In some countries, students applying to study in the UK may be required to undergo a credibility interview. This is typically conducted by the university or sometimes by UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) to ensure the applicant is a genuine student with real academic intentions.
This step is crucial, especially for applicants from regions considered high-risk due to past visa abuse or non-compliance. Failing this interview may result in rejection from the university and can end the student’s journey altogether.
Proper preparation for this interview significantly improves the chances of success. It also helps students feel confident during visa interviews and at UK border control, where similar questions might be asked.
It's a one-on-one session with the university's admissions team (can be face-to-face, phone, or video call).
Purpose: to determine if the student is genuine and likely to complete the course.
Universities conduct these because some past applicants misused the system, coming to the UK under the guise of studying but never attending classes.
UK universities must maintain a visa refusal rate below 10% or risk losing their sponsorship license.
Even if a student isn't required to take a credibility interview, preparing for it is highly beneficial for their visa application process.
Universities may directly contact the student to schedule the interview.
The interview usually happens only after conditional offer conditions are met, such as submitting documents or paying a deposit (varies by university).
If the student fails, the university may refuse to issue the CAS, and the application will be withdrawn.
Interviews are usually scheduled well before the course starts and last 20–30 minutes.
Immigration history (UK and other countries)
Academic background and post-study plans
Personal and financial circumstances
Chosen course, university, and any associated consultants
English language ability
Motivation to study in the UK and reasons for not choosing other countries
Get them comfortable with a 20–30 minute formal interview.
Avoid generic answers. Encourage personal, specific responses.
Ensure they know about their chosen university and city.
They must clearly explain why the UK, why that university, and why not their home country.
Include information on course content, modules, university rankings, and correct campus details.
Help them understand how the course relates to their past studies or work, and their future goals.
Encourage a clear, realistic career plan, ideally with a 5-year outlook.
Make sure they know the source of their funding and their family’s financial situation.
Remind them not to mention permanent settlement or post-study work as a primary motivation.
Putting the interview on hold or speaking to someone else during it
Being casual, poorly dressed, or having background noise/disruptions
Mentioning dual intentions like settling or working in the UK after studies