If you’re seeking admission to study in the United Kingdom (UK) and come from a high-risk country, you will be required to undergo a UK credibility interview. This interview serves the purpose of ensuring that only legitimate students, who are genuinely committed to completing their courses, are granted a Tier 4 visa for their UK study endeavors. The credibility interview stands as an integral component in the university’s decision-making process for issuing a Confirmation of Acceptance to Study (CAS) letter, which is a prerequisite for your visa application.
Opting to pursue your education in the UK is a significant undertaking, and the university aims to ascertain that you’ve conducted thorough research before finalizing this substantial decision. Even if you are not mandated to undergo the credibility interview, preparing for it can be immensely beneficial when it comes to your visa interview.
Though it may appear daunting, this guide will help you prepare for the UK credibility interview and excel in it!
Do I Have to Complete a UK Credibility Interview?
Previously, UK universities have encountered cases where individuals feigned as students, arriving in the UK with the intention of working rather than pursuing academic studies. Upon their arrival, they either neglected to enroll at the university or enrolled but failed to attend classes. The UK credibility interview serves as a means for universities to discern the authenticity of your intentions when it comes to studying in the UK
When Will the Credibility Interview Take Place?
The university’s admissions office will initiate contact to arrange an interview under the following circumstances:
- After extending a conditional offer.
- Approximately six months before the course commencement date, contingent upon the university’s availability.
Should you find yourself unable to attend the interview for any reason, it’s essential to promptly inform the university, enabling ample time for potential rescheduling
What Does the University Want to Know?
The UK credibility interview involves a one-on-one interview lasting for approximately 20 to 30 minutes, featuring a representative from the university’s admissions office. The specific questions may differ from one university to another, and a few sample questions are provided below. This interview can be conducted through:
- In-person meetings.
- Phone conversations or via a video platform such as Skype or Zoom.
The university will inform you in advance about the method they intend to utilize.
Furthermore, the credibility interview serves as a means for the university to assess your communication abilities. Bearing this in mind, it’s advisable to respond with clarity and conciseness without rushing your answers. If at any point you feel that the interviewer is speaking too quickly, you have the option to request them to slow down or rephrase their question.
How to Prepare
“How to Prepare Here are several tips to ensure your success in the UK credibility interview:
- Avoid Generic Responses: Refrain from providing vague or generic answers. Instead, be specific in discussing the course and how it aligns with your personal goals.
- Familiarize Yourself with Tier 4 Visa Responsibilities: Prior to the interview, acquaint yourself with the responsibilities of a Tier 4 visa holder. This essential information can be found on the UK Council of International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website.
- Understand the Program’s Content: Demonstrate your comprehension of the program’s content, particularly regarding course modules and relevant details. It’s advisable to review the course information in case the interviewer inquires about it.
- Avoid Mentioning Dual Intentions: Despite the introduction of a post-study work visa in the UK in 2021, it’s advisable to steer clear of discussing plans for living and working in the UK after your graduation, as this might raise concerns about the genuineness of your intentions.
- Articulate Your Course Motivation: Convey your motivation for enrolling in the course and how it contributes to your future success. Consider framing it as a job interview, and outline a five-year career plan that includes pursuing a career in your home country.
- Explain Your Financial Support: It’s vital to detail how you will financially support yourself during your UK studies. Be prepared to discuss the annual amount you’ll require, as well as the costs associated with accommodations and other living expenses. While it’s possible to work part-time under a Tier 4 visa, it’s not advisable to rely solely on this income for your maintenance. If a family member intends to support you, ensure that you can articulate their source of income and their annual earnings.”
Roleplay Questions
It’s time for some roleplaying! Let’s take a closer look at a few of the questions above, providing both “good” and “bad” responses for each.
Q. Why do you want to study in the UK rather than your home country or another country?
Bad answer: “I heard the UK is a nice place, and people are friendly. I can speak English there. I always wanted to see London, and I like Premier League football. Also, in my country, job opportunities for graduates are limited.”
Good answer: “I’m studying engineering, and the UK has a strong reputation for excellence in teaching engineering degrees. Once I graduate, I should be able to get a good job back in my home country and have a strong future because of my UK degree. I have a longstanding interest in British culture, and I’m really interested in seeing the galleries and museums in the UK.”
The difference: The first answer is far too generic. The final sentence contains a big red flag: “In my country, job opportunities are limited for graduates.” It implies that the student may want to remain in the UK after graduating. On the other hand, the second response focuses on the specific course and how it will help the student land a good job back in their home country.
Q. Why this specific university over other options?
Bad answer: “My cousin went to this university, and he said it was good.”
Good answer: “This university is well-known in my country, and its reputation will help me get a great job when I return. The degree subject has a good national ranking, and the university has a strong reputation for teaching. I looked at other universities [provide the names], but the course modules they offer aren’t as helpful for my future goals.”
The difference: It’s common for students to say that they know someone who studies at the university, which is why they want to study there. Instead, talk about the university’s reputation and how study abroad in the UK in the UK will help set you up for future success. Also, be specific about why this university was more suitable than others you considered.
Q. What will you do after completing your studies in the UK?
Bad answer: “I will try and see if there is a job I can get in the UK as I don’t want to return to my home country.”
Good answer: “I am studying business, and I want to work for a large multinational such as [name(s)]. One of the units in my course is Business Analytics. I want to get a job as a business analyst when I get back to my home country. The salary for this position is approximately £1,200 per month, whereas a regular graduate role pays about £700 per month.”
The difference: Again, the first answer implies that the student wants to remain and work in the UK after graduating. The second response specifically mentions a large multinational back in their home country where the student envisions themselves working, how their course will help them obtain a specific job, and how much it pays.
Q. What have you been doing during your study gap?
Bad answer: “I’ve been looking for a job, but I haven’t found one, so I’ve been staying at home. Now I’ve decided to study abroad.”
Good answer: “I have been working in an entry-level role in a bank since graduating. But, I feel that I will advance further in the industry if I get a degree from the UK, and that is why I want to study there. When I graduate, I hope to return to the same company and get a promotion.”
The difference: In the first answer, the student cannot provide a satisfactory explanation for how they spent their study gap, and the university may have reason to suspect that the student will remain in the UK after graduating. The second answer demonstrates the professional experience the student gained during their study gap. It also shows that they have done considerable research into the program and how studying abroad in the UK aligns with their professional goals back in their home country.
Q. What are the facilities at the university, and what is the university’s ranking?
Bad answer: “The facilities are good, and the ranking is high. It’s much better than the university in my hometown. I’m looking forward to seeing the facilities when I arrive.”
Good answer: “The university is ranked at number 20 in The Guardian university league tables and in the top 50 in the Times Higher Education league tables. Also, the business school where I will study is accredited by the AACSB, EQUIS, and AAMBA, making it one of the best in the UK. They have recently invested £25 million in upgrading their facilities and have improved the library and sports halls. Now they have received five stars from QS ranking for their facilities.”
The difference: As you can see, the second response is much more detailed and specific about the university’s rankings and facilities. You can often find this information on the university’s website. Or, search Google News for recent articles on the university, upgrades to its facilities, inclusion in top university rankings, etc.
After the Credibility Interview
Once you pass the UK credibility interview, you will pay your deposit. The university will issue your Confirmation of Acceptance to Study (CAS) letter approximately three months before starting your course, which will allow you to apply for a Tier 4 student visa.
With a little practice and some preparation, you will pass the UK credibility interview and be one step closer to achieving your dream of studying in the UK!