It is always difficult for us to advise as to the ATAS Application process as the application form does not belong to us and the process is completely external to the University.
We therefore can only make recommendations. It is always advisable for students to provide as much information as they can and be logical and transparent with all information provided. 

We are happy to receive queries and students can contact the ATAS Team based at the University directly at ATAS@soton.ac.uk 

Please be aware that the Visa Team is a seperate Team to the ATAS Team so queries with regards to ATAS should be sent to ATAS@soton.ac.uk

I have included a link below which is to the Government website which provides further information as to completing the ATAS application.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme#guidance-on-how-to-apply-for-an-atas-certificate

Further information can also be found on our University website:

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/atas-general-information.page

If a student requires ATAS this is stated within their offer letter and the letter should also provide the CAH3 code which is required to make the ATAS application.

Students are also required to state in their ATAS application the modules they will be undertaking as part of their course. Please do not hesitate to direct your students to us directly so we can advise on the module information we would expect them to list in their ATAS application.

The standard processing time for a ATAS application outcome is now 30 working days. This timeframe however gets reset if ATAS FCDO contact the student for further information and the processing time is reset back to 0 working days on the date when the information is provided to them.

When an ATAS Certificate is granted, the ATAS Team at the University will automatically receive a copy, we then will review the ATAS Certificate to ensure that the information contained within it it therefore valid and accurate. We will contact students in cases where the information is incorrect and advice further. 

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Here's a summary of the relevant steps that I have noted from our webpages:

1. Confirm Subject Area:  Check if your subject field is listed among those requiring ATAS clearance. For Mechanical Engineering, it is (CAH10-01-02)

2. Prepare Required Documents:

3. • Programme description (even if you're not enrolled in a full programme).
   • List of core modules
   • Research statement: Describe your research project. If not yet assigned, list potential topics.
   • Supervisor details: Include your Southampton academic contact (presumably the exchange coordinator).

3. Apply Online via UK Government Portal:

• • Use the GOV.UK ATAS application page.
  • Processing time is typically 20 working days, so apply early.

1. Notify the University Visa Team:

• • Once your ATAS certificate is approved, inform the Visa Team at Southampton.
  • You’ll need to present your original passport and visa upon arrival.

If you need further information, please contact our visa team but I hope the above is helpful.