As part of your visa application process you will be invited for a credibility interview at the Visa
Application Centre.
Credibility Interviews have been introduced by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to ensure that you
are a genuine student. It is important that you attend otherwise your visa application will not be
successful.
The interview will be conducted via video link and should last about 15 minutes. Interviewers will be
asking you questions in English so you must be able to answer without the need of a translator. This is
to test your ability to communicate in English. If you cannot hear the interviewer or there is a technical
problem with the link you must make the interviewer aware of the issue. Ask them to repeat the
questions if necessary.
The interviewer won’t know anything about your visa application. He/she will ask you a set of standard
questions and the answers provided will be sent to the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) who will be
assessing your visa application. If the ECO requires further information before making a decision you
will be invited for a second interview.
In preparing for the interview it is important that you are able to answer questions about SOAS, your
chosen programme of study, the modules offered as well as questions relating to your financial
circumstances and your future career /academic plans.
We have assessed your academic suitability and English language proficiency through a rigorous
process. We issued a CAS and agreed to sponsor your visa application because we are confident that
you are a genuine student. Interviews can be stressful so take your time in answering questions, try not
to be too anxious, remain calm and give clear and honest replies.
Typical questions may include questions about your previous, current studies and post studies
and the course you intend to study in the UK
Q: Why did you choose this university (ie SOAS) to study in the UK? ( think about subjects offered,
location, reputation, alumni etc..)
Q; Have you considered other colleges/Universities?
Q: What course are you going to study?
Q: Why did you choose this course?
Q: What is the structure of the course? (e.g. Taught modules, core modules, optional modules. The
information will be on the programme webpage)
Q: What modules are you planning to take?
Q: What qualification does the course lead to?
Q: How is your course assessed? (usually through essays, coursework , exams papers , presentation
at seminars and a 10,000 word dissertation- you will find that information on the SOAS
website/programme webpage or you can contact the relevant faculty directly)
Q: How relevant is this course to your future career plans?
Q: What will you do after completing your course?
Q: You have previously studied in the UK - why have you chosen to return?
Q: You have had a (long) break in your studies, why are you returning to study now?
Q: What are the benefits of studying in the UK compared to your home country or any other countries?
(e.g USA/Canada/Australia)
You must be prepared to answer questions about your finances; You may be asked if you have
any personal saving, about your parents financial situation, sponsorship etc..
Q: The costs of pursuing your course of study are higher in the UK than in your home country, why
have you decided to incur the extra costs by studying in the UK?
Q: Who will be financing the costs of your studies?( e.g. yourself through personal savings, or your
parents or legal guardian only – note that using savings from other member of your family such as
siblings, grandparents, uncles etc. are not acceptable..)
Q: How will you support yourself financially whilst studying in the UK?
Q: Do you have any personal savings?
Q: Have you submitted evidence of the financial status of your official sponsor?
Q: Are you able to pay your tuition fees in full up front?
Q: Have you checked the University refund policy?
Q: Do you intend to work whilst studying in the UK? (under tier 4 you are only allowed to work up to 20h
per week)
Q: Have you found accommodation? Do you know the costs of accommodation in London?
You may also be asked questions about your previous immigration history ; e,g previous UK
visas, refusals etc..
