Edinburgh Napier University

Preparing for your University credibility interview

Below are some topics we advise you to consider when preparing for your interview.

The areas you will need to be able to speak about are:

· Knowledge of intended course of study

· Knowledge of Edinburgh University

· Your academic/employment background

· Your future plans

· Your finances

(This is not a complete list and is only intended as a guide).

Why do you want to study in the UK?

• You might want to talk about what you have learnt about the British education system.
• What are the benefits of studying in the UK compared to your home country or other countries that mean it is worth the cost to you?
• How would study in the UK differ from studying in your home country?
• Why did you decide to come to the UK rather than, for example, Australia or the USA?

Why did you choose Edinburgh Napier University?

• Here you could talk about the university, and about the city and its location within the UK.
• Where will you live in the UK and how do you plan to get to university every day?
• Which other universities did you consider? You must be able to give details of the research you did.
• Why did you choose ENU University over other universities?
• What facilities do you expect there to be at ENU University?
• What attracted you to study this course?
• Which other universities offer this programme and why did you select ENU University? Are there any modules that you are interested in which are specific to ENU University?
• Which module or modules are you most excited to study and why?

Why have you chosen this specific course?

• Is it a necessity to have this qualification to follow your career path?
• If it’s not, how will this course benefit you in the future?
• Be prepared to provide details of your previous study, including qualifications, and how it is related to the course you have applied for.

What do you know about your course?

• Check the university website.
• Is your course assessed by exams or coursework?
• How long does your course last?
• Make sure you are aware of your course details, including the names of the modules in your course and what you will be studying in these. Check your offer letter, CAS statement or check the programme specifications on the university website.

Can you explain any gaps in your years of study or work?

• If there have been periods of time in which you have been working, why are you now looking to come back to study?
• Would this study benefit your current profession or enhance your prospects?
• Also, if there has been a gap between now and your previous course of study, what were you doing in this time and why are you now ready to return to study?

Who is financing your studies?

• If your parents are financing your studies, you may be asked to discuss how they are able to do this.
• How can you afford the investment your study will require?
• Make sure that you are very clear about the source and availability of your money, and 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?

How to prepare for the University interview on CAS shield

During your interview, you should be in a room on your own with no or very limited background noise. If this is not the case when the interview starts you may be asked to record it again. You are required to be in a location with a good internet connection and have your passport ready. Please ensure you are looking directly at the camera throughout the duration of the interview. Not following this rule may raise concerns about the credibility of your interview, which could lead to the interview being failed and your application rejected.

If you fail the University interview

If you are not successful in your credibility interview, it may be due to several factors that raise doubts about your genuine intention to study in the UK. Common reasons for failing include a lack of research into the university—such as being unable to explain why you chose Edinburgh Napier University specifically—and limited awareness of what sets it apart.

You may also not have provided evidence of comparing other universities or courses, which is important to show that your decision is well-informed. Another key factor is unclear motivation for your chosen course, including a weak explanation of how it fits with your academic or career goals. In some cases, overall responses may lack the clarity, detail, or consistency needed to demonstrate genuine student intent.

However, failing the interview does not necessarily mean the end of your application journey. You may be considered for a future intake, giving you time to better prepare, strengthen your understanding, and improve your ability to clearly explain your study plans and motivations.

How to prepare for the Home Office interview

The Home Office may ask you to undertake an interview either in person, on the telephone, or by video conference facility. Attendance is mandatory. If you fail to attend an interview without providing a reasonable explanation, this will result in an automatic refusal. Be aware that even if you achieve the general requirements and score the points required, the caseworker has the authority to refuse entry if you fail the interview.

Be confident, positive and show your genuine intention to study in the UK. The interview will be a smooth step to you obtaining a UK visa if you are honest and well prepared.

If you do not understand a question, ask the interviewer to repeat it or rephrase the question. Be confident in your answers. Ask the interviewer if they require further clarification.