Pre-CAS (credibility) interviews

At UWE Bristol, we are committed to supporting genuine international students and ensuring a smooth and secure admissions process. As part of this process, you will usually complete a short credibility interview before we issue your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

A pre-CAS (credibility) interview is a structured conversation designed to help us better understand your application and your plans to study in the UK. 

Being asked to complete an interview does not mean there is a problem with your application. They are part of our standard approach and help us meet UKVI compliance requirements.

Most applicants will complete their interview through our secure online platform, CAS Shield. In some cases, you may be invited to attend a live online interview with a member of our team in your region.

You will receive an invitation to log into the CAS Shield system.

• The interview is completed online using your device.
• You will be asked a series of questions on screen.
• You will record your answers using your camera and microphone.

You can usually complete the interview at a time that suits you.

In some regions, you may be invited to complete your pre-CAS interview in person or online with a member of our regional team.

We conduct these interviews as a live conversation rather than through CAS Shield.

• They give you the opportunity to discuss your study plans, choices and future goals.
• They help us to confirm that applications are genuine and that you are well prepared to study in the UK.

The interview is usually short and you will be asked about: 

• Your chosen course and why you selected it
• Your previous education or work experience
• Why you chose to study in the UK
• Your future plans after your studies.

The interview is designed to understand your own decisions and plans. There are no model answers, what matters is that your responses are clear, genuine and consistent. 

Understand your choices

• Be ready to explain why you chose the UK, your course and UWE Bristol.
• Be able to explain what other options you considered and why you made your final decision.

Show your own research

• Be ready to describe the research you did and what influenced your decision.
• Avoid general or generic statements.

Make clear connections in your answers

• Explain why choosing the UK also supports your course choice.
• Show how your course supports your career plans.

Be realistic about your plans

• Be ready to explain what you plan to do after your studies.
• Show a clear and logical next step.

Answer in your own words

• Speak naturally and honestly.
• Do not read from scripts or use prepared answers.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Giving generic answers, e.g. “the UK has a good education system”
• Not being able to explain why you made your choices
• Relying on an agent and being unable to explain your own decisions
• Showing little evidence of research or comparison
• Giving unclear or unrealistic career plans
• Providing answers that don’t link together
• Reading from scripts or giving answers that don’t feel genuine

Once you have completed your interview:

• We will review your application and interview responses together
• We will contact you with the outcome and next steps through CAS Shield, your Welcome portal or email.

If you have any questions about Pre-CAS interviews, please contact international@uwe.ac.uk.

This page provides general guidance and processes may vary depending on individual applications.

Find more information on UKVI credibility interviews