A Guide to Credibility Interviews for Tier 4 International Students
What is a Credibility Interview?
Credibility interviews are now part of the Tier 4 visa application process. Once you have submitted your visa application you will be called to an interview to answer questions from an Entry Clearance Officer about your prospective studies in the UK. The interview is conducted in English and will take approximately 10-15 minutes. The purpose of the interview is to establish if you genuinely wish to study in the UK and if your declared circumstances are genuine. During the interview you will also be expected to demonstrate that your English Language ability is sufficient to follow your chosen course and level of study. All applicants who are applying for a Tier 4 student visa both overseas and inside the UK are likely to be interviewed.
Your interview is likely to take place after receiving the offer letter. This interview is the requirement for CAS. After you passed the interview, you will be provided with the CAS letter. The university will take this credibility interview. You will need to give second interview as well which will be for visa and will be of same pattern.
It is most likely that you will be interviewed via video-call, however you may also be interviewed on the telephone. During the interview from the university the interviewer will note down everything that you say and for visa interview they will write down and will send this record to the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO). The ECO will then make a decision on your visa application on the basis of your credibility interview and all the other supporting documents you submitted with your Tier 4 visa application.
You are likely to be asked the following questions:
Why do you want to study in the UK?
Why did you choose this university rather than other university?
Explain what you know about it: teaching resources, academic proficiency, facilities, location, accommodation and distinctive features
Students choose their university for a range of reasons, from academic quality to the location of the campus, to positive experiences of family or friends.
Explain what factors were important to you and talk about any research you did before you applied and any other Universities you thought about applying to and why you chose university instead.
Why did you choose this course and how long your course is?
Explain your decision making process on what attracted you to this specific course, also discuss the modules, key assessment methods, the structure of the course, learning outcomes and progression routes.
How this course helps in your future career plans?
Taking a course of study in the UK is an expensive and challenging task. Therefore, you should have a good reason for deciding to do it. You should think about how your qualification will benefit you throughout your planned career. This might relate to what other people who have finished this course have gone on to do afterwards: has it helped them? It is also important to consider how the course complements previous courses you have completed and work experience that you have already gained. Information about career opportunities provided by the courses at university is available on the University’s website
Do you plan to work in the UK?
In most cases, you will not be allowed to fill a permanent full time vacancy as a Tier 4 student. You cannot rely on funds from working to pay your course fees and living costs so you must be aware of this. You also need to demonstrate an understanding of the hours you are allowed to work. The main purpose for being in the UK is your studies so, if you are hoping to work, think about how this would enhance your academic studies.
How are you funding your studies?
Possible talking points: If your parents/spouse are supporting you, be prepared to talk about their finances and occupations.
Where are you planning to live in the UK?
Where are you going to live, on campus or private accommodation? How far the University is, the classes that you need to attend?
How do you explain the gaps in your education/employment history – what were you doing during this time?
Explain what you were doing during this time and skills you have gained that will help you in your studies and long term career plans.
If the costs of pursuing your course of study are higher in the UK than in your home country, why have you decided to incur the extra costs involved with studying in the UK?
Think about the advantages that a degree from the UK might give you and why you and/or your family are prepared to make this investment. Have you made a realistic assessment of all the costs involved and how you plan to pay for them? These cost include the course fees and living costs, including accommodation.
What are the benefits of studying in the UK compared to your home country?
Think about the advantages for future after studying in the UK.
What facilities are you expecting at your chosen University?
Talk about the facilities your chosen university will provide. You can also talk about the facilities related to your specific course.
Do you know anyone who has already studied at the University you have applied for?
You can share if you know anyone.
What qualification will you get when you graduate from the chosen university?
For this you can look at the course details of your particular course in the career progression or you can also go through the various career options you will get after the graduation from your chosen course.
How much will the course cost per year?
Go through the website of the university. Also, you can go through your offer letter as the cost of your course will be mentioned over there as well.
How much is the living expenses?
Living expenses for inside London- 1265 pounds and for outside London- 1015 pounds.
What is your expected salary upon graduation?
Tell how much salary you are expecting after the completion of your intended course after returning back.
How many people are financially dependent on you?
Talk about your family members and their occupation. Also state if you need to support anyone financially.
