UK Student Visa Interview Questions And Answers 2023

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Sristy Sharma
Updated on May 26, 2023 10:06 PM IST

Heading for your UK Student Visa interview? Don’t go without having a look at the top UK Student Visa interview questions and answers along with some expert tips for a successful UK visa interview.

UK Student Visa Interview Questions And Answers 2023

UK Visa Interview Questions and Answers: No matter how well-prepared you are for your UK visa interview questions and answers, you could be still thrown off guard if you do not know what curveball questions the interviewer might ask you.

To study in the UK, students must get a Tier 4 student visa, which is determined by the length of their programme. For their full-time higher education, students are permitted to go to and remain in the UK under this tier-4 visa category. The UK Visas and Immigration Centre handles all immigration processes as well as visa needs.

You can apply for a UK student visa once you have received a letter from an accredited UK university confirming your enrollment there. Additionally, the immigration officials will conduct an interview with you to assess your prospects of receiving a UK student visa. In this article, we will go into great length about the UK visa interview questions and answers for students, go through the steps involved in getting a student visa, and take a look at some of the most common UK embassy interview questions and answers.

Overview of UK Student Visa

International students who have been accepted into UK universities or educational institutions need to apply for a UK Student Visa, formerly called a Tier 4 Student Visa, to attend their university. Students who are 16 or 17 years of age need to apply for Child Student Visa and also show a consent form, signed by their parents or guardians, to study, live, and pay for their needs in the UK.

Here are summarised some of the major aspects of the UK Student Visa process for Indian students:

Parameters

Description

Immigration Authority

UK Visas and Immigration

Application Fee

GBP 363

Minimum Age Limit

16 years

Documents Required to Apply

Passport

CAS Certificate

Bank Statements

ATAS Certificate (as per course and nationality)

Medical Certificate, etc.

Course Requirements

Full-time course or part-time course

Foundation course for PhD. Doctors or Dentists

English Language Course at Level B2 or above in CEFR Levels

English Language Proficiency

IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scores;

Equivalent to CEFR Level B1 (below degree level courses)

Equivalent to CEFR Level B2 or above (degree level or above courses)

Stay Back Period

2-5 years (from the issue of a Student Visa)

Financial Requirements

1st year Academic Fees (as mentioned in CAS)

Living expenses for 9 months:

GBP 1,334 per month (courses in London)

GBP 1,023 per month (other regions)

Visa Processing Time

3-5 weeks

Is Interview Compulsory for UK Student Visa?

The UK Home Office conducts credibility interviews for most student visa applicants. Not everyone will be invited for an interview. Students will be called randomly for it whereas others will be called for an interview based on their situation such as for their immigration and education history. 

The student visa interview is taken to check the genuineness of your personality and application. The interview is also an opportunity for visa officers to check your English proficiency to the required standard. While assessing your credibility, they will take into account all the information 

that you have provided in your visa application and the answers you will provide in the interview.

The UK Home Office will contact you via telephone or email to arrange your interview date, location and time. You should keep a check on your inbox to not miss any opportunity for communication. You can choose a convenient date and time and reply. If you are invited for an interview and you fail to attend it without any due cause, your student visa application will be rejected. 

Know What to Avoid at a UK Student Visa Interview!!

What Happens at UK Student Visa Interview?

The UK student visa interview is an opportunity to show your eligibility and credibility to study in the UK. It is, therefore, necessary to prepare seriously and give the interview in your best capacity. Knowing beforehand what to anticipate in the interview is an important part. The interview is generally conducted in two parts: an initial interview and a second interview (in some cases). 

The initial interview is conducted for five to ten minutes via video chat with a UK official from the Home Office based in the UK. The steps to expect in the interview process for a UK student visa are: 

  • The interviewers will introduce themselves and confirm your personal details, country, nationality, date of birth, course name and course start date. 

  • You will be enquired if you are hale and hearty to attend the interview and whether the interviewer is audible enough. 

  • The interviewer will take notes of whatever you have spoken throughout. Then they will make an initial assessment of your suitability. 

  • The notes from the interview will be passed on to an entry clearance officer who will decide whether a second interview is needed or a visa can be granted at the first go.

  • You will be asked about your course and reasons to study in the UK. You will be expected to know about your course modules, the facilities offered at the university and how they will help you in the future. They will enquire about your finances and whether you will be able to sustain yourself in the UK. 

  • You will be called for a second interview only if there are doubts in the mind of the officers.

How to Answer UK Student Visa Interview Questions?

UK student visa interview questions do not remain the same for all students. They are highly subjective and depend on the overall profile of the students. However, the interviews start with generic questions which leads to more specific and personal questions. The questions are generally framed based on the visa application submitted to the UKVI official during the interview.

The number of questions and the duration of the interview is not fixed. It may vary for students depending on the number of follow-up questions they have answered. The officials determine the questions that they will ask and what they need to clarify during the interview.

Although there is no prefixed set of questions that UKVI officers ask, there are some common questions which are generally asked during UK visa interviews. Among the questions given below, students must answer a few of them. Hence you can check out the questions and prepare a personalised answer for each of them though we have provided a format for the same. 

However, before answering the visa interview questions, you must be aware of how to answer such questions. Even though the questions are static, the answers are highly customised and depend on the circumstances of the individuals. Hence it is better to be guided by spontaneity rather than rote learning them. Prepare for different questions, keeping in mind the following rules for answering the same:

  • Answers must be given to the point. It is not necessary to overexplain unless asked for. 

  • The answer should be reliable and true. It should not clash with whatever is mentioned in the visa application.

  • The sample answers must be considered as references and not exact points of information.

  • Prioritise and explain the important points.

  • It is also necessary to avoid the common mistakes that can lead to the rejection of a UK student visa

As you might have guessed, nearly all UK interview questions for student visas are asked based on your chosen academic course and preferred university. Access the following video to make yourself acquainted with some quick tips to ace your UK study visa interview:

Frequently Asked UK Visa Interview Questions and Answers

Here are some common UK student visa interview questions and points which must be included in their answers.

Q1. Why do you want to visit the UK?

  • To study

  • Mention course and university

  • Give CAS reference

Q2. Why did you choose the UK for higher studies?

  • Good points of UK education system

  • Course study procedure followed by UK universities

Q3. Have you been to the UK before?

  • No or Yes, as per the truth.

  • If yes, then when, why and in what capacity?

Q4. Would you like to work in the UK?

  • Yes, for part-time jobs during the programme of study.

  • Mention ties which indicate that you will have to return after graduation.

  • Do not directly say No, but mention ties in India, in a short and crisp manner.

Q5. What are you doing currently?

  • As is the fact.

  • Details of the organisation working or studying at.

Q6. Who is funding your living and study in the UK? (2nd interview)

  • Explain the financial sources.

  • In the case of education loans, mention the amount and duration.

  • In case of sponsorship, mention the sponsor and give a reference to their consent form.

  • Also mention scholarships or awards if any.

Q7. Where will you stay in the UK?

  • Mention the exact address.

  • Reveal terms of stay, such as on rent or with a relative, etc.

Q8. Will you be travelling alone to the UK?

  • No or Yes, as per facts.

  • If No, then name and relation of all travelling with you.

Q9. Why did you choose this university/course?

  • Express the motivation behind the course.

  • Mention the discovery process of the university.

  • The primary reason behind the choice.

Q10. What do your parents do?

  • Name and occupation of each of your parent(s).

Q11. What are your goals for the future?

  • What do you want to do in future?

  • How do the course and university help?

  • Avoid stating anything that creates doubt on intent to return.

Q12. Why is there a break in your studies? OR What made you pursue higher studies again?

  • State the reason as it is for the break.

  • State the reason as it is for re-pursuing the studies.

Q13. Why do you want to study in the UK and not your home country?

  • Talk about how the course curriculum is different 

  • Mention what extra you will learn

  • Talk about the other advantages of the course provided in the UK.

  • Give details about the assessment procedure

Q14. Where do you plan to live in the UK?

  • Give your preference for in-house or off-campus accommodation and the address

  • Talk about your budget for accommodation and other living expenses

Q15. Was your UK student visa application refused before?

  • Answer in Yes or No

  • If yes, mention the reason for the refusal

  • Mention how you corrected the error or overcome the problem in this round 

Q16. Have you considered doing any other courses or attending another institution in the UK or abroad?

  • Studying abroad is a significant step; you should be ready to demonstrate that you made a serious and educated decision. 

  • List other universities you considered and explain why you picked this University above others. 

  • If you have looked at courses in your home country, you should include them and explain why a similar degree in the UK will be more beneficial to you.

Q17. What was the most recent course you successfully finished, and when did you finish it?

  • Discuss the most recent course you completed, what you accomplished in that course, and how your overall experience with the university was. 

  • Mention what you have learned intellectually during this course. Mention the subjects that you enjoyed learning about. 

  • Discuss project work and extracurricular activities as well.

Q18. Where is University located and where will you reside in the UK?

  • You should be able to pinpoint City's location in the United Kingdom. 

  • You should specify the type of accommodation you will be staying in, such as the Halls of Residence you will be residing in. 

  • You must know where your lodging is about the university and the weekly rent.

Q19. Have you ever had a visa application denied, and if so, why?

  • Having previously had a visa denied may count against you, but it does not guarantee that your current visa application will be denied. 

  • You must inform the interviewer of any refusals you have received and explain why. 

  • You must show that you understand the cause for the denial and explain why this will not occur with this visa application.

Q20. Do you know how many hours you can work in the UK if you plan to work there?

  • You should be aware of the working restrictions (20 hours per week during term time for degree level or more, 10 hours per week for below degree level).

  • Make it obvious that employment is not a priority for you. 

  • If you do not want to work part-time, you should state this clearly.

Q21. What are your long-term professional goals?

  • You should have a clear strategy for after you finish your degree, whether it be a profession or future education. 

  • The plans should be related to the course, and practical, and the recommended course should be a required step to reach your goal, that is, you will not be able to acquire the job you desire until you first study this course.

Q22. What amenities does your chosen university have?

  • You should discuss any general amenities which are of importance to you, such as library accommodations, as well as facilities relevant to the course for which you are applying.

Q23. Give specifics on two or three modules from the course/programme/degree you have chosen.

  • You should be able to name at least two modules or subjects and provide information about them in accordance with the website. 

  • You should have topic expertise, which means you should be able to discuss what each module entails in greater depth than the module title.

Q24. Have you ever been deported from the United Kingdom or remained in the country after your visa expired?

  • You should have specific and reasonable reasons for studying in the United Kingdom.

  • You should explain why going to the UK to undertake this degree is preferable to studying in other English-speaking countries or your own country.

Q25. How will you get to university every day, and how much will it cost?

  • You should specify how far the accommodation is from the university and how much it will cost to travel there each day. 

  • If it is within walking distance, the cost will be nothing; if it is further away, you should be able to provide some reasonable estimations of public transportation expenses.

UKVI may express in their mail that the visa interview shall be conducted via a Skype call. In order to attend the Skype interview, you must know the following:

  • The link to the Skype chatroom shall be mentioned in the email.

  • Install the Skype application in their systems.

  • Configure video and audio inputs (camera and microphone) and outputs (video configuration and speakers) with their systems.

  • You must have a reliable internet connection.

  • A UKVI official will conduct the interview.

  • Log in and be ready at the set time for the UK visa interview.

  • Show the documents to be carried in a Visa Interview, as the official instructs.

  • The rest of the procedure for the UK student visa interview shall remain the same.

Top Tips for UK Visa Interview Questions and Answers

Here are 10 tips which will prove extremely useful for a successful UK student visa interview:

Prepare Self-Conduct and Answers

While preparing for a UK student visa interview, you would have to work on self-conduct and your communication skills.

For perfecting your self-conduct, you must ensure proper language usage including pronunciation, grammar, and clarity. Focus on your posture and work on facial expressions to not look too negative or stressed. In order to do so, practice answering with experts and in front of a mirror when alone.

To show your confidence, you need to try and answer precisely and clearly. You can use record and play techniques to hear how you sound and/or you can work on ensuring that your answers seem proper and not robotic or learnt.

Be Punctual and Responsible

On the day of your UK student visa interview, you cannot be late. The interview will expect you to be on time and arrive at the venue at least 10-15 minutes before the scheduled time. In the case of a Skype UK student visa interview, you need to set up your system and stay ready 10 minutes before the scheduled time.

In addition, to manage your time well on the day of your interview, you can organise and carry all the required documents properly.

Dress Professionally

You need not dress up in overly formal clothes, however, you must avoid looking too casual. For instance, denim jeans are not quite the done thing for any interview, for that matter. An ideal outfit for your UK student visa interview shall be trousers and a shirt (solid) or T-shirt (non-graphic). You must also avoid wearing sports shoes, open-toe sandals or slippers but you can certainly opt for formal sneakers, loafers, and dress shoes. These requirements are applicable to all students, irrespective of their gender.

Additionally, you should look neat and groomed and avoid heavy or sparkly jewellery. Similarly, non-religious head coverings must also be avoided.

Be Warm, Honest, and Reliable

Although do not necessarily have to keep smiling throughout your interview, you need to appear warm and friendly. In case you have the habit of using dramatic and using too many expressions, you must avoid them for the day.

UKVI officials expect students to be honest in all their answers. You need to understand that there is no correct answer, however, officials can easily know whether you are being honest or simply pretending.

Listen and Speak Precisely

Remember, your interviewer does not want to speak to a robot. You need to learn how to conversate well with a UKVI interviewer, however, excessive and irrelevant chattering must be avoided. You must also ensure to speak clearly and precisely, especially when answering questions. Also, avoid oversharing or explaining your answers unless otherwise asked.

Know Your Goals and Motive

As stated, there is no set correct answer, and UKVI officials do not even expect so from applicants. However, they expect students to be aware of their own individual goals and motives. This is why you should prepare yourself and be confident enough about your choices, the reasons behind them, motivations, goals, and the relevant whys. The officials do not want to see you tongue-tied even if you do not have a clear-cut answer to the question.

Intent to Return to Home Country

You must avoid overtly stating negatives or No to the idea of staying in the UK after completing your graduation. Rather, you must state strong ties and situations as reasons for choosing to return to India post-graduation.

Be Diplomatic Only When Required

While being honest, you may also have to be a bit diplomatic. However, you must know when to be diplomatic. There might be instances where the interviewer could try to check your patience to clarify your doubts. In this case, you must not try to argue with the interviewer or appear anxious. Moreover, you must avoid speaking negatively throughout the interview. This will help you in staying on the right track.

Do Not Resort to Flattery

Do not resort to flattery or overpraising the UK, its universities, courses, etc. Flattery may not only lead to you appearing unreliable but the interviewer may also deduce your statements as an indication that you will not return to India on the expiry of your Student Visa.

Be Confident

Lastly, you should most importantly appear confident. This does not mean you cannot be nervous, however, rather than holding onto it, you can simply mention it when the officer asks you how you are doing. This will not only show self-awareness but also a confident and brave attitude. In fact, honesty will also help you establish reliability and trust with the official.

UK Student Visa Second Interview

The UK student visa interview is usually conducted in a single round. However, if the officer is not satisfied with the presented papers or the answers offered in the first interview, the students may be invited in for a second interview. If the candidate does not present for the interview, their visa application may be denied owing to a failure to submit any previous information about not coming for the interview. The following are some of the often-asked questions during the second UK visa interview:

  • What research have you conducted about your course and its content?
  • How can the course help you achieve your future job objectives?
  • Where do you intend to reside when you come to the UK to study?
  • How will you pay for your studies?

The UK student visa credibility interview is a personal interview conducted to verify that only "genuine prospective students" are granted a student visa to study in the UK. As part of their visa application, the candidate may be required to undergo a credibility interview. The credibility interview, together with all of the supplied documentation, including proof of adequate finances for the requisite time, is an important part of the visa application procedure and may therefore mean the difference between a visa being granted or denied.

Your UK visa interview will be entirely dependent on your application. In rare situations, students can obtain a visa without having to go through an interview. However, if the authorities believe they want further information to make a final judgement, the applicant may be summoned for an interview.

Clarify your doubts and queries about UK student visa interview questions and answers with study abroad experts.

Find Out How to Ace Your UK Student Visa Interview!

FAQs

How can I prepare for my UK Student Visa interview?

You can prepare for your UK Student Visa interview by taking mock interviews available on the official website of UKVI. However, the scope of professional guidance is limited. Alternatively, you can approach study abroad experts who can help you in preparing for a UK Student Visa interview. They are more experienced in how to handle the visa interview and explain the other important aspects like body language as well.

Are UK Student Visa interview questions pre-set?

No, UK Student Visa interview questions are not pre-set. Though UKVI officials may have some clarifications they need from the student, they can change and even ask impromptu questions during the interview. The whole UK Student Visa interview is based on the answers and impressions established by the student.

Are UK Student Visa interview questions the same for all?

No, UK Student Visa interview questions are not the same for all. Though there are common interview questions asked by UKVI officials during UK Student Visa interviews, the manner in which they are asked, and even the questions depend on the visa application of the student being interviewed. Even the number of questions differs for different students.

How long can I stay in UK with my UK Student Visa?

You can stay in UK with your UK Student Visa for up to two to five years. The expiry of the student visa is often based on the length of the course you have been accepted to study in the UK. However, if the course is longer, then you will have to apply for an extension on your student visa. This is easy, as you will have a residual course program to show.

How long does the UK Student Visa interview last?

Generally, the UK Student Visa interview lasts for about thirty minutes. Usually, students who have been invited to appear in visa interviews get free within half an hour. However, based on circumstances, the interview may last longer. The total duration of a student’s visa interview depends on their individual circumstances and application. The clarity in answering visa interview questions is also a huge determinant of the time taken.

When is the right time to apply for a UK Student Visa?

The right time to apply for a UK Student visa depends on the place from where the application is being made. If the student is applying for a UK Student Visa from outside the UK, they must apply at least six months before their course start date. It takes about three weeks to get a decision on a visa application.

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