University of the West of Scotland

Credibility Interviews

Credibility interviews are now part of the Tier 4 visa application process, they have been introduced
by UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) to try and make sure that only genuine students are studying in
the UK. 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.

Interviews take place when you attend a visa application centre to give your biometric information.
A Home Office member of staff will ask you about your course, where you want to study and your
reasons for studying in the UK. Interviews are conducted in English and possibly via video link. The
report of the interview will be sent to the Entry Clearance Officer who makes the decision on your
Tier 4 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.

We highly recommend that you prepare for the interview in advance so that you can answer the
questions about your plan to study in the UK honestly. To help you we have provided some sample
questions below:

Q: Why did you choose the University of the West of Scotland?

Answer preparation: Think about why you chose the UK rather than your home country, other
English-speaking country or country which other students of your nationality choose to study in. You
may find it useful to refer to our website: http://www.uws.ac.uk/study-at-uws/

Q: Why did you choose your course?

Answer preparation: There may be many courses in the same subject area as the one you plan to
study at UWS. What is it specifically about the UWS course which you prefer and which suits you
over other course choices? Think about your decision process. Did you apply for other courses - why
did you choose UWS over them?

Q: What modules are covered in your course?

Answer preparation: Please refer to our website: http://www.uws.ac.uk/study-at-uws/ and course

Q: How do your studies fit into your career plans?

Answer preparation: Think about what your plans are after you graduate - how will the knowledge
and skills you gain from your course at UWS help you with the type of work you hope to do. Does
your course lead to any professional exemptions or qualifications and are these recognised in your
country? Do you know what others graduating from the course you will be following went on to do
e.g. the types of roles and organisations they work for? If the course you plan to study is at a similar
academic level to previous studies, how does it represent progression and does it have a vocational
focus? If this is the case, be prepared to explain this.
Q: If the course you have chosen is available in your home country why have you chosen the UK and
if 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 involved with studying in the UK?

Answer preparation: Think about the advantages that a degree from the UK might give you and
why you and/or your family are prepared to make this investment. Have you made a realistic
assessment of all the costs involved and how you plan to pay for them. These cost include the course
fees and living costs, including accommodation.

Q: You have previously studied in the UK - why have you chosen to return?

Answer preparation: Think about how the new course relates to previous studies and how it might
build on your previous learning. You can also talk about the benefits of your previous course.

Q: You have had a long break in your studies, why are you returning to study now?

Answer preparation: Think about how you explain your decision in the context of your long-term
career plans.

Q: Do you plan to work in the UK?

Answer preparation: You cannot rely on funds from working to pay your course fees and living costs
so you need to be aware of this. The main purpose for being in the UK is your studies so, if you do
hope to work, think about how this would enhance your academic studies. You also need to
demonstrate an understanding of the hours you are allowed to work and typical rates of pay.

Q: How will you fund your studies? (You should not be asked this unless you are called back for a
second interview)

Answer preparation: The purpose of this question is to check that your funds are genuinely available
to you for your studies. As part of your application you will have submitted proof of your finances -
ensure that you are very clear about the source and availability of these funds, also 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. If you
have a loan, how will you afford to pay this back? How much will your accommodation cost and are
you clear about the cost of living in the UK?

The interviewer will also be checking your ability to converse well in English, if there is any issue
with hearing them clearly e.g. via the video link, you should ensure that you raise this so that they
are aware that it is a technical issue not one of comprehension.