PRE-CAS INTERVIEW QUESTION AND ANSWERS; STUDY IN THE UK
UK Pre-Cas interview is an interview conducted to determine the authenticity of a student’s intention to study in a UK university and it is a necessary requirement for obtaining CAS (Confirmation for Acceptance of Studies).
While not all UK universities require a Pre-Cas interview, those that do, consider it a vital part of the application process. Through this credibility interview, universities gain insight into a student’s true intentions and motivations for studying in the UK. Therefore, it is important that you take this interview seriously and prepare accordingly in order to be issued CAS which is one of the documents needed to begin your student visa process.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR CREDIBILITY INTERVIEW; QUESTION AND ANSWERS
Prior to your Pre-Cas interview, it is important that you familiarize yourself with your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and resume. The majorities of the responses you will provide during the interview are already documented in the SOP and resume you submitted to the institution during your application process.
Furthermore, conducting thorough research on your preferred institution and the course modules of your program of study is highly recommended. This will enable you to provide accurate and informed answers during the Credibility Interview.
To prepare for your Pre-Cas interview, the following are the questions that you should anticipate, alongside :
1. INTRODUCE YOURSELF
When answering any question during your Pre-Cas Interview, it is essential to be precise and confident. Straightforwardness is key.
Begin by introducing yourself, stating your name, place of origin, the course you intend to pursue at the university, and your student ID number. Additionally, it is crucial to mention the course you are looking to study, along with the start and end dates.
2. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE UNITED KINGDOM
When asked this question, it is important to state the reasons behind your choice to pursue your studies outside of your home country, specifically in the United Kingdom.
You may wish to highlight the similarities between the UK and your country of origin, as well as the similarities in the educational system. Additionally, you can emphasize the globally recognized standard of education in the UK and the impressive rankings of the universities, particularly the one you have chosen to attend.
By doing so while answering this question during your Pre-Cas Interview, you will demonstrate your thoughtful consideration of the benefits of studying in the UK and your commitment to achieving academic excellence.
3. DID YOU CONSIDER OTHER STUDY DESTINATIONS
Properly responding to this question during your credibility Interview shows the interview your decision-making skills.
You may wish to highlight the proximity of the UK to your home country, the similarity in time zones, and the duration of your chosen course in comparison to other countries you may have explored.
By providing a well-rounded answer, you can demonstrate your ability to make informed decisions and showcase your thought process to the interviewer.
4. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE UNIVERSITY
To answer this question, you would need to speak based on the research you made about the city, its economic status, also elaborate on the perks as well as the desirable destinations one would be eager to explore.
Furthermore, the University’s ranking, the research amenities and available post-graduate employability rate of students may be highlighted.
5. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR COURSE OF STUDY
When answering this question during your Pre-Cas Interview, it is important to draw from the course modules provided on the school’s website. Specifically, you should highlight the modules that caught your interest and explain how they align with your previous academic or professional background.
If you are transitioning to a new career path that differs from your previous experience, you can elaborate on what sparked your interest in the course and how this shift will enhance your future prospects.
Crafting a thoughtful response to this question requires careful consideration and attention to detail. By showcasing your enthusiasm for the course and demonstrating how it aligns with your goals, you can express your commitment to academic excellence and professional growth.
6. WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PROSPECTS
Remember, the reason the school conducts a Pre-Cas Interview is to gain insight into your intentions and motivations for studying in the UK and specifically that particular school and course.
Therefore, at this point, it is important to state your post-graduation plans. You may consider elaborating on your intention to return to your current organization, highlighting the anticipated promotion and salary increment upon obtaining your degree and returning to your home country.
Additionally, you may delve into other aspirations that this degree will enable you to accomplish. It is crucial to articulate your plans with clarity and precision to showcase your preparedness and commitment to your future endeavors.
7. TELL US ABOUT YOUR STUDY GAP
The best way to answer this question is to discuss all the activities you have engaged in since you got your last degree or diploma, up until now that you’re considering pursuing further education.
This includes the various places you worked and the roles you held. Essentially, the interviewer is curious about how you spent your time when you weren’t in school. So, be sure to provide a comprehensive overview of your experiences during that period.
8. WHERE IS YOUR UNIVERSITY LOCATED:
To answer this question, you need to know the address of the University and that of your accommodation.
You also would have to discuss where you plan to stay (are you looking to get an apartment outside of the university or you are looking to stay on campus). If you plan to get an accommodation outside the university then you must state the distance between the school and the apartment.
Please note that, it is important to book an accommodation beforehand, however, do not pay for that accommodation till someone you trust has had a chance to look at the apartment.
9. WHAT IS YOUR EXPECTED LIVING EXPENSE?
Your cost of living, also known as your expected living expenses, varies greatly depending on where your school is located.
If you’re studying in London, you are expected to spend 12,006 pounds per year. However, if your school is outside of London, your cost of living will be lower at 9,207 pounds per year. Therefore, when you are being asked this question, give your answer based on the location of your school and accommodation.
10. WILL YOU BE TRAVELLING WITH DEPENDANTS?
You need to state if you will be travelling with dependents or not.
If you will be travelling with dependents then your answer will be yes, and you need to state the number of dependents you will be travelling with e.g., your spouse or your children.
If you won’t be travelling with any dependents, you answer should be a simple No.
11. HAVE YOU HAD ANY VISA REFUSALS
Yes, this is a Pre-Cas Interview and not a Visa Interview, however, questions such as this will help the university know your true intentions.
If you have had any visa refusals, please state it and let the interviewer know the reason for the refusal, the country it happened in, and the refusal number (which you can find in the letter you received). But if you haven’t had any visa refusals, just say “no.”
12. WHO IS SPONSORING YOUR STUDIES
If you are self-funded, then do feel free to say it during your Pre-Cas Interview, however, if you have a sponsor, you would need to mention the sponsor and your relationship with him/her.
Further Questions?
If you have any more questions regarding travelling to the UK with dependents for your studies, that haven’t already been addressed, feel free to ask them in the comments below or get InTouch with us to speak with one of our counsellors.
