Step 7: Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
Some students may need to apply for an ATAS certificate.
ATAS is a certificate issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), which gives you security clearance to study certain courses at UCL.
Students studying an intergrated Master’s in certain subject areas (typically science, engineering and technology) may be required to obtain an ATAS certificate. Your offer letter from UCL will state if your degree requires an ATAS certificate. If you are applying for a Student visa your CAS statement will also state if you are required to obtain an ATAS certificate.
See our ATAS webpage for detailed information about the ATAS application process and exemption criteria. You cannot study in the UK without an ATAS certificate if it is a condition or requirement of your visa.
When to apply for an ATAS certificate
You should not apply for an ATAS certificate until you have received an offer.
For new students it can take up to 6 months for an ATAS application to be processed. We recommend new students apply for ATAS once they receive a conditional or unconditional offer from UCL and no earlier than 6 months before the start date of the degree. Your ATAS once issued is valid for 6 months - it must be valid on the date of your visa application.
