UK student visa interview questions are mainly about your institution, the course that you are going to study and how you will finance your study. Your answers will be typed up and used to assess if you are a genuine student when the decision is made on your Tier 4 student visa application. Therefore, 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, and how you will finance your study. Interviews are conducted in English and possibly via video link. 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.

How to prepare the questions? 

The following content source from the University of Sheffield.

Typical questions may include:

Q: Why did you choose The University of Sheffield?

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 the university profile on our website. 

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 Sheffield. What is it specifically about the Sheffield 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 Sheffield over them?

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 Sheffield University 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 eg 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 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 costs 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 eg 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.