Find out if you need Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance.
What is ATAS?
ATAS is a scheme run by the UK Government. It requires international students looking to study certain sensitive technology-based subjects to apply for an ATAS certificate before they apply for their visa.
This relates to new students coming to Sussex and existing students.
Do I need ATAS clearance?
You need to apply for ATAS clearance if you are not a national of a European Area (EEA) country or Switzerland, and you are applying for a science or engineering-based course.
Use the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website to find out which countries are in the EEA and if you need an ATAS clearance certificate.
Examples of when you might need ATAS clearance include:
- studying a new course
- changing your course of study
- extending your course or re-sitting an exam
- returning to Sussex after taking a break from your studies.
You’ll be advised on your individual case.
Important: ATAS requirements apply to all visas – not just Tier 4. The exception is if you have Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.
How to apply for ATAS clearance
If you need ATAS clearance, you will need a statement from Sussex to complete your application.
You must apply online for a clearance certificate through ATAS before you apply for a visa.
If you’re planning to study at Sussex, you’ll get information about making an ATAS application with your offer letter.
If you’re already studying an undergraduate or Masters degree at Sussex, email ssro@sussex.ac.uk.
If you’re a PhD student, email researchstudentoffice@sussex.ac.uk. You must use the project description we give you when completing the online ATAS application.
Courses requiring ATAS clearance
- Undergraduate courses
You’ll need an ATAS certificate for these courses:
- Mechanical Engineering MEng
- Mechanical Engineering (with Industrial Placement Year) MEng
- Mechanical Engineering with Robotics MEng
- Mechanical Engineering with Robotics (with an Industrial Placement Year) MEng
- Physics MPhys
- Physics (with an Industrial Placement Year) MPhys
- Physics (research placement) MPhys
- Physics with Astrophysics MPhys
- Theoretical Physics MPhys
- Masters courses
You’ll need an ATAS certificate for these courses:
- PhD courses
You’ll need an ATAS certificate for these courses:
When to apply
You can apply for ATAS after you receive an offer from us, and up to nine months before your course start date.
If you need a Tier 4 visa, we can’t issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to you without proof of ATAS clearance.
If you’re applying for a short-term study visa, we can’t issue a sponsor letter without ATAS clearance.
In both cases, we need ATAS clearance directly from the government before you can make a student visa application.
See more information about applying for ATAS clearance from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
If your course changes
You need to apply for a new ATAS certificate within 28 days if you change your:
- course
- research area
- course completion date.
If you don’t do this, you’ll breach your immigration conditions.
You also need ATAS clearance if you apply to extend your Tier 4 visa.
See more about changes to your studies.
If you haven’t applied for a course yet
If you’re still looking at Sussex courses, you don’t need to consider ATAS right now.
Find out how to apply for: