ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme)

This information sheet is issued by Teesside University to provide you with an overview of
the ATAS process and how it may affect you. This should be used in conjunction with the
information on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website:
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/about-us/what-we-do/services-we-deliver/atas/
What is ATAS?
ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) was introduced in November 2007 by the
Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). Its aim is 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 postgraduate study in certain sensitive subjects do not acquire knowledge that could
potentially be used in WMD programmes.
Do I need an ATAS certificate?
Teesside University will inform you if an ATAS certificate is required prior to you being made
an Unconditional Offer and before you apply for your visa. Your Offer Letter will show the
JACS code for your course which determines if an ATAS certificate is required. Your Offer
Letter will also indicate if an ATAS certificate is required. The requirement for ATAS depends
on the subject area you are applying for.
I need an ATAS certificate. What happens next?
Teesside University will not issue you with an Unconditional Offer letter or a CAS
(Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) number until you have obtained your ATAS
certificate. You must apply for this yourself and send the ATAS certificate to Teesside
University once you receive this. You cannot apply for your visa until you have successfully
obtained your ATAS certificate.
How do I apply for an ATAS certificate?
The ATAS application process is completed online through the FCO website
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/about-us/what-we-do/services-we-deliver/atas/apply-online/. There
is no cost to apply for ATAS.
What information do I need to complete the ATAS application?
Your Offer Letter
List of modules which you will be studying (if you are applying for a Taught Masters:
MSc or MEng)
A list of modules for MSc and MEng programmes can be downloaded in pdf format
from the course web pages which can be found at www.tees.ac.uk
Research Proposal (if you are applying for a Masters by Research: MRes or MPhil)
Employment History details
Education History details
Details of published papers (where applicable)
Details of previous ATAS applications (where applicable)
Two referees (at least one should be from your country of origin)
Details of how you will be funding your studies
Course
application is
submitted to
Teesside
University
Offer Letter is
received showing
an ATAS
certificate is
required
Applicant applies
for ATAS
certificate online
through FCO
website
ATAS application
is successful.
ATAS certificate
is sent via email
to applicant
Applicant
sends ATAS
certificate to
Teesside
University
If all other
conditions have
been met,
Teesside
University issue
the Unconditional
Offer and CAS
number
Applicant
applies for their
visa submitting
their ATAS
certificate along
with all other
requirements
Visa application is
successful and
student enrols on
course. Must bring
ATAS certificate to
orientation at
Teesside University.
ATAS
Process
How long will the ATAS application process take?

The FCO website states that the majority of applications will be responded to within 20
working days. Ensuring that all relevant information is provided on the application form will
help avoid unnecessary delays. If you do need an ATAS certificate, please apply within
plenty of time so that you are still able to submit your visa application to start the course on
time.
What happens after I have received my ATAS certificate?
Please send a copy of your ATAS certificate to international.admissions@tees.ac.uk. If you
have met all other conditions of your offer, including paying a deposit where applicable, your
CAS number will then be issued to you. You can then make arrangements to apply for your
visa. You should submit your ATAS certificate as part of the visa application.
How long is my ATAS certificate valid for?
You must submit your visa application within six months of obtaining your ATAS certificate. If
you need to extend your visa whilst studying on the course, you will need to apply for a new
ATAS certificate at that time. ATAS certificates are valid as long as the course and university
you have stated on the application remain the same. If you have previously obtained an
ATAS certificate for another institution, or for another course, you will need to apply for a
new ATAS certificate before submitting your visa application to study at Teesside University.
Please contact International Admissions by email international.admissions@tees.ac.uk or
telephone +44 (0)1642 384244 if you require any further information or assistance regarding
the ATAS application process.

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