ONLINE PRE-CAS
CREDIBILITY INTERVIEW
PREPARATION GUIDE
ESSENTIAL AND MANDATORY READ FOR STUDENTS
APPLYING TO YORK ST JOHN UNIVERSITY
SEP 25 & JAN 25 INTAKES
Pre CAS Interview Assessment Matrix
You will basically be graded on the below mentioned pointers during the
interview:
1. Communication Skills: Exceptional clarity, articulation and fluency in
English language - answer questions clearly and on topic – answers should
be natural and not rehearsed
2. Rationale for Programme: Demonstrate a clear and deep understanding of
the programme and field of study
3. Desire to Study in the UK: Demonstrate an extensive understanding of the
benefits of studying in the UK, expressing clear and well-researched
reasons for choosing the UK as the preferred study destination as opposed
to their home country, or other popular study destinations
4. Desire to Study at York St John University: Display an exceptional
understanding of York St John University's unique strengths, expressing
specific reasons for choosing the university as the ideal academic institution
as opposed to other UK Universites
5. Clarity on Career Goals/Long-Term Plan: Clearly articulates well-thought-
out and realistic career goals – can identify a clear career path, with
realistic expectations with regards to salary – popular companies or
employers within industry
6. Overall Rating: clear in communication with a genuine desire to study in
the UK and more specifically, York St John – the student is able to fully
articulate their desire to study their chosen programme and has a clear
goal/career path in mind.
APPLY > RECEIVE OFFER > SIT THE INTERVIEW > PAY FEES > VISA > FLY
After logging in to the CAS Shield System, you need to start with your interview.
Here are some tips before you log in to the system –
Students must be presentable. The dress must be neat and clean
Give answers to the point. Avoid going out of the topic
Ensure that you provide accurate, honest answers that resemble your
documents
Students must speak confidently and fluently
Students must have their passports. Ensure you have a stable internet
connection; the internet speed should not fluctuate, nor should it be slow
Remember to charge your laptop or phone
Make sure that you have a noise-free background and clear lighting
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
In the first question you will be asked to speak 3 words loud to check the audio
quality – mandatory to answer. In the second question a declaration statement
will appear on the screen that you should speak out loud handling passport in
your hand. The questions will appear like the below image:
Question 2: Why do you want to study in the UK?
The answer to this question must include a difference in the education system of
your home country and the UK. Students must tell how the quality of education in
the UK is better for their future. Additionally, you can include points like
The UK is home to some of the top universities in the world.
The universities offer a high standard of education to international students.
International students get a great, diverse cultural experience.
University's practical approach to teaching and other research opportunities.
UK degrees are highly recognized worldwide.
Question 3: Why did you choose this university?
To answer this question, students must know the key features of the university.
They can include the following points of the university:
Location of York St John University (both campuses)
The student-friendly environment
Research opportunity
Infrastructure and other facilities
Question 4: Why did you choose this course?
To answer this question, students must know about all the course details, like
course modules, future scope, skills they can gain through that course, etc. Also,
mention how your previous education is relevant to the course you are applying
for. Specifically, you should highlight the modules that caught your interest and
explain how they align with your previous academic or professional background.
If you are transitioning to a new career path that differs from your previous
experience, you can elaborate on what sparked your interest in the course and
how this shift will enhance your future prospects.
Crafting a thoughtful response to this question requires careful consideration
and attention to detail. By showcasing your enthusiasm for the course and
demonstrating how it aligns with your goals, you can express your commitment to
academic excellence and professional growth.
Question 5: What are your future career plans?
For this question, students have to tell about their plans, like how the chosen
course will help them to fulfill their future goals. Additionally, you can add your
targeted companies and the job profile you wish to apply for. Also, mention the
scope of that career and the average income you'll earn through that job after
returning to your home country.
Question 6: How do you plan to commute between your accommodation and
the university campus or other important locations?
You can commute via various modes like Rail, Bicycle , Walk or bus depending on
the distance between your accommodation and the University.
Question 7: What type of accommodation are you planning to live in?
In general, there are three types of student accommodation:
1. On-campus accommodation: If you go for on-campus accommodation, it will
be easy to meet lots of new people and you’ll be close to your university. On-
campus accommodation is typically booked for one academic year. The London
Campus does not provide on-campus accommodation but the York Campus does.
2. Private residences: Private residences offer more flexibility with dates and also
make it easier to choose your location and type of room. It’s possible you’ll end
up sharing the building with a mixture of students and professionals.
3. Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA): These are large apartment
complexes built specifically for students. They are known for having great facilities
- for example, in-house gyms, games rooms and dedicated study spaces, as well as
more ‘typical’ common rooms.
You can choose one according to your budget, needs and personal preference.
Question 8 : How will you overcome homesickness ?
Homesickness is a feeling of distress brought on by being away from home. You
can deal with it by participating in On-campus events, staying in touch with family
and friends back home is easy with the help of phone calls, messages and social
media sites. By speaking with someone, writing in a journal, or creating art try to
convey those emotions.
Question 9: Do you plan to work whilst you study in the UK?
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 (maximum of 20 hours per week and 4 hours per day).
Question 10: What is your expected living expense?
It is estimated that studying in London will cost you £12,000 a year.
However, your annual cost of living will be less if you have opted for the York
Campus, at £9500.
Question 11: Will you be travelling with dependents?
The answer for this is a NO as from 1st January 2024, international students
studying in the UK will no longer be able to bring dependants with them on
their UK Student Visa (aside from those on research postgraduate programmes)
Question 12: Have you had any visa refusals?
This is a pre-CAS interview rather than a visa interview, but the institution will be
able to learn more about your genuine goals.
If you have been denied a visa, kindly inform of this, along with the reason for the
denial, the nation in which it occurred, and the refusal number (which is included
in the letter you were sent). However, just respond "no" if you haven't received
visa rejections.
Question 13: How will you fund your studies?
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?
(You need to give very clear, complete answers about your financial situation)
Question 14: Are you planning to return to your home country, stay in the UK,
or explore opportunities in other countries after graduating?
Demonstrating your intent to return to your home country after completing your
studies is an important aspect of the student visa application process. This is
because the visa officers want to ensure that you will not overstay your visa and
will return to your home country once your studies are completed.
1. Show strong ties to your home country:
One of the best ways to demonstrate your intent to return is by showing strong
ties to your home country. This can include family, property, or a job offer waiting
for you upon your return. These ties indicate that you have a reason to return to
your home country after completing your studies.
2. Have a solid study plan:
Having a well-defined study plan can also demonstrate your intent to return. This
shows that you have a clear goal in mind and that you are committed to
completing your studies and returning to your home country to apply the
knowledge and skills you have gained.
3. Explain your future career plans:
Another way to demonstrate your intent to return is by explaining your future
career plans in your home country. This shows that you have a clear vision for
your future and that you plan to use your education to contribute to the
development of your home country.
Question 15: Do you have any known health conditions that may affect your
ability to study with us?
The ideal answer to this would be a NO. You can mention that you are perfectly fit
and healthy to pursue your studies abroad.
SOME OTHER QUESTIONS THAT CAN BE ASKED can usually be around your
hobbies, Places of Interest, Famous tourist attractions in the UK, describing
yourself is few words, overview of your academic background, including the
subjects you studied and your performance and questions regarding your
previous studies.
