Choosing to study in the UK is a big commitment for both students and the universities which host them. To make sure you’re a good fit, the university you’re applying to wants to know you’ve learned about your target course and institution and are comfortable participating in classes taught in English.
Some international students who wish to study in the United Kingdom (UK) must participate in a UK credibility interview. These interviews are run by UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI), and help ensure that only genuine students likely to complete their course receive a Student visa (previously known as a Tier 4 general student visa). The credibility interview is a key part of a university’s decision to issue a Confirmation of Acceptance to Study (CAS) letter, which you will need to apply for a Student visa. We’ve shared a few UK credibility interview preparation strategies below.
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UK Credibility Interview Timing
Usually, credibility interviews are scheduled:
- After the university you’ve applied to issues you a conditional offer
- Around six months before the course start date, based on the university’s availability
If you can’t attend the interview for any reason, let the university know as soon as possible. That way, it will be easier to reschedule.
Still considering where you’d like to study? Learn more about some of the UK’s top-ranked institutions.
UK Credibility Interview Format
The UK credibility interview is a 20 to 30-minute one-to-one interview between you and a member of staff at the UKVI office. The interview’s audio isn’t recorded, but the person asking the questions will keep a written record.
These interviews are standardized and the interviewer won’t ask for more details even if your answer is really short or general. It’s up to you to provide a thoughtful, clear answer to each question. During the interview, you may ask to have a question repeated or rephrased. It will be noted by the interviewer on your transcript, but you can explain why you’d like the question repeated.
If you’re planning to study an English-language training course, you may request an interpreter. However, if you’re enrolled in any other field of study, you’ll be expected to answer every UK credibility interview question without an interpreter.
This interview may take place:
- In person
- Over the phone
- On a video call
After the interview, the UKVI interviewer will make an initial assessment of whether your intent to study in the UK is genuine and if your level of English is high enough to succeed in classes. Then, their notes are passed to an Entry Clearance Officer, who will decide if you’ll receive a Student visa.
What Are Common Interview Topics?
Generally, the UK credibility interview will focus on your:
- Immigration history, both in the UK and other countries
- Education history, study plans, and post-study goals
- Personal and financial circumstances (for both the primary student and any dependants)
- Reasons for choosing to study in the UK
- Reasons for choosing this particular university
Did you know: London has been voted the world’s best student city for six years in a row?
How to Prepare
This guidance can help you ace the UK credibility interview:
Avoid Generic Answers
Make sure you speak specifically about the course you’ve applied to, and how what you’ll learn aligns with your academic or professional goals.
Know Your Responsibilities as a Student Visa Holder
You may need to speak about what you can and can’t do as an international student during the credibility interview. So it’s key to know things like how much you can work, or what you need to do if you want to change or extend your studies. Check the UK Council of International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website for current information.
Understand the Course Content
Your answers should demonstrate your knowledge of the course’s content, from key learnings to the names of course modules. Review the course information and ensure you’re able to share a few facts about it.
Avoid Discussing Dual Intent
Although the Graduate Route is a popular post-study option for international students, avoid talking about plans for living in the UK after you graduate. Focus on your goals as a student. If you focus on life after school, the interviewer may think your study intentions aren’t genuine.
Share Your “Why”
Demonstrate your motivation for enrolling in this course and how it will help set you up for future success. Think of this conversation as a job interview. One good strategy is to share a five-year career plan, which should include pursuing a career in your home country.
Explain How You’ll Support Yourself
Some countries have a ‘differential evidence requirement‘ for studying in the UK. This means students from these countries don’t have to show proof of finances. However, many international students will have to explain how they’ll pay for tuition and living expenses while in the UK.
If this requirement applies, you’ll need to know the amount you require to support yourself. (As of October 2024, that’s £1,334 per month if you’re studying in London, or £1,023 per month outside of London.) It’s also important to be able to share your specific rent cost, and the cost of other common living expenses.
Although you may plan to work part-time while studying, you should not be relying on that income to maintain your life in the UK. If a family member intends to support you, know how they earn a living and their yearly income.
To start building your student budget, read our Cost of Living in the UK article.
Roleplay Questions
Let’s take a closer look at some common UK credibility interview questions. We’ll share “strong” and “weak” responses for each, and explain the difference between them.
Some ApplyBoard partner institutions are included as examples in some of the questions below, but we acknowledge you might be headed somewhere else! Just switch in the name of the institution you’re enrolled at, and look up similar facts or accomplishments about your university to customize your answer.
Why do you want to study in the UK rather than somewhere else?
Weak answer: “I heard from my cousin, who studied there, that 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.”
Strong answer: “I want to become an engineer and work in autonomous vehicle manufacturing. Because the University of Southampton is well-ranked in the UK for teaching electrical engineering, I’ve applied to study there. After graduating, I plan to work in engineering, and have an edge on other candidates back in my home country because of my UK degree. I’m also looking forward to making new friends while playing intramural football, as I’ve played football since I was young. I’m excited to take in some of the UK’s famous sports culture by watching Premier League games with my teammates.”
The difference: The first answer is too generic, and sharing that a friend or family member has studied in the UK isn’t as effective as knowledge of a specific university’s strengths. Plus, that final sentence could be a red flag. It implies a desire to remain in the UK after graduating.
Meanwhile, the second answer focuses on how pursuing a course at this institution will help the student land a good job in their home country. The student has also thought about life on campus and aspects of UK culture which interest them.
What will you do after finishing your studies?
Weak answer: “I will try and see if there is a job in business I can get in the UK as I don’t want to return to my home country.”
Strong answer: “I’m studying business, and I want to work for a large multinational like [company name(s)]. A part of my course focuses on Business Analytics. I’m excited to learn more about analytics as I plan to work as a business analyst after graduation in [my home country]. The average salary for this position is [amount] per month, where a more general entry-level role has a monthly salary of about [amount].”
The difference: The first answer implies that the student wants to work in the UK after graduating. The second mentions a large company in their home country (which the interviewer might know of as well) where the student sees themselves working. Plus, they’ve thought about how their course will lead to a specific job, and its average starting salary.
What have you been doing during your study gap?
Weak 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.”
Strong answer: “I’ve been working in an entry-level banking role since graduating. But, I feel that I can advance further in the financial industry if I get an economics degree from a well-regarded university in the UK, and have talked with my current employer about upskilling. That is why I want to study here. When I graduate, I plan to return to the same company and start working in a more senior role.”
The difference: The first answer shows a lack of initiative. The interviewer may suspect the student may stay in the UK after graduating, or not even enrol in classes. The second answer mentions work experience, as well as how the student plans to progress along their career path.
What are the facilities at the university, and what is the university’s ranking?
Weak answer: “The university’s ranking is high. It’s much better than the university in my hometown. I’m looking forward to seeing the campus facilities when I arrive.”
Strong answer: “The University of Edinburgh is ranked in the world’s top 30 universities in Times Higher Education’s 2025 World University Rankings. According to The Guardian’s university guide, it’s in the UK’s top 15 universities. Also, Edinburgh’s business school is accredited by the AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA. Campus facilities are impressive, offering everything from climbing walls to over 65 sports clubs. The university is also home to 11 different libraries.”
The difference: The second response shares more specific information about the university’s rankings and facilities. You can often find this information on the university’s website.
Our UK Student Guide can help you get ready to become an international student.
After the Credibility Interview
If you successfully pass the UK credibility interview, you’ll be invited to pay your tuition fee 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 Student visa.
Help your UK student visa application rise to the top of the pile with these strategies.
With a little practice and preparation, you can pass the UK credibility interview and be one step closer to achieving your dream of studying in the UK.
Ready to go? Explore your study options in the United Kingdom on the ApplyBoard platform.
