2021

Interview Preparation

UNIVERSITY & EMBASSY

COMPLETE GUIDELINES

EDIFY GROUP OF COMPANIES | FSD | LHR

Please read questions below carefully and prepare accordingly. These are most frequently
asked questions by embassy & University but can be vary case to case. If you have any question
not stated below, kindly feel free to ask us. Moreover, students are requested to search as much
as they can to pass the interviews. Embassy & University do have right to change the phrase of
the question stated below. Questions stated below have been divided into different segments
for your convenience. Examples are also provided for your Understanding, where applicable.

General Tips

1. Do not memories your interview.

2. Always paraphrase your answer if you been asked a question second time.
3. Always provide reference of your answers, for example, website name, organization
name & any publication or research.
4. Speak loudly but slowly as interviewer will be typing it.
5. Be natural as maximum as you can.
6. Take some time to understand the question & ask interview to repeat it, if you haven’t
understood it.
7. Do not try to copy accent, it has nothing to do with the interview.
8. Read your offer letter, & CAS letter carefully, interviewer can ask anything from it.
9. Don’t be generic, as interviewer has interviewed hundreds of applicants so you cannot
impress them using memorized answers and phrases.

General Questions

1. How you came to know about the University?

Here you can tell interviewer regarding source of your information, you can tell him
that I searched online, attended an education expo, visited an education consultant.
I emailed the University, and they gave me contact of their local representative in
Pakistan.

2. Did you apply through an Agent? If Yes, how much you pay them?

Don’t need to panic on this question, just tell interviewer that, Yes, I have hired an
education consultant and I pay him XXXX PKR. They can ask you the name of
your agent of company’s name as well.

Self-Assessment

1. What is your name?

You are supposed to tell your complete name as per passport and Govt Issued ID. For
Example, “My Name Is Farhan Malik” & I lives in Faisalabad.
2. What is date of birth?

Do not extend your answer irrelevantly, just state your DOB “My Date of birth is 09
April 1995”.

3. Tell me about yourself?

Tell the interviewer about your-self, hobbies, job, or any other professional
qualification. For Example, My Name is Malik Farhan, I have recently completed my
bachelor’s qualification equivalent to level 6 in UK (National Qualification Level NQF
Level )

4. How about your family?

Tell interviewer about your family, siblings, and parents. You can also tell them about
their professions, and qualifications. For example, I have 2 siblings, one brother and
one sister and I’m the youngest one. My eldest brother is a banker, he is currently doing
job in Meezan Bank. My sister is married, and she is house wife not doing any job.

5. What is your academic background? How will this course assist you in your future
plans? Levels?

Tell interviewer your last qualification, field of study, & profession. You need to tell
the interviewer regarding course you are going to study and how it will assist you
gaining your future plans. For example, I completed my last qualification of A levels
equivalent to level 3 in business and now I’m going to study Bachelor of International
Business with extended placement and as I have plans to join an import & export
company after completion of this degree, so this degree will help me study how
International business works and operates. As this degree is equivalent to level 6 to
NQF (National Qualification Framework) which is an entry level requirement to any
organization.

6. What are your future plans?

In this question, you are supposed to tell your future plans with timeline.

For Example, right after my master’s degree I have firm plans to come back to Pakistan
as construction sector of Pakistan is at boom right now. Our PM has announced 1
million new houses for middle class families and CPEC has many job opportunities as
china has invested billion dollars in CPEC. I have shortlisted Descon, NLC, Bahria
town as my future companies, they prefer foreign graduates, and my starting salary will
be 500 to 700 Pounds. After 5 to 7 years of experience, I have plan to start my own
company and take govt contracts.
7. Is there any Gap In your studies?

Example

I have been working since I've completed my degree from the University and that is
about 2 years, and I have been gaining experience on my job and have been doing
courses related to computer operation and applications after my degree so, technically,
I have no gap and I never left my studies.

Financials

1. Who is going to finance you?

You will tell interviewer about your financial sponsor, it can be your father, mother or
you can be a self-sponsor. Kindly keep in mind that no third person like, uncle, friend
or aunt can be your sponsor. You can also add sponsor’s business and source of income
in this portion if you want it. For example, my father is my financial sponsor, he is
businessman by profession, he is doing real estate business and his monthly earning is
around 6 to 7 lacs PKR which is equivalent to 3000 GBP.

Please note that interviewer can ask you yearly income as well and location of business.
Like, how many employees does your father has, number of branches & annual
turnover. They will not demand any document from you, so be relax and picture as max
as you can.

2. How many dependents does your sponsor have?

Interviewer needs to check that either your sponsor has the capacity to sponsor rest of
your siblings or not. In this answer, you are supposed to lessen the burden of your
sponsor. For Example, no, my sponsor does not have any other dependents as all my
siblings are married, or they are doing job or they are younger than me and their expense
is very nominal. You can also tell interviewer that my mother also doing job so she can
sponsor or fed-up rest of the siblings.

3. Does your sponsor have the capacity?

Keep in mind that embassy will not ask for the proofs of your sponsor’s business and
they will accept it as you will sketch the picture. You need to portray your sponsor as
he or she is well established in Pakistan having enough savings and income and can
easily afford my studies and total stay in UK.
4. From where you got those funds which are available in your account?

Obviously, your sponsor has transferred required amount in the bank account, do
memories your bank name, account and branch. Never tell interviewer that you have
received these funds in cash form. Tell them they have transferred by via bank

5. Transfer or deposit?

My Sponsor has transferred funds through bank into my account. Never used the word
CASH.

6. Who did?

My sponsor did. Either your father, or mother.

7. Where is your bank?

Tell your bank’s name, branch, nature of account.

8. Why is it not in your account?

Please note that you can use your father’s & mother’s bank statements but with Birth
Certificate. They can ask you that why you are not using your own bank statement. You
need to answer correctly, for example, my father does not want me to be indulged into
this stuff and needs that I should focus on my studies and they will manage rest of it as
per requirement.

9. What is your course fee? Annual living expenses?

You should be aware of your annual fees and living expenses in UK. If you are going
to study in London, your annual expenses are 12006 GBP and 1265GBP per month. If
you are going to study outside the London, your expenses are 9207 GBP per Anum,
1023 GBP per month and 255 per week.
Expenses for London
12006 per Anum
1334 per Month
333 per Week

Accommodation £680 per £170 per

month week

Food / £160per £40 per

Housekeeping month week

Mobile phone £60 per £15 per

month week

Clothes / Shoes £40 per £10 per

month week

Leisure / Sport £80 per £20 per

month week

Books / Stationery £60 per £15 per

month week

Socializing / Going £100 per £25 per

out month week

Travel / Transport £140 per £35 per

month week
 Expenses for Outer London

9207 per Anum

1023 per Month
255 per Week

Accommodation £600 per £150 per

month week

Food / £120per £30 per

Housekeeping month week

Mobile phone £40 per £10 per

month week

Clothes / Shoes £40 per £10 per

month week

Leisure / Sport £40 per £10 per

month week

Books / Stationery £60 per £15 per

month week

Socializing / Going £80 per £20 per

out month week

Travel / Transport £40 per £10 per

month week

10. Have you searched regarding your accommodation? Accommodation expenses

per month? Travelling cost?

Please answer completely, do not left any stone unturned. Don’t give interviewer
second chance to ask another question. Remember, your accommodation must be
within 10miles radius.
For example, I have selected Orchard heights for my accommodation. They have space
available for accommodation and are just about 8 minutes’ walk away from the
University. I will be able to get this accommodation in about 150 pounds per week. In
this accommodation, I will get a high-speed Wifi, free gyms, free contents insurance,
variety of communal spaces, tv in all studios and common rooms.

11. How are you going to pay your sponsor?

Well, the culture of Pakistan is quite different as we Pakistani even Asian don’t pay
back to our parents in monetary term instead, we take care as much as we can.
 Course Details.

1. Are you taking any pathway? If yes kindly elaborate, why did you take this?

If you are taking foundation or international year 1. You should have idea of your
pathway and progression degree. It is always written on your offer letter and CAS letter.
For Example, I have applied in Foundation Leading to bachelor’s in computer science.

2. Why did you choose this course?

You should be very clear about your course selection; it is the most important question
& should be answered properly.

For example, Since I have started my job, I have gotten little to no promotions while
my colleagues that were capable of leading projects, especially those with degrees in
project management have gotten frequent raises and promotions. I am naturally
motivated to lead but I am not getting chances and opportunities to do so while the ones
with project management experience and degrees especially from the UK are. So, I
decided to pursue this course to enhance my skillset and become apt in management of
projects pertaining to my basic degree.

Example 2

Organic chemistry is important because it is the study of life and all the chemical
reactions related to life. Several careers apply an understanding of organic chemistry,
such as doctors, veterinarians, dentists, pharmacologists, chemical engineers, and
chemists. Organic chemistry plays a part in the development of common household
chemicals, foods, plastics, drugs, and fuels most of the chemical part of daily life

3. Course ranking?

There are two types of ranking, university overall ranking & course ranking. You must
tell interviewer both. Students can check course ranking at guardian university guide, QS
ranking, THE rankings.

For Example, I have searched a lot at different platforms and according to Guardian
University Guide, Durham ranks first in English Linguistics and Literature & I was
amazed to know that Oxford University English subject ranks second after Durham.

4. What are the outcomes of this degree?

This is what written at University’s website and in your course link. Always study your
degree link & website. For Example, after this degree I’ll able to Evidence a critical
understanding of the theories, concepts, values, principles and rules of international law
within an institutional, social and global context. Moreover, I’d able to Draw reasoned
 and critical conclusions through the application of legal principles and knowledge to
complex real-life and/or hypothetical legal, political, and commercial problems.

5. How the degree from the UK would be beneficial for you?

There can be multiple answers to this question depends on your search and
understanding of UK education system. For Example, universities in the UK are
inspected regularly by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
This ensures they maintain excellent standards in learning, research, and teaching.

Teaching at universities in the UK is also rated by the Teaching Excellence Framework

(TEF) and research at UK institutions is graded by the Research Excellence Framework
(REF). All this means you have more ways than ever before to make an informed choice
about your education. Also, UK higher education degrees and qualifications are
recognized by employers and academics worldwide.

6. What is the scope of your degree?

In this question you to need to convince interviewer that your chosen degree has scope
in Pakistan and need to justify the hefty amount you are going to spend on your degree.
For Example, as I have chosen MSc Cyber Security and it is truly a degree of future.
Almost everything is shifting entirely online, and cloud based, likewise cyber-attack &
cyber-crime is also increasing day by day. According to the predictions by experts, the
scope of the Cyber Security market will become $170 billion industry by 2025. For the
last 5 years, Cyber Security professionals have been making more salary than average
IT professionals. And the average salary gap across the gap is 9% to state the least.

7. How this is relevant to your previous degree?

For Example, I have previously studied LLB which is a generic degree and of level 6,
Now I’m going to study same courses at an advanced level with specialization. I have
opted LLM international business law as I have worked with many companies doing
import & export business, so this course will help me to further understanding of
international laws and business.

8. How long is your course and what qualification will you receive?

As I’m going to study master’s degree at Coventry University, my course is of one year
& one year’s placement, I’ll get level 7 degree on completion.
9. Why placement?

If you have applied with placement, you need to justify your decision.
For Example, this course was available with options, with & without placement, but I
chose with placement as The Advanced Practice version of this course will offer me a
valuable opportunity to secure a work placement or research placement, giving me the
experience of the workplace environment or live Cyber Security issues, and an excellent
way to put my learning into practice.

10. Modules? Degree Structure?

You should know about your course modules, number of semesters, years of study,
courses, total credits, and requirements to complete the degree. It is usually written on
the link of your course and highly important question.
For example, I’m going to study LLM International business law, it has 3 semesters in
a year. In first semester I’ll study, Research skills, comparative commercial law,
commercial law in action and public international law. In research skills, I’ll study kinds
& types of research, collection of data and tools that requires to conduct research.

11. Why did you choose to resume your studies?

Interviewer will ask you this question if you have a gap of more than 2 years. You need
to justify your decision and it is very important question. For example, I completed my
last degree (BCom 2 Years, Equivalent to Level 5 ) in 2013 and joined Maqsood Textile
Mills as an assistant accountant, however I have realized now that my education quite
outdated & not at an advanced level. There are now plenty of updates in my field and
employees with an advanced level education are more likely to get promotions and
lucrative salary package.

12. How is the course assessed and how many hours of study a day?

This is highly important question but the most ignored by the students. Student should
have idea of how they will be assessed during degree. For example, I have gone through
the University site & there are four parameters on which students will be assessed,
Assignments, 20%, Projects 20%, 10% presentation and 50% final exam. I also need to
submit a report of 5000 words in my last semester. (Please see your course link)
 Country details

1. Why not Pakistan?

Give reason of not choosing Pakistan based on the university offering course, modules,
ranking, facilities, and faculty
Why not Pakistan & why not UK are two different questions, you should know the
difference between them. In this question you need answer that why you are not
continuing your studies in Pakistan. For example, Pakistan is an underdeveloped
country & struggling for its education sector. There is no institute in Pakistan that ranks
even in top 400 Universities of the world. Furthermore, degrees in Pakistan are lengthy
as compared to UK. Masters in Pakistan is of two years, whereas in UK Master’s degree
is of one year & yet recognized by employers & universities around the globe.

2. Why the UK?

Compare the UK with any other country like USA on following parameters.

University, its offering modules, facilities, faculty, ranking

Distance,

Culture,

Climate

There are numerous reasons why I have finalized UK for my higher education.

1. According to the UCAS, UK ranks second most popular destination right behind
USA. Every year more than 5 lacs students come UK for studies.
2. Education of UK is recognized by employers and institutes around the world.
3. Studies in UK are comparatively shorter as compared to other countries.
4. There are many Universities that ranks in top 100 in the world based in UK.
5. UK has diverse culture and mixed community where one can easily adjust and
survive.
6. UK is also near to my homeland, there are direct flights available as British airways
is also operating here, whereas Canada, USA & Australia are too far from Pakistan
& having no direct flight.

Always research for more reasons and quote reference.

3. Does anybody among your relatives live in the UK?

Normally students are not allowed to tell that they have any relative or known person
in UK. However, this varies case to case, please refer to any counsellor for this question.

4. Do you have any intention to work in the UK? Why? Why not?

Though I’m allowed to work part time during my studies as per UKVI guidelines, but
I don’t think that I’ll do it as I have commitments to my studies and degree & also, I
have required funds needed for my entire studies.
 University Details

The Most important part of the interview, student should know about the University as
maximum as one can. Interviewer can ask anything, literally anything, from ranking to
facilities, surroundings and achievements. You will defend your University.

1. Why this university? Have You compared it with any other University?

• You need to distinguish your University and make it stand alone among all others.
There can be multiple answers of this question and it depends upon your research and
reference, please keep in mind that you need to give reference every time. For Example,
I searched for many Universities like Edinburgh Napier University, Birmingham City
University, but I finalized Coventry University due to many reasons. First of all, ENU
was located in Northern side of UK & is at 65th Ranked according to Guardian
University Guide, whereas Coventry is at 15th ranked according to Guardian University
Guide. Moreover, CU has Gold award in Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), but
BCU has Silver TEF and low Graduate Employability Rate as 97% of CU graduates
were employed or in further study six months after graduation (DLHE Survey 2015/16).
Also, CU was the country’s top modern university for seven consecutive years
(Guardian University Guide 2013-2019). Furthermore, In 2018, Coventry was ranked
in the top 5 best student cities in the UK, and the 44th best student city in the world
(QS Best Student Cities 2018. Birmingham City University has silver TEF & not
offering module of Public International Law which I believe is very important for me
as I’m looking into to do practice in this field after completion of my degree.

2. University ranking?

You are supposed to tell rankings of the University, make sure you provide reference
of each ranking & provide as maximum as you can.

For Example, Coventry University has been ranked

• Top 15 for five years running in the Guardian University Guide (2016-2020)
• Awarded University of the Year for Student Experience (The Times and Sunday
Times Good University Guide 2019)
• 1st for Overseas Experiences (based on student trips abroad - HESA 2016/17)
• 2nd for Teaching Excellence (Times Higher UK metrics ranking 2017)
• Gold for outstanding teaching and learning (Teaching Excellence Framework 2017)
• Top 5 UK Student City (QS Best Student Cities 2019)
• Overall, five star QS Stars rating (QS Stars 2019)
3. Where is your university?

Tell interviewer exact address and location with post code, For Example, it is located
at Priory Street CV15FB Coventry. If you are going to study in sub campus, you need
to tell that as well.

4. Nearby places? How would this location facilitate you?

It is newly added question these days, as almost all Universities have added 360 maps
on google, so you can now easily visit your campus and nearby places. For example,
there is a supermarket near my campus where I can easily all necessities.

5. On campus Facilities according to your program?

Tell interviewer regarding all facilities available on campus regarding your program,
and please do not tell generic facilities like library, bookshop, etc. You need to check
University’s site for it, like they are offering Pro Bono centers, SOC Lab, Sensorium
Lab & digital media lab

Travel & Immigration Details

1. Have you ever applied for a visa to visit another country a visa to enter
another country?

You should list previous visits and purpose of visit.

2. Have you ever had a visa application refused ‐ If so why was it refused?

Having had a visa refused previously may count against you but it doesn't automatically
mean this visa application will be refused. It's important that you tell the interviewer
about any refusals you have had and explain the reasons for the refusal. You need to
demonstrate that you understand the reason for the refusal and explain why this will not
happen with this visa application. Always ask your counsellor about it before making
any decision.
 Visa Conditions

a. You must be enrolled in your course once you arrive in UK

b. you must collect your BRP card before the expiry of your entry permit
c. you must register with police
d. you must maintain your attendance
e. you must maintain your NHS (health insurance)
f. You cannot work for more than 20 hours a week
g. you must inform of your Postal address to the University and energies
h. you cannot access the public funds

Note

Students should always search for their specific course and University; you can expect anything
from the interviewer and never take it easy. Always ready for the cross questions and different
phrases, if you have memorized your interview, they will judge you at once. Below are some
refusals for your study so you can have an idea of visa officer’s decision. If You have any
confusion related to any question, contact your counsellor immediately. We have uploaded a
video on our YouTube channel where you can also get information and tips of preparing your
interview.
The decision
I have refused your application for entry clearance under Tier 4 (General) of the
Points-Based System for the following reasons:
You amended and interview on 18/10/2020 in connection with your application for
entry clearance. You were asked a series of questions in connection with your plans
to study in the UK to establish whether you are a genuine student as required by
paragraph 245ZV(k).
I have considered your application and circumstances in the round, including the fact
that you have been issued with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, in
accordance with published guidance. However, I am not satisfied on the balance of
probabilities that you are a genuine student.
In particular, regard has been given to:

In your interview, you were asked about your future plans:

interviewer: ’IN/hat are your Ie/Sure plans after you complete this course ?”

You: “Emn I have a wide range of future plans aRer completing my degree
according to my plan I have decided to come la Pakistan I will errm make my own
software house in Pakistan as this one of my Liiggest dream I have to make my own
start up Pakistan.”
interviewer: that are the job requirements for this role? For example, what
qualifications and experience cfo you need?”

You: ’I need err to get some experience first from industry as you can see here
industry has not emerged as Use, US is far better than Pakistan I think I should get
experience first as I did 8 months job in Pakistan and now I will get some experience
from there an then I will be back and introduce my own software house in Pakistan.”

interviewer: ’Where have you found this information from?”

You: “I didn’t get this information from anywhere this is my own thought I been doing
work for last 8 months I think it’s very important to have experience when you are in
university you cannot errm create your own software house without having any
experience.”

You have said you want to become the CEO of your own software company. When
asked what qualifications and experience you will need to take up this role you have
only been able to say that you need industry experience. Then, when asked where
you got this information, you have said that you have made this assessment
yourself. It is not unreasonable to expect that a genuine student with aspirations to
become the CEO of their own company would have conducted some research into
their future career. It is also not unreasonable to expect a genuine student to know
what qualifications are required for them to achieve their ambitions.

You were then asked:

interviewer: “What research have you done around your future career? Where have
you got this information from?”

You: “I have done no research my cousin has own software house in Pahisian I
have experience from him how he is performing his job he has company with 20+
people.”

By your own admission, you have not conducted any research into your future
career. Instead, you say you are basing your career plans around you cousin and
their business. Including tuition fees of 27,000 GBP and maintenance costs of 1,015
GBP per month for 24 months, the total cost ol your proposed study in the UK is
estimated to be 51,360 GBP. Given the significant financial investment that your
study represents, I do not find it credible that you would not have conducted any
research into your future career. This leads me to doubt your credibility as a genuine
student.

I am therefore not satisfied you are a genuine student and I refuse your application
under paragraph 245ZV(k) of the Immigration Rules.
Refusal 2