Credibility Interviews

Your next steps

What is a credibility interview?

As part of CU Scarborough’s admissions process, some applicants will be invited to complete an internal credibility interview before a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) can be issued. This interview helps ensure that every student joining CU Scarborough is well prepared, genuine, and ready to study in the UK.

Our internal credibility interview acts as a mock for the credibility interview you can expect to complete as part of your visa application process. As such, you can expect questions similar to those asked in the UKVI credibility interview, making it a helpful way to prepare for the real thing.

Why have I been invited to an interview?

You may be chosen to attend a credibility interview based on your nationality or immigration history at the University’s discretion. This does not mean there is anything wrong with your application, but it is very important that you prepare thoroughly. If you have been invited, attendance is mandatory.

Your credibility interview invitation and all related interview communication will be sent via email from noreply@coventryinterview.co.uk. Please add this email to your safe list and check any junk folders for any important credibility interview communication from the university.

Format

It is a face-to-face online interview lasting approximately 45 minutes. You should aim to join the call 10 minutes before your booked interview time so that you can complete identification checks before formally joining the interview session. Any arrivals later than 10 minutes after the scheduled start time will be automatically cancelled and you will need to reschedule another interview, if available.

How to prepare

Please keep your original passport with you for the interview. Please note that digital copies will not be accepted
Check your microphone and camera are working correctly
Check your Wi-Fi connection is stable, prior to the start of your interview to ensure a smooth process
Sit alone in a quiet location, free from background noise. Nobody else should be present in the room with you or visible in the background while completing your interview
Dress appropriately. This should be smart casual attire.

How you can be ready

The best preparation is to be yourself and answer honestly. You should be able to explain your genuine intentions to study in the UK and how this relates to your future career plan. You should be able to display in depth research into your country, university and course choices. You may wish to review your Statement of Purpose you submitted to the University upon applying.

We recommend:

Practice Interviews

Talk through your answers with:

Your agent
Your family
Your friends

Common interview questions

Why do you want to study in the UK?

You may wish to talk about why you chose the UK over other countries with similar education systems and how this relates to your future plans.

Why have you chosen to study with Coventry University Group?

You should have conducted in depth research into other universities to make your decision. This may include location, facilities, accommodation and course specific details such as modules and course assessment methods which attracted you to your chosen campus. Be sure that your offer is for the campus you chose and have prepared for prior to booking your interview.

Why did you choose your course?

You will need to demonstrate genuine reasons why you want to do this course specifically and how this aligns with your future career plans. This should include whether the qualification is essential for your career path and why this couldn’t be done elsewhere.

How is your course assessed?

You should be able to explain how long your course lasts, the method in which it’s assessed, and you should be able to show your knowledge of the course title, modules and the specific course content.

Do you know what level your course is?

In the UK, course levels are described using the RQF (Regulated Qualification Framework). You should know the level of your course and the name of the qualification it leads to.

Can you explain any gaps in your years of study or work?

If there have been periods of time where you have not been in active education, you will need to share the reasons why and how returning to education now would benefit your career prospects. If you are currently employed, you may wish to talk about how this relates to the course you wish to study.

Who is financing your studies?

You will need to explain where your funding is from. This may be a loan, family or official sponsorship/scholarship. Make sure you know the exact amounts and the source of all funds as well as how you will fund any other expenses you may need to cover all years of study (if your course is more than one year).

What happens after the interview?

Your interview will be reviewed, and you may receive one of the following outcomes:

Pass
Your CAS can be progressed as normal.
Resit
If your interview shows good potential but needs improvement, you may be offered a chance to repeat the interview.
Your case will be assessed individually, and the International Admissions Team will explain your options.
Fail
If your interview does not demonstrate the required level of credibility, your CAS cannot be issued.
You will be informed of the decision and the next steps.

Technical support

If you encounter technical difficulties when attempting to book your interview, you should email tech-support@coventryinterview.co.uk. You will receive a response within 24 hours during service hours. Please note that weekends and public holidays are not counted as working days.

If technical issues occur after you have successfully booked the interview, for example at the time you attempt to join the interview or after joining the interview, that interview slot may be cancelled and you will be sent a new invitation to rebook an interview.

If a technical issue happens during the interview, you should alert the interviewer as soon as possible. If they are unable to hear you, there is also a support chat function that is available during the call if needed.

You can also find answers to most frequently asked questions on our FAQ Coventry University Group - Credibility Interview Hub