Credibility interviews were introduced by UK Visas &Immigration (UKVI) to ensure that only “genuine students” are given a student visa to study in the UK. You may be asked to attend a credibility interview as part of your visa application. If you are called into an interview, it does not necessarily mean that there is something wrong with your application, but it is crucial that you prepare thoroughly.

The interview is an opportunity for UKVI to check that you can speak English to the required standard. When assessing a student’s credibility. UKVI are required to take into account all of the information provided in your visa application as well as the answers provided in the credibility interview. 

If you have been invited to a credibility interview it is advised you to attend as failure to do so will likely result in your application being refused. We would also advise that you request a transcript at the end of the interview for your records. 

UKVI intends to interview most Student applicants before granting them immigration permission to come to the UK. Therefore, you might be sent an email asking you to attend an interview as part of the application process. You should check your email (including the 'junk' folder) regularly as your application is likely to be refused if you are asked to attend an interview and you do not do so without providing a reasonable explanation. 

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. 

During your interview, a UKVI member of staff will ask you about your course, where you want to study and your reasons for studying in the UK. The report of the interview will be sent to the entry clearance officer who makes the decision on your student application. The entry clearance officer must be satisfied that you are a ‘genuine student’, and that your English language ability is at the correct level, otherwise you might be called for a further interview and/or your entry clearance application may be refused. 

In some circumstances, you may be asked to attend a second interview. 

You will be asked more detailed questions about your present course, previous courses and the reasons for choosing these courses as well as questions about where you live and what your financial support arrangements are, how much your fees are and general questions about your life in the UK and your future plans. 

Make sure you read the information about your course and the University on our website so you can answer the questions confidently. Think about why you have chosen this course and why you want to study in the UK. Be clear about how the course will fit in with your previous studies and your future career plans. Also, be clear about how you are going to finance the course, who is providing the money, and show that you are aware of the cost of living in the UK. 

It is important to avoid generic, unresearched and non-credible answers to questions about your studies and your future plans. Your responses should be clear, informed and evidenced. 

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. 

(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). 

Ability to speak English: if you are unable to communicate in English, your application will be refused immediately.

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 University of Reading? 

• How did you find out about it? 

• Which other universities have you considered? 

• Where is the university? 

• Do you know anyone else who has already studied there? 

• Do you know how large the university is? 

• Why did you choose University of Reading over other universities? 

• What facilities do you expect there to be at University of Reading? 

• What attracted you to study this course? 

Why have you chosen your course to study? 

• Why did you choose this course and how does it relate to your previous study?  

• How do you explain the gaps in your study history? 

• What is the relevance of the course to your future career path?  

• What qualification will you receive? 

• How long does your course last? 

• How is your chosen course assessed? 

• Do you know what level your course is at?  

• Did you consider any other course? 

• Does this course offer any professional recognition? 

• Are you planning to stay in the UK on completion of your course to study for a higher award?  

• Are you thinking of transferring to another institution on completion of your course? 

Find out more

Your financial situation 

• How will you finance your studies (fees and living costs in the UK)? 

• If you are being funded by your parents. what do your parents do for a living? What are your parents’ annual income? How will they manage to pay for your studies in the UK and their own regular living expenses 

• How much money will you need per month for living expenses? 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. 

• Will you have access to this money for the whole of your studies in the UK? 

• If you are funding your studies in the UK yourself, how do you see this investment being worth the cost? 

• 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. 

Immigration history: did you comply with the conditions of any previous UK visas? Have you ever had any visa refusals - if so, why? If you have studied in the UK previously were your studies successful, and have you considered the Student visa time limit?