If you're applying to study in the UK, you may have been told you need to complete a "pre-CAS interview" before your university will issue your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. This guide explains exactly what a pre-CAS interview is, why universities conduct them, and what you need to know to pass.
What Is a Pre-CAS Interview?
A pre-CAS interview is a credibility interview conducted by a UK university before they issue your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies). The CAS is the official document you need to apply for your Student Visa, so the pre-CAS interview is essentially the university's way of verifying that you are a genuine student before they commit to sponsoring you.
Not all universities conduct pre-CAS interviews, but an increasing number do — particularly for international students from regions where the UK government has identified higher rates of immigration non-compliance. The interview typically takes place over video call (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Skype) and lasts 10–20 minutes.
Why Do Universities Conduct Pre-CAS Interviews?
Universities have a legal obligation as Student Visa sponsors to ensure that the students they issue CAS letters to are genuine. If a university issues CAS letters to too many students who are later refused visas or who violate their visa conditions, the Home Office can revoke their sponsor licence — which would prevent them from recruiting international students entirely.
Pre-CAS interviews help universities:
- Verify your identity and intentions — confirming you are who you say you are and genuinely intend to study
- Assess your English proficiency — your speaking and comprehension skills in real-time conversation
- Check your knowledge of the course — ensuring you understand what you've applied to study and why
- Identify potential compliance risks — spotting inconsistencies in your application or signs that you may not be a genuine student
- Protect their sponsor licence — maintaining a low visa refusal rate to keep their Highly Trusted Sponsor status
Who Needs a Pre-CAS Interview?
Not every applicant will be interviewed. Universities typically select candidates for pre-CAS interviews based on:
- Your country of residence (applicants from certain "high-risk" countries are more likely to be interviewed)
- The university's internal risk assessment policies
- Whether your application has any inconsistencies or areas that need clarification
- Whether you applied directly or through an education agent
- The specific course and level of study
Some universities interview all international applicants as a standard policy. Others interview only a sample. Either way, you should prepare as though you will be interviewed — because if you are, it will significantly affect whether you receive your CAS.
What Happens During a Pre-CAS Interview?
The interview is usually conducted by a member of the university's international admissions team or compliance team. Here's what to expect:
- Identity verification: You'll be asked to show your passport on camera and confirm personal details.
- Course and university questions: Why did you choose this course? Why this university? What modules interest you?
- Academic background: Questions about your previous qualifications and how they relate to your chosen course.
- Financial questions: How will you fund your studies? Who is your sponsor? What are your tuition fees?
- Future plans: What do you plan to do after graduation? Why study in the UK rather than your home country?
- English assessment: The interviewer will be evaluating your ability to communicate fluently in English throughout the conversation.
Pre-CAS Interview vs CAS Interview vs UKVI Interview
These three terms are often confused. Here's how they differ:
| Interview Type | Who Conducts It | When | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-CAS Interview | The University | Before CAS is issued | Verify you're a genuine student before sponsoring you |
| CAS Interview | The University | After CAS is issued (sometimes before visa decision) | Additional credibility check as part of CAS process |
| UKVI Credibility Interview | UK Visas & Immigration (Home Office) | During visa application process | Government-level genuine student assessment |
What Happens After the Pre-CAS Interview?
After your interview, the university will typically:
- Within 3–5 working days: Review your interview and make a decision
- If you pass: Issue your CAS letter, which you'll use to apply for your Student Visa
- If you don't pass: You may be given feedback and the opportunity to re-interview, or your application may be withdrawn
Some universities issue the CAS within 24 hours of a successful interview, while others take longer. Your admissions team will be able to give you an estimated timeline.
How to Prepare
The best preparation is to practise answering interview questions out loud, under realistic conditions. You should:
- ✓ Know your course details — modules, duration, assessment methods, career outcomes
- ✓ Research the university — ranking, location, facilities, why it stands out
- ✓ Be clear about your finances — tuition fees, living costs, funding source
- ✓ Prepare your post-graduation plan — be specific about career goals
- ✓ Test your technology — camera, microphone, internet connection, and the video platform
- ✓ Practise speaking confidently about all of the above
Ready to Practice?
Try a free AI-powered mock interview with CasApp and receive instant feedback before your real interview.
Start Your Free Mock Interview →The Bottom Line
A pre-CAS interview is your university's way of confirming you're a genuine student before they sponsor your visa. It's not something to fear — it's a standard part of the process that, with the right preparation, you can pass confidently. Understand your course, know your finances, be clear about your plans, and practise speaking about all of it out loud.