Pre-CAS Interview Prep: Commonly Asked Questions and How to Answer Them

Candidates who are applying from a high-risk country to study in the UK will have to participate in a UK credibility interview. The interview will ensure that only genuine candidates who are eligible to complete their course will get a Tier 4 visa to study abroad in the UK. The candidates will be issued a Confirmation of Acceptance to Study letter, which is required to apply for a visa in the UK. Even if the candidates are not required to take the credibility interview, they can prepare for it to get help in their visa interview. In this blog, we will read about the Pre-CAS Interview Preparation by understanding the commonly asked questions and the right way to answer them.

What is a Pre-CAS Interview?

Pre-CAS interview is conducted by the university after the international students make an initial deposit and before giving students CAS (Confirmation for Acceptance of Studies) letters. As soon as the student sends a request to the university for a CAS letter, an interview date will be given, known as the UK Pre-CAS Interview. A CAS interview is also known as a credibility interview. After the interview, candidates will have to submit their documents through online mode on the CAS shield given by the university. Pre-CAS interviews are taken by most of the universities; however, certain top-ranked universities, such as Russell Group Universities, do not take interviews. 

Pre-CAS Interview Format

The duration of this interview is 20 to 30 minutes, one-to-one between the students and the representative from the university. The interview can take place in either:

• Face-to-face mode or 
• Over the phone or video platform, through Skype or Zoom

Students will be informed in advance about the method they will use. This interview will test the communication skills of the candidates. Keeping this in mind, the candidates must speak clearly and concisely.

Also Read: How to Prepare for a Visa Interview?

Commonly Asked Pre-CAS Interview Questions with Answers

Check below the list of some commonly asked credibility interview questions:

• Can you please introduce yourself?
• Why do you want to study in the UK instead of your home country or another country?
• Why do you want to study at this specific university?
• Where is the location of the university?
• What are the different course modules?
• How many credit hours are required to complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree?
• What are the tuition fees for the chosen course?
• By whom will your studies be funded?
• Can you give details about their living expenses?
• What is the annual income of your parents?
• How did you spend your time during the study gap?
• What will you do after completing your studies in the UK?
• Do you have any past visa refusals?
• What are the facilities and rankings of the university?

Watch the video below to learn more about UK Pre-Cas interview questions and answers

How to Answer Pre-CAS Interview Questions Effectively?

Answering Pre-CAS interview questions effectively is all about showing your genuine intent, clarity of purpose, and confidence. Here are some smart ways to answer the Pre-CAS Interview questions:

1. Be Honest and Authentic: Avoid robotic answers and speak naturally and truthfully about your goals, interests, and reasons for studying in the UK. 

2. Show a Clear Understanding of Your Course and University: You should know your course name, duration, key modules, university location, and facilities, which include every aspect of research. 

3. Explain Your Career Goals Clearly: Relate your chosen course to your future career plans. 4. Demonstrate Financial Preparedness: Be confident about your source of funds and provide realistic figures, and make sure they match your submitted financial documents.

5. Maintain Good Communication Skills: Speak clearly, and maintain eye contact if it’s a video interview. Take a moment to think before answering.

6. End on a Positive Note: When the interview concludes, thank the interviewer politely and express your gratitude. 

Tips to Know How To Crack the UK Pre-CAS Interview

In order to get admission into a UK university successfully, students should prepare well for the Pre-CAS interview. Candidates must be aware that this interview can make or break their chances of admission to the university of their choice. There are some tips to crack the Pre-CAS interview in the best way:

• Students should dress formally in a neat and clean manner
• They should give answers to the point without going off-topic
• They must provide accurate and honest answers resembling their documents
• Students should be able to speak fluently and confidently 
• They must carry their passports, and they must make sure that the passports remain valid for the duration of their course
• They must have a stable internet connection, and it should not fluctuate
• They must ensure to give the interview in a noise-free background

Check the Do’s and Don’ts of Student Visa Interview

What is the Duration of a Pre-CAS Interview?

The duration of the pre-CAS interview varies depending on the university and the course. However, the general duration is provided below:

Particulars	Duration
Pre-CAS Interview	30 minutes to an hour

Top Institutions like the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford only take 30 minutes. On the other hand, Institutions like the University of Edinburgh can take around 1 hour for the same.

Do’s and Don’ts for the Pre-CAS Interview:

While you prepare for the Pre-CAS interview, ensure that you are keeping these things in mind. These are the do’s and don’ts you need to know.

Do’s	Don’ts
Properly review your application. Know you Statement of Purpose, resume, and the documents you have submitted	Do not try to memorise answers. Answer in a natural manner
Research about the university’s mission and answer the questions accordingly	Don’t ignore any potential technical problem that can arise. For example, poor internet connection
Highlight your interests and achievements. For example, extracurricular achievements	Don’t be overconfident
Practice with the help of mock interviews, and prepare your answers with the help of common questions asked	Don’t hesitate to ask the interviewer. For example, to repeat a question if you do not understand it,
Maintain professionalism and answer the question in a formal manner	Do not neglect non-verbal issues. For example, slouching, lack of eye contact, etc. Be confident while answering.

FAQs

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We hope you understand everything about Pre-CAS interview preparation. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!