Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
Information about the UK government's Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS).
The UK government's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) operate an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS). This gives non-UK nationals security clearance to study subject areas where the knowledge gained may support the development or delivery of weapons of mass destruction.
The scheme applies to:
- Study at masters (including undergraduate masters) level or above
- Relevant subject areas as defined by the FCDO, covering certain science subjects, mathematics, engineering, technology and medicine
- All non-UK nationals except those from countries on the exempt list
Applicants covered by the scheme will need an ATAS certificate before they can apply for a visa to study in the UK. Applicants apply for their ATAS certificate to the FCDO, but the University of Sheffield will tell you if you need one, and provide you with information you will need to include in your ATAS application.
How will I find out if I require ATAS clearance for my course?
Undergraduate courses
We will inform you by email if you need ATAS clearance. This will be sent in May (or within 1 week of receiving your offer if you receive your offer after May) and will contain all the details you will need to include in your ATAS application.
Postgraduate taught courses
We will inform you in your offer letter if you need ATAS clearance. Attached with your offer letter will be an 'ATAS sheet', which will contain some of the information you will need to include in your ATAS application. We will email you in May (or within 1 week of receiving your offer if you receive your offer after May) with a list of the modules that you will also need to include in your ATAS application.
Postgraduate research degrees
We will inform you in your offer letter if you need ATAS clearance. Attached with your offer letter will be an 'ATAS sheet', which will contain all the details you will need to include in your ATAS application.
More information about ATAS, including information about how to apply, is on our New Students webpages: