Understanding the Pre-CAS Interview
Watch this video to learn more about pre-CAS interviews, and discover why they're an important step in your application process.
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Guidance for Applicants Who Are Invited To Attend a Pre-CAS Interview
What Is a Pre-CAS Interview?
Each year, we invite a select number of international applicants to take part in a pre-CAS interview. This is a friendly and supportive conversation that helps us understand your motivation for studying in the UK and ensures you're well-prepared for the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) credibility interview.
If you're selected, you'll receive an invitation to book your interview slot. The interview usually lasts between 30 to 40 minutes and will take place on Zoom (or a similar platform). Please make sure the app is working on your device ahead of time so everything runs smoothly.
Taking part in the pre-CAS interview is an important step. You’ll need to complete and pass the interview before we can issue your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Who Requires a Pre-CAS Interview?
Students from Ghana, India, Iran, Iraq, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Syria are required to take part in a pre-CAS interview before they receive their CAS. In addition, students from other countries may be asked to attend on an ad-hoc basis.
For the September 2026 intake, students from Nigeria will also be asked to take part in a pre-CAS interview.
Common Misconceptions About the Pre-CAS Interview
Make sure you understand some common misconceptions we see potential students encounter during their interview, and how to avoid them.
Preparing for Your Interview
It is important to prepare for your interview, to help you do this we have put together some key areas that you may need to discuss.
Your Course
You may be asked questions about your chosen course. These could include:
- Why did you choose this course?
- What modules will you study?
- What will you learn in these modules?
- What optional modules do you intend to study?
To help you prepare, we would recommend looking at your course page on the website.
Why You Have Chosen the University of Lincoln?
You may be asked to discuss why you have chosen the University of Lincoln. To help prepare we recommend thinking about the reasons why you chose Lincon and provide clear and concise answers.
You may be asked questions such as:
- Why did you choose the University of Lincoln?
- What other universities did you consider? Why?
The Research You Undertook Before Submitting Your Application
What research did you undertake? Think about the websites you may have visited, virtual events you might have attended, if you met with a member of our team in country, or even discussed with an agent. If you have used a University approved agent, you should be prepared to talk about the research you undertook yourself, in addition to assistance provided by your agent.
Your Previous Education and Work Experience
You may be asked questions about relevant work experience or your educational accolades during this interview.
English Language Qualification
Be ready to discuss the English language qualification you have taken and how you prepared for this.
Your Future Career
You could be asked about your future career plans and how your chosen programme can help you to achieve your ambitions. These questions could include the following:
- Your career to date
- Career expectations for the future
- The benefits your chosen course will have for your future career
- Salary expectations
Your Finances
During the interview you may be asked about your finances and the cost of studying at Lincoln. For example, you could be asked some of the following questions:
- How are you paying for your course?
- Are you receiving financial support? Where from?
- What are the UKVI maintenance requirements?
Your Immigration History
You could be asked questions about your immigration history, this could include:
- Have you held a previous visa? Have any of these been a Student visa?
- Tell us about your family's immigration history.
- Have you studied abroad previously?
- Have you had any visa refusals in the past?
Accommodation
You may be asked about your plans for accommodation whilst you are studying at the University of Lincoln.
You could be asked some of the following questions:
- What research have you undertaken regarding accommodation options?
- Do you plan to live on or off campus? Why?
- How far is your preferred accommodation from the University?
- How will you travel to classes?
- How much will your accommodation cost?
About Lincoln and Why the UK
You may be asked about what attracted you to the city of Lincoln and what you know about the city. They may also ask you the following:
- Why did you choose the UK?
- What other countries did you consider? Why?
What to Think About Before Your Interview
Looking for some advice on preparing for your pre-CAS interview? Here are some important points for you to consider.
After Your Interview
You will usually be notified of the outcome of your pre-CAS interview within 5-working days.
A CAS will only be issued if your pre-CAS interview is successful, you have paid your CAS deposit and all other CAS checks are complete.
All CAS’ are issued in accordance with the University’s CAS Issuance policy.