CAS Interview Detailed Guide 2026 | Questions, Answers, Checklist, Rules & Tips
A CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) interview is one of the most important stages for any international student applying for a UK Student Visa (Student Route). Universities conduct this interview to confirm your credibility, academic intention, financial stability, and genuine motivation to study in the UK.
This guide covers everything you need:
- What the CAS interview is
- Step-by-step interview process
- Detailed documents checklist
- rules & updates
- 60+ university questions
- Model sample answers
- Deep problems students face
- Strong solutions that guarantee approval
- Red flags that cause CAS delays or refusals
- Expert advice for global students
Let’s begin.
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| CAS Interview Guide |
What is a CAS Interview?
The CAS interview is a credibility assessment conducted by UK universities before issuing a CAS letter — a mandatory document required for your UK Student Visa application.
Purpose of CAS Interview:
- Check if you are a genuine student
- Verify your course knowledge
- Confirm your financial stability
- Ensure you understand visa rules
- Validate your dependable home-country ties
- Identify high-risk applicants
• UKVI Student Visa Requirements – gov.uk/student-visa
Why Universities Conduct the CAS Interview
The UK Home Office requires universities to maintain a “Sponsor Licence” to enroll international students.
If too many non-genuine students enter through a specific university, their licence becomes at risk. That’s why institutions perform CAS interviews.
They assess your:
- Academic consistency
- Real intention to study (not immigration misuse)
- Genuine need for the UK degree
- Financial legitimacy
- English communication skills
- Understanding of your chosen course
Who Needs a CAS Interview?
All non-UK students applying for:
- Undergraduate
- Postgraduate (taught & research)
- Foundation
- Pre-Masters
- PhD
Almost 95% of universities require it.
You will definitely face a CAS interview if:
- You have study gaps
- You changed your subject/location drastically
- You have a past visa refusal
- You submitted weak financial evidence
CAS Interview Process (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: University Sends CAS Interview Email
After you submit all academic & financial documents, the university sends an email to schedule the interview.
Step 2: Upload Required Documents
You upload:
- Passport
- Academic docs
- Bank statements
- Deposit payment proof
- English proficiency test
- Sponsor letters (if applicable)
Step 3: Interview Format
Most universities use:
- Recorded video interview (common)
- Live video call via Zoom/Teams
- 10–20 minutes long
- 7–15 questions on average
Step 4: University Reviews Responses
Your responses are assessed based on:
- Clarity
- Consistency
- Genuine intention
- English fluency
- Financial explanations
Step 5: Decision
- Pass → CAS issued
- Redo → You resubmit interview
- Fail → Offer withdrawn
- Hold → Additional documents required
Step 6: CAS Letter Issued
Now you upload your CAS to the UK student visa application.
• UK Visa Application Portal – www.gov.uk/apply-uk-visa
Required Documents for CAS Interview
Here is your complete checklist:
Academic Documents
- Passport
- Offer letter
- CAS draft
- 10th + 12th certificates
- Bachelor/Master degree certificates
- Transcripts
- Gap certificates (if any)
- CV
Financial Documents (VERY IMPORTANT)
- 28/31-day bank statements
- Tuition fee payment receipt
- Education loan sanction letter (if applicable)
- Fixed deposits + maturity proofs
- Sponsor’s bank statements & income proof
- Affidavit of financial support
- CA report (optional but useful)
• UKVI Financial Requirements – gov.uk/student-visa/money
English Requirement
- IELTS Academic
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL
- Duolingo english test(accepted by many universities)
• IELTS Official – ielts.org
• PTE Academic –pearsonpte.com
Most Asked CAS Interview Questions
Here are the most accurate & commonly asked CAS interview questions.
I have categorized them for easier preparation:
A. Questions About You
- Tell me about yourself.
- What is your academic background?
- Why did you choose this course?
- Why did you choose this field of study?
- How does this course relate to your past studies?
B. Questions About University & Course
- Why did you choose this university?
- What modules will you study?
- Which module interests you the most?
- Who are your course leaders?
- What skills will you gain from this program?
- What is the duration of your course?
- When does your course start?
C. Questions About the UK
- Why study in the UK instead of your home country?
- Are you aware of UK visa rules?
- What do you know about the city where your university is located?
- What are your living expenses?
D. Financial Questions
- Who is funding your education?
- What is your sponsor’s annual income?
- Provide a clear breakdown of your finances.
- How did your parents save this money?
- How much will your studies cost in total?
E. Career Questions
- What will you do after graduation?
- How will this degree help your future?
- What job roles will you apply for?
- Do you plan to settle in the UK? (Never say yes.)
Perfect Sample Answers
Q1. Why do you want to study in the UK?
Perfect Answer:
Q2. Why this course?
Perfect Answer:
Q3. Why this university?
Perfect Answer:
Q4. How will you fund your studies?
Perfect Answer:
Problems Students Face in CAS Interview
Problem 1: Poor understanding of the course modules
Solution:
Memorize at least 4–5 modules. Explain why they matter for your career.
Problem 2: Confusing financial explanation
Solution:
Break it into simple parts:
- Tuition fee
- Living cost
- Sponsor income
- Bank balance
- Proof of maintenance funds
Use UKVI guidance as your authority.
Problem 3: Study gaps or career breaks
Solution:
Explain with valid reasons: employment, family responsibilities, illness, skill-building, internships, freelancing.
Problem 4: Overly short, unclear answers
Solution:
Provide structured, confident, detailed explanations.
Problem 5: Weak English communication
Solution:
Practice 5–7 days before interview.
Use apps like Speaking Pal, Elsa Speak, Preply.
Red Flags That Cause CAS Refusal
Universities immediately reject students who:
- Give immigration-focused answers
- Avoid mentioning clear return plans
- Don’t know basic course details
- Provide fake bank statements
- Can't explain sponsor’s income
- Give inconsistent answers
- Appear confused or unprepared
- Misrepresent financial documents
- Have sudden large deposits without explanation
You must avoid these at all costs.
MBBS & MD in USA: Complete Guide for International Students (Eligibility, Costs, Top Universities, Scholarships & Career Path)Strong Expert Advice
This advice will significantly boost visa approval chances:
1. Focus on “Genuine Intention”
UK universities and UKVI want to see you are committed to studying—not misusing visa routes.
2. Your answers should match your documents
If your sponsor earns £12,000 per year, don’t say your living cost is £18,000.
3. Mention why you will return to your home country
Never say:
❌ “I want to settle in the UK.”
❌ “I plan to stay permanently.”
Always say:
✔ “I will return to my home country to pursue roles in ___ industry.”
4. Learn 4–5 modules deeply
This single step increases your CAS success rate by 60%.
5. Confidence matters more than accent
Speak clearly and naturally.
6. Practice your introduction daily
It sets the tone of the interview.
7. Do not lie or exaggerate
Universities cross-check everything.
Final Preparation Checklist Before CAS Interview
- Read your complete course outline
- Memorize fees + living cost
- Prepare financial explanation
- Keep all documents on table
- Dress neatly
- Test camera + microphone
- Speak slowly
- Give structured answers
- Maintain positive body language
Final Conclusion
A CAS interview is not difficult if you follow the right strategy.
If you know:
✔ your course
✔ your university
✔ your finances
✔ your career goals
✔ your intention to return home
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