS clearance is required for your course / nationality this will be a condition of your offer for study. A CAS number will not be issued until all conditions of your offer have been met. | Any students (unless from an exempt nationality) already in the UK who need to apply for a new visa to commence or continue on one of the relevant courses will also need to get ATAS clearance before making a Student Route visa application. A CAS number will not be issued until you hold the relevant ATAS clearance. |
General information
ATAS application
Guidance for completing the ATAS application form
Please refer to the detailed Imperial ATAS Guide to help you complete the form. It is essential that you use this guidance to help you fill in the form to prevent any potential issues and delays.
Please also refer to the FCO examples of proposed research for PhD students needing to complete the application form.
ATAS application queries
- Can you speed up the processing of my ATAS application?
- I have made a mistake on my application, what can I do?
- What if I have obtained a new passport since I applied?
- What if I cannot provide referees that I have known for 3 years?
- What if my application is refused?