Studying in the United Kingdom is not an easy choice. It needs a good commitment. So, the universities in the United Kingdom conduct the credibility interview. This interview is to make sure only the genuine students are selected. The UK credibility interview is entirely an integral part of the university. University will reach out to you via online to conduct this interview. Since this is an integral part of the UK universities, you might be exempted from the interview. But in most of the cases you must appear for the UK credibility interview to get the CAS(Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies).
When will the UK credibility interview take place?
Generally you apply to the UK university providing them with your academic documents and the statement of purpose (SOP). They go through your academics and SOP. And then provide you with an offer letter accepting a place in a university. After you accept the offer letter from the university, they will conduct this interview to issue a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies). CAS is the main document to apply to study in the UK on a student visa.
So, the credibility interview will take place in between the offer letter and CAS. After issuing an offer letter, the university will take the interview and if you are good with the interview, they will issue a CAS letter. Since the UK credibility interview will take place before the CAS, it is also called a PRE CAS INTERVIEW.
Is credibility interview mandatory?
The UK credibility interview is almost mandatory. Though it is an integral part of the UK universities, it is mandatory. Very rarely 1-2% of cases some universities exempt the interview process. There were plenty of students in the past who intended to be students but failed to attend the class or maybe failed to register. This interview helps to determine only the genuine student. For this reason, universities are making this interview mandatory.
You may also read,
A complete guide to study in the UK from Nepal.
How to prepare to crack the UK credibility interview?
This interview is a 20 to 30 minutes one on one interview between the university representative and a student. Interview questionnaires are different depending on the universities. The interview will take place via online medium either Zoom or Skype. Since this is the university process to know a student better, do not take it too complicated. Below are the few points using which you can simply crack or pass the UK credibility interview.
- Take it simple and easy.
This is the generic process and university is measuring your ability to communicate and your ability to study in the UK. So, stay calm and stay focused but do not make it too complicated as it might affect your expression.
- Prepare for the course content.
Course content is important. It is almost certain that the interviewer will ask “Why this course?” Be well prepared for this. Visit the university website, visit the course page and gather all the information and prepare accordingly.
- Prepare for university details.
Another certain question is “why this university?” Prepare the best answer for it. Visit the university website. Try to find out some notable alumni. Also find out the university and course rankings and prepare accordingly.
- Prepare for the course outcome.
It is very much likely that the interviewer will ask about your future career goal after completing the course in the UK. Be specific with the career outcome. Visit the university website and course page for the probable career option and be specific with that option.
- Do not use the general answers.
Avoid general answers such as “ I like the UK and it’s a very nice place”, “This course suits me” type answers. Be specific with your answers and make it more clear that you are clinically intended to study in the UK.
- Never communicate the intention to stay in the UK.
While communicating with the interviewer, never show any small intention that you are going to search for any opportunity in the UK after completing your course.
- Communicate easily.
Try to make your communication as simple as possible. Interviewer is checking your ability. Always try to add your motivation, your career goal and your future plan in whichever question is possible.
- Describe your financial condition.
It is always important to know details about your financial requirements in the UK. You may have to deal with the questions about your tuition fee, living cost and any other cost while studying in the UK.
- Understand your visa conditions.
You acquire a Tier 4 visa in the UK while studying there. Always understands the limitations of this visa category. Your liability and responsibility as an international student in the United Kingdom.
- Try a mock UK credibility interview.
Prepare for the credibility interview and try to take a mock interview. If you are not taking any assistance, you can do it infront of the mirror as well. It is also better if you ask anyone to ask the credibility interview questions and try to answer them.
Some common UK credibility interview questions and their answers.
The interviewer may ask a simple question such as “tell me something about yourself”. It depends on the interviewer. But there are few common questions that are very much likely to be asked. Below you will find those common questions and their answers.
Why did you choose to study in the UK?
The UK is a good study destination for many international students. More than 500K international students go to the UK for their education. Also there are many successful Nepali people who have graduated from the UK in the past and are doing great in Nepal. This also inspires me to choose the UK over other countries. The education system, quality and rankings are good in the UK and they are world recognized. Tuition fee is affordable. Overall I thought I would get a good career option back in Nepal after graduating from the UK so, I chose to study in the UK.
Which other countries you researched and why the UK was the better choice for you?
Frankly speaking, the USA and the UK were my initial choice. Australia could have been my other choice but Australian border issues due to COVID-19 opted me out of it. Courses are good in the USA but the tuition fee is high there, Visa processing is tough.
While doing research, I found that UK education is highly competitive. UK higher education degrees and qualifications are recognized by employers and academics worldwide. The United Kingdom is one of the world’s most popular destinations to study higher education. More than 500K international students enroll each year in the different universities in the UK. And recently a post study work permit was also started. PSW will help me gain international experiences. International experiences will help me stand out better in competition back in Nepal. So, I thought the UK is the better choice for me.
Who is financing your studies?
My parents are financing my studies in the UK. They have been very supportive as they have a good source of income to finance my study in the UK.
In most cases, parents are financing the study, so this answer would be a good one. If any other people are financing your study you can include them as well.
Do you intend to work during the study?
I will have a legal work limit of 20hrs a week during my college days and I will be working if I get any job maintaining that work limit to support my pocket money in the UK.
Include the below lines, if you have the placement year.
Also my course is with placement year so I am willing to get a real time work exposure during this placement year.
Do you know what the student responsibilities are once you are sponsored by the university or get a visa?
I am well aware of my responsibility once I get a visa and intend to study there and can work 20 hrs. a week during my study. I need to attend college regularly and can not be involved in any activities other than that.
Some other certain questions.
- Why did you choose your university?
- What other universities did you consider and why did you choose this university?
- Why did you choose your course?
- How is it relevant, or why is it different from your previous studies/course?
- State your career goal / Plans. What do you want to do after your graduation?
- How does the proposed course help you to achieve your career goal?
- How much do you need as per UKVI for living cost/maintenance fee?
Conclusion:
Wish you good luck with your credibility interview. It is very unlikely to get credibility interview rejection. You just take it easy and appear for it without fearing credibility interview results. If you need any assistance you can comment down below. We will try to reach out to you as much as possible.
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