United Kingdom · study · guide
UK ATAS certificate: requirements and timing
How to apply for the Academic Technology Approval Scheme if you plan to study or research in the UK.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 29 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme
Who needs to apply
You must have an approved ATAS certificate before you can start studying or working as a contracted researcher in the UK. This applies to any course or employment that requires a certificate.[1][2][3]
If you are a visiting researcher, you must obtain an ATAS certificate before you start any research activity in the UK.[4]
If you are applying for asylum in the UK, you must still apply for an ATAS certificate for any course or job that requires one.[5]
What you need to show
You must provide accurate, complete, and truthful information in your ATAS application.[6][7]
You must not use a Gmail address in your application. This is due to an ongoing technical issue.[8][9]
You must declare if your programme involves research or taught courses that are jointly awarded or delivered at more than one higher education institution in the UK.[10][11]
Documents and details
You must provide the full first name and surname of your referees, employers, and financial sponsors. Do not use initials.[12]
If your passport expires or is lost while your application is being processed, you must email your new passport details to the ATAS team.[13][14]
Costs and money
You do not have to pay any fee to apply for an ATAS certificate. The application is free.[15][16]
Timing and processing
You should expect ATAS applications to take at least 30 working days, or 6 weeks, to process.[17][18]
You must use your ATAS certificate as part of a visa application within 6 months of the date it was issued.[19][20]
If you are applying for more than one course at the same institution with the same CAH3 code, you must wait for a decision on your first application before submitting a second one.[21]
If your application is unsuccessful, you must wait 90 days before reapplying for the same course or research at the same institution with the same CAH3 code.[22][23]
After you arrive
If you are already in the UK, you must provide your institution with a valid ATAS certificate before starting your new course or area of research.[24]
You must obtain a new ATAS certificate if your course end date is delayed by 3 months or more.[25][26]
You must reapply for a new ATAS certificate and a new UK visa if your visa expires during your course or research period.[27][28]
You must also reapply for an ATAS certificate and renew your visa if your visa expires before you have written your thesis.[29]
Checklist
- Do not use a Gmail address in your ATAS application.[8]
- Provide the full first name and surname of your referees, employers, and sponsors without using initials.[12]
- Use your ATAS certificate for your visa application within 6 months of getting it.[19]
- Get a new ATAS certificate if your course is delayed by 3 months or more.[25]
Questions people ask
How much does an ATAS certificate cost?
There is no fee to apply for an ATAS certificate.[15]
How long does it take to get an ATAS certificate?
You should expect the application to take at least 30 working days, which is 6 weeks, to process.[17]
Can I use a Gmail address for my ATAS application?
No, you must not use a Gmail address due to an ongoing technical issue.[8]
What happens if my ATAS application is unsuccessful?
You must wait 90 days before you can reapply for the same course or research at the same institution with the same CAH3 code.[22]
What should I do if my course is delayed?
You must obtain a new ATAS certificate if your course end date is delayed by 3 months or more.[25]
What if my visa expires before I write my thesis?
You must reapply for an ATAS certificate and renew your visa if your visa expires before you have written your thesis.[29]
This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.