Credibility interviews were introduced by UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) in order to ascertain that a student’s intentions to study in the UK are genuine. You may be asked to attend a credibility interview as part of your visa application.
If you are called to an interview, it does not necessarily mean that there is something wrong with your application, but it is very important that you prepare thoroughly.
Interview process
If you are called for an interview, you will be asked questions to satisfy the UKVI in a number of areas which usually include:
- Your ability to speak English (regardless of IELTS score)
- Knowledge of intended course of study
- Knowledge of Coventry University
- Your academic/employment background
- Your future plans
- Your finances
(This is not a complete list and is only intended as a guide. You can be questioned regarding any aspect of your background or study plans).
All interviews are conducted in English to assure that you have the required level of English language to undertake your course successfully.
The Home Office may ask you to undertake an interview either in person, on the telephone, or by video conference facility. Attendance is mandatory. If you fail to attend an interview without providing a reasonable explanation, this will result in an automatic refusal. Be aware that even if you achieve the general requirements and score the points required, the caseworker has the authority to refuse entry if you fail the interview.
Interview support
Be confident, positive and show your genuine intention to study in the UK. The interview will be a smooth step to you obtaining a UK visa if you are honest and well prepared.
If you do not understand a question, ask the interviewer to repeat it or rephrase the question. Be confident in your answers. Ask the interviewer if they require further clarification.
Below are some topics we advise you to consider when preparing for an interview.
Why do you want to study in the UK?
- You might want to talk about what you have learnt about the British education system.
- What are the benefits of studying in the UK compared to your home country or other countries that mean it is worth the cost to you?
- How would study in the UK differ from studying in your home country?
- Why did you decide to come to the UK rather than, for example, Australia or the USA?
Why have you chosen to study at Coventry University?
- Here you could talk about the university, and about the city and its location within the UK.
- Where will you live in the UK and how do you plan to get to university every day?
- Which other universities did you consider? You must be able to give details of the research you did.
- Why did you choose Coventry University over other universities?
- What facilities do you expect there to be at Coventry University?
- What attracted you to study this course?
- Which other universities offer this programme and why did you select Coventry University? Are there any modules that you are interested in which are specific to Coventry University?
- Which module or modules are you most excited to study and why?
Why have you chosen your course of study?
- Is it a necessity to have this qualification in order to follow your career path?
- If it’s not, how will this course benefit you in the future?
- Be prepared to provide details of your previous study, including qualifications, and how it is related to the course you have applied for.
How is your course assessed?
- Check the university website.
- Is your course assessed by exams or coursework?
- How long does your course last?
- Make sure you are aware of your course details, including the names of the modules in your course and what you will be studying in these. Check your offer letter, CAS statement or check the programme specifications on the university website.
Do you know what level your course is?
RQF stands for Regulated Qualifications Framework and is a way of defining the level of a course. The higher the level, the more advanced the course.
- Bachelor's level is level 6.
- Master’s level is level 7.
- PhD level is level 8.
Can you explain any gaps in your years of study or work?
- If there have been periods of time in which you have been working, why are you now looking to come back to study?
- Would this study benefit your current profession or enhance your future prospects?
- Also, if there has been a gap between now and your previous course of study, what were you doing in this time and why are you now ready to return to study?
Who is financing your studies?
- If your parents are financing your studies, you may be asked to discuss how they are able to do this.
- How can you afford the investment your study will require?
- Make sure that you are very clear about the source and availability of your money, and how you plan to pay for subsequent years’ fees if your course is more than a year in duration.
- If you have official financial sponsorship, make sure you are aware of the amounts and exactly what is covered.
- If you have a loan, how will you afford to pay this back?
- How much will your accommodation cost and are you clear about the cost of living in the UK?
Remember to take documents confirming your financial status and be able to explain your funds if the cost of your study is significantly larger than your family income.
