Most of the Universities/Colleges take credibility interviews to assess suitability and credibility of candidates for admission -

They may conduct the interview over the phone or skype or via a video link. You will have to satisfy the interviewer to get unconditional offer/CAS from the interviewer university/college.

Credibility Interviews are taken by universities for admission simulates (have similarities with) the Credibility Interviews taken by visa issuing authority at the time of visa application and/or before the decision of your visa application. We advise that you prepare yourself for these interviews at the admission application stage. Remember, securing place in the universities is as important as obtaining a study visa.

Find below probable questions to prepare for credibility interviews conducted by universities/colleges and visa issuing authority –

Questions about your chosen course

• What course you have applied for and why you want to study this course?
• What qualification you will gain on completion and what is the academic level of the qualification?
• Does this course have any professional recognition?
• What are the modules of the course, duration, start date and end date, number of semesters, total credits and assessment criteria?
• What are the learning outcomes of this course and how these will benefit you?
• How this will enhance your current academic level? What academic progressions you expect to gain from this study?

Questions about your chosen university

• How you have found about this University/College? Have you visited the website of the University/College?
• Where this University/College is located? Do you know anyone who has already studied there?
• Which other universities/colleges you have considered? Why you have chosen this University/College?
• Do you know roughly how large the college/university is? What facilities are you expecting at the University/College?
• What are the unique features of this university?
• How did you apply for admission at this university?

Questions about your academic history and accomplishments

• What is your current qualification?
• How your current and past studies will complement your chosen course?
• Do you have any study gap? Can you explain why you have this gap, what did you do in that period and why you have now decided to return to study?
• Do you have any work experience or other accomplishments that justifies your study choice?
• Have you considered any other course and how did you reach your final decision in choosing this course?

Questions about your future plans

• Do you intend to undertake any other course on completion of this study? Do you intend stay in the country after you complete your study?
• What is your career plan and what is the relevance of this course to your future career path?
• What type of jobs you expect to get after your qualify and which industries in your home country? How much salary you are likely to get at the start?
• Have you talked to any potential employer, with who did you talk, when and how? Are they willing to offer you a position, which position, what are the eligibility requirements for the position?
• Where do you see yourself in next 5 to 10 years following the qualification?

Questions about your finances

• Do you know the course fees and maintenance costs for the duration of the course? Do you know how much is the health surcharge? Would you be able to pay your tuition fees in full up front?
• Who is financing your studies? What is the profession of your sponsor and what relationship they have to you? How much your sponsor earn per year and how much is the expense?
• What are the sources are of the funds that your sponsor willing to spend on your higher study?
• Do you have evidence of the financial status of your sponsor, e.g. bank statements, bonds, investments etc? Are you able to verify the genuineness of these documents? Can you prove the money is available for study?
• How did you pay the fees and how can you prove this? Have you checked the fees refund policy of the University/College?
• What arrangements you have made to transfer future outstanding fees and maintenance costs?

Questions about your chosen study destination

• Why you have chosen to study in this country? Which factors you have considered for this study destination?
• What are the benefits of studying in the country compared to your home country or Australia/Canada/New Zealand/USA/UK etc?
• In which city your campus is located? Have you research on the city? Do you have a relative or friend living there?
• Are you staying at university halls during your study? If not, where will you stay and what is address?
• How are you going to travel from your living place to the university? How long does it take?

You must answer honestly and truthfully to the best of your knowledge to the questions. Be precise and specific – if you do not understand a question, do not be afraid to ask to repeat it rather giving incorrect or meaningless answer.

6 steps to success (6s2s)

Step 1
Research the course: gather thorough knowledge about the course you are applying for including structure, modules, number of semesters, total duration, study hours, teaching and assessment methods, professional recognition, learning outcomes and progression route.

Step 2
Research the university: collect clear knowledge on the university you have chosen including study location, international student population, student services and facilities provided, resources available, accommodation facilities, distinctive features etc.

Step 3
Research other universities: to justify your choice, you should research other universities for the course you have chosen and find how those universities compare with the one you have selected. You should also establish reasons for not choosing the other ones.

Step 4
Fix your future academic and career plans: you should have a clear academic goal on completion of the chosen course or concise plans for your career aims i.e. you should be able to mention what position and what sort of industry you have in your mind at your home country for your career.

Step 5
Know your finance matters: You must have clear picture about your study and living costs abroad as a student. Make sure you know costs for your tuition fees and maintenance per month. You must be able to justify your/your family’s ability to meet these costs.

Step 6
Research major destination countries: amass detailed information on your destination country and how you will be better off studying there in comparison to your home country and other major countries abroad - how studying in your chosen country will be more beneficial for you.

Many students fail to provide appropriate and sufficient answers for the questions asked in the credibility interviews and hence fail to secure admission or study visa. For common reasons for student visa refusal, please check HERE. Total Student Care (TSC) provides full guidance to prepare you for these interviews. We also provide training and practice sessions to ensure you do well in the interviews.