Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

Some studies require ATAS clearance.  Where ATAS is relevant a valid ATAS clearance must remain in place for studies to continue and would be required as part of any student visa/visa extension application.  In general ATAS clearance remains valid as long as there are no significant changes to the study and study will not take longer than three months beyond the end date of the previous CAS used to obtain your current Student visa permission.  Where new or further ATAS is required it must be obtained by the student, for example: 

  • Some undergraduate students transferring from bachelors to undergraduate master’s may need to secure ATAS clearance before this transfer can be allowed. 
  • PhD students taking longer or making significant changes to their research subject may need new ATAS to allow studies to continue.
  • Taught students taking longer to complete, perhaps due to repeat study or adding a placement year.

If you need to apply for further ATAS on the basis that studies are expected to take more than 3 months longer:

  • You need to make a fresh ATAS, completing all sections as required.  Within the application you will have to give a new expected end date of studies.  In some situations this will have to be estimated.  PhD students may need to allow time for viva and corrections.  For taught students it will typically be easier to work out the new end date of studies eg the end date of your final semester or academic year.
  • After you have submitted the new application email ATAS@fcdo.gov.uk giving your previous and new ATAS reference numbers and explain you have submitted the new application to cover extended studies.  If there are no other changes or complications the ATAS team will endeavour to expedite consideration of the new application.

If extra Student visa permission is required an ATAS certificate issued within the previous 6 months will be required as part of the application.

Last Updated: 26th February 2025