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Academic Techonology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) will be introduced by the British Government on 01 November 2007.

ATAS will apply to those applying to study certain sensitive subjects in the UK and is designed to limit the spread of knowledge and skills that could be used in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery.

Therefore, if you are a non-EU/EEA (including Switzerland) national planning to undertake postgraduate study in Informatics from 01 November 2007, then you will need to acquire an ATAS certificate before you can apply for a Visa, Entry Clearance (EC) or Extension of Stay (EoS). For more information please see ATAS webpage.

When submitting an application for an ATAS certificate you will need an official document from the University of Edinburgh which contains the agreed research proposal and a JACS code. New entrants will be provided with this document automatically with their offer of admission; existing students can request a document by email from the Graduate School Office (igs@inf.ed.ac.uk).

Once you have obtained your ATAS certificate you will be able to apply for your student Visa / EC / EoS in the normal way, see the UK Visas homepage for more information.

Important Notes

• Possession of an ATAS certificate does not guarantee you a Visa / EC / EoS, but your application will automatically be refused if you need an ATAS certificate but cannot provide one.
• When applying you must also provide evidence that you meet the usual student criteria. For more information on what you need to apply for a student Visa / EC go to www.ukvisas.gov.uk, or, if applying for an extension of stay see www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk.
• An ATAS certificate is specific to both the programme of study that you intend to undertake and the University / Higher Education Institution. If you are in possession of a number of offers from different Universities / Institutions and have not decided which one you are going to accept you must apply for separate ATAS clearance certificates for each University / Institution and programme of study.

Guidance for staff on providing information for ATAS is available here [STAFF ONLY]