UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) may conduct an interview as part of your student visa application process. The purpose of the interview is to assess if you are a genuine and credible student. Will I be interviewed? Although not all applicants are interviewed, you should regularly check your email inbox (including your junk/spam folder) for any interview invitations. Failing to attend a scheduled interview without a reasonable explanation will likely result in your application being refused. If there is an important reason why you cannot attend, reply to the UKVI invite to inform them a soon as you can. Contact the Student Immigration Service Interviews typically take place via video link or telephone. You may be interviewed during your biometric appointment at the visa application centre. The interview will be conducted entirely in English, and your English language proficiency will form part of the assessment. What will happen at the interview? A UKVI staff member will introduce themselves and conduct the interview. If you have difficulty hearing them, inform them immediately. You will be asked a series of questions about your academic background, chosen programme, and reasons for studying in the UK. The interviewer may not prompt you to elaborate on brief or general answers, so it is essential that you provide comprehensive responses. Questions may also cover your financial situation as well as your circumstances in your home country. How can I prepare for the interview? Your proposed programme of studies: the interviewer will expect you to have thoroughly researched your programme, so be prepared to discuss your chosen programme in detail and demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment to your studies. Familiarise yourself with similar programmes available in your home country or elsewhere and be ready to articulate why the University of Edinburgh's programme specifically suits your academic and career goals better than alternatives. Previous studies: the interviewer may ask you about your previous studies and how they relate to your chosen programme. If your new programme represents a change in direction, you should clearly explain your reasoning. Similarly, if you have taken a break from education, be ready to explain your return to full-time study. Career aspirations: Develop a clear explanation of how this programme will help you achieve your professional aspirations. The interviewer will be looking for evidence that your study plans align with the proposed career development. Immigration history: the immigration officer may check your immigration history for the UK and other countries. They will look at the amount of time you have spent in the UK or other countries on previous visas, and for what purpose. If you have received a visa application refusal, or if you have breached the conditions of your visa (for example, by overstaying), you will need to explain why. Finances: your will need to be clear on how you are going to finance your studies and you should demonstrate that you are aware of the cost of living in the UK. If you plan to work part-time, show awareness of the restrictions (maximum 20 hours per week during term time for degree-level courses; 10 hours for pre-sessional or below-degree level courses) and acknowledge that part-time work cannot be your primary funding source. English language ability: you must be able to hold a conversation in English to the standard expected at your programme level, without the help of an interpreter. What will happen after the interview? We recommend you request a transcript of your interview once completed. You may also write down everything you can remember from the interview when you have finished. You should keep a record of your interview safe. You will not receive an immediate decision following your interview. The interviewer will create a typewritten transcript of the conversation, which will be reviewed alongside your application form and supporting documents by the UKVI decision-maker. When you receive a visa decision later, you will be notified by email. This article was published on 2025-03-28
