The UK remains a popular choice for Indian students, but recent numbers show a dramatic change. In 2023, 233,500 Indian students enrolled in UK universities. In 2024, enrollments dropped by 41%, making it 137,600. This makes your pre-CAS interview even more crucial, as top universities in the UK scrutinise applications more carefully during this video call. This interview determines whether you'll receive your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Interviewers verify your study plans, financial preparation, and English skills.
Key Highlights
With UK student intake from India dropping 41% in 2024, pre-CAS interviews have become a critical high-stakes filter.
-
Pre-CAS interviews now thoroughly test course knowledge, financial legitimacy, and study intent. (Generic answers or inconsistencies with your application can result in rejection.)
-
Pre-CAS interviews expose non-genuine students by verifying migration motives and cross-checking SOPs, documents, and even tone.
What is a Pre-CAS Interview?
The pre-CAS interview is a required step for most UK universities before they issue your CAS letter. This letter is necessary for your UK student visa process. The interview helps universities confirm you are a genuine student with clear study plans and enough money to support yourself.
The pre-CAS interview happens over a video call. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires universities to record these calls. You are expected to give clear and honest answers. Rehearsed or unsure responses generally lead to CAS rejection. This further blocks your visa.
What is the Format of the Pre-CAS Interview?
The format of the pre-CAS interview varies slightly between universities, but the core structure and intent remain the same. The motive of this interview is to test your communication skills, academic intent, financial readiness, and overall credibility as an international student. Here's what you can typically expect during the pre-CAS interview process:
Mode of Interview
The pre-CAS interview happens online through video calls. Most universities use Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Skype. Some have their own video platforms. A few schools might ask you to record answers within time limits instead of live talking.
Duration
Pre-CAS interview usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The length depends on your answers. More detailed responses make the interview longer.
Medium of Language
The interview is conducted entirely in English. This confirms your ability to communicate in an academic environment, similar to what's evaluated in English proficiency tests.
Nature of Questions
The pre-CAS interview questions are mostly open-ended and personal. They focus on your educational history and study plans. You will explain your course choice, career goals, financial preparation, and visa knowledge.
Recording and Monitoring
Universities usually record interviews for review. Their admissions team checks these videos later. Some interviews happen live with an interviewer asking questions. Others use automated systems where you record answers to set questions.
Assessment Criteria
The university checks if your interview answers match your application. They look for clear study goals and good English skills. Most importantly, they want to see you truly plan to study.
Explore Destinations
Explore All Guides 
Common Pre-CAS Interview Questions and Answers
Many students worry about the interview because they don’t know what to expect. The good news is that most questions follow common themes. You’ll likely be asked about your course choice, career plans, educational background, finances, and reasons for picking the UK. You can answer confidently with the right prep.
Below are 15 commonly asked pre-CAS questions with strong sample answers:
Q. Why did you choose to study in the UK?
Important tip: Highlight the UK’s global academic reputation, research facilities, or shorter course durations.
Expected answer: I chose the UK for its strong focus on research-led education, shorter postgraduate duration, and global alumni network. (Make it more personalised)
Q. Why this specific university?
Important tip: Reference the university’s strengths, for example, teaching quality, location, and rankings.
Expected answer: This university ranks in the top 30 for my field and offers industry-linked projects, which go well with my career goals.
Q. Why did you choose this course?
Important tip: Connect course modules and your background.
Expected answer: I chose this MSc in Data Science for its practical AI capstone, which ties directly to my three-year analytics internship.
Q. Who is funding your studies and living expenses?
Important tip: Be precise about sponsors or loans and show clarity in funding.
Expected answer: My parents are sponsoring me, and we’ve set aside £30,000 (34L) in savings and a £15,000 (17.3L) education loan.
Q. Have you ever had a visa refusal?
Important tip: Always be honest. Provide the refusal reason and changes made.
Expected answer: Yes, I was refused in 2024 due to weak finances; since then, I’ve secured a loan and improved my savings.
Q. Why do you plan to return to your home country after graduation?
Important tip: Talk about family ties and career opportunities back home.
Expected answer: My parents depend on me, and I already have a job offer in my country’s fintech sector.
Q. Can you introduce yourself?
Important tip: Share a summary including name, background, and interests.
Expected answer: I’m Rakesh Sharma from Delhi, a Computer Science graduate with analytics experience and a passion for AI-driven solutions.
Q. What will you do if your visa gets rejected again?
Important tip: Show thoughtful planning.
Expected answer: If rejected, I’ll review the feedback, strengthen document support, and reapply after addressing any gaps.
Do you intend to work in the UK during your studies?
Important tip: Be realistic and honest.
Expected answer: Yes, I plan to work part-time (up to 20 hours/week) to support living costs and gain UK workplace exposure.
What makes you a genuine student?
Important tip: Return to motivation, preparedness, and goals.
Expected answer: My strong SOP, clear course alignment, and comprehensive funding demonstrate my intent to study and benefit from the UK education system.
25+ Pre-CAS Interview Question Bank
Now that you understand the common pre-CAS interview questions and answers, it's time to expand your practice. Below you'll find an extended list of additional questions. Use this comprehensive set to develop and refine your answers. Remember to apply the strategies and sample answers mentioned above. Thorough preparation with these questions will give you the confidence to handle your actual interview smoothly. Consider this your ultimate pre-CAS interview prep checklist:
Q1. What is your student reference number?
Q2. When did you apply and receive your offer letter?
Q3. What is the exact name of your program?
Q4. What level (undergrad/postgrad) is your study program?
Q5. What qualification will you receive?
Q6. What is your passport number?
Q7. Which modules interest you most and why
Q8. What is the course’s credit structure?
Q9. How much tuition have you paid so far?
Q10. Have you secured any scholarships?
Q11. Do you have work experience related to your course?
Q12. What is your English test score?
Q13. Have you had any gaps in your education?
Q14. How did you spend your gap years?
Q15. What do your parents do ,and what is their source of income?
Q16. Will you bring dependents with you?
Q17. Do you have relatives in the UK?
Q18. What is the job outlook for your field in your home country?
Q19. Do you intend to stay in the UK after graduation?
Q20. What’s your backup plan if CAS is delayed?
Q21. Are you aware of UK student visa attendance rules?
Q22. How did you prepare for the interview?
Q23. What would you do if asked about AI in education?
Q24. Can you explain a recent academic project?
Q25. What extracurricular achievements can you share?
Q26. Do you plan to pursue further studies after this?
Q27. When do you plan to arrive in the UK relative to your course start date?
Q28. What city is the university located in and w,hy is it relevant to you?
Why Students Get Rejected in the Pre-CAS Interview?
UK student visas have a 3-5% rejection rate, and weak pre-CAS interviews contribute to this. Universities use these interviews to filter applicants who don’t meet visa or academic standards. Most rejections happen when students give vague answers, show inconsistent plans, or fail to prove genuine study intentions. Others struggle to explain their course choice or funding.
Below are the exact mistakes to avoid so you clear this critical step:
1. Lack of knowledge about the chosen course or university.
2. Inconsistent or unclear financial information.
3. Poor English communication skills.
4. Suspicious study gaps without strong justification.
5. Generic or copy-paste answers.
6. Unclear career goals or post-study plans.
7. Previous visa refusal not disclosed or poorly explained.
8. Answers that contradict their application documents.
9. Showing interest in migration, not education.
10. Lack of preparation or seriousness.
Pre-CAS Interview Tips: Do’s and Don’ts for Success
The pre-CAS interview tests if you are a serious student with clear goals. Universities want to see that your preparation matches your further life plans.
Below is a clear guide on what one SHOULD DO and NOT DO:
|
Do’s |
Don’ts |
|---|---|
|
Research your course, modules, and university website thoroughly. |
Don’t give vague answers like “It’s a good university” or “I heard it’s famous”. |
|
Practice speaking clearly and confidently in English. |
Don’t use slang, whisper, or speak too fast. It shows nervousness or poor fluency. |
|
Prepare your financial breakdown (tuition, living costs, accommodation). |
Don’t guess or give rough numbers. Be exact with your documents. |
|
Be honest about visa refusals or study gaps and back them up with solid reasons. |
Don’t lie or hide past refusals, they will be cross-verified. |
|
Know your career goals and how the course fits into them. |
Don’t say “I haven’t thought about it”, it signals a lack of planning. |
|
Dress appropriately and maintain a formal tone, even if the interview is online. |
Don’t show up in casual clothes or take the call from a noisy background. |
|
Keep your original documents nearby while giving the interview. |
Don’t fumble or say “I don’t remember” when asked about your application details. |
|
Rehearse answers, but keep them natural and personalised. |
Don’t memorise generic templates or copy answers from the internet only take inspiration. |
|
Show genuine interest in studying, not just working abroad. |
Don’t mention “settling in the UK” or working full-time during/after the course. |
|
Ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question. |
Don’t pretend to understand. It’s better to ask than to give a wrong answer. |
From the Desk of Yocket
The path to studying overseas brings both excitement and challenges. There are many important steps. You must pick the right course, prepare for pre-CAS interviews, and understand visa rules. It's natural to feel unsure where to begin or how to prepare effectively. Having the right guidance can make all the difference.
At Yocket Premium, we walk alongside you through every phase. We will assist you in choosing universities that match your goals and in visa applications. Our approach ensures you feel supported without being worried, letting you focus on your academic aspirations with better clarity. With personalised 1:1 support, we help simplify the complexities so you can move forward with confidence.
