UK Pre-CAS Interview
Glossary

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies - A unique reference number issued by UK universities that allows you to apply for a student visa. Required for all Tier 4 visas.

A mandatory 15-30 minute video credibility assessment conducted by UK universities before CAS issuance. Evaluates genuine student intention, course knowledge, and financial capability.

The evaluation process during Pre-CAS interviews where universities assess whether you are a genuine student with clear study intentions and adequate financial means.

The UK student visa category for international students. Requires a valid CAS and sufficient funds. Allows full-time study at licensed UK institutions.

A student who demonstrates clear academic intentions, adequate financial resources, and genuine interest in studying in the UK rather than using the visa for other purposes.

A personal essay explaining your academic background, career goals, reasons for choosing the UK/university/course, and how the program fits your future plans.

Secure English Language Test - Required English proficiency tests for UK student visas. Must be taken at approved test centers. Minimum scores vary by course level.

Bank statements showing your financial history for the 28 days immediately before your visa application. Must show sufficient funds and regular income patterns.

A formal letter from your financial sponsor (usually a parent or guardian) explaining their relationship to you, their income, and commitment to support your studies.

Warning signs during interviews that may indicate you are not a genuine student, such as inconsistent financial information, unclear study plans, or inability to discuss your course.

A 2-year post-study work visa available to international students who complete a UK degree. Allows you to work or look for work in the UK after graduation.

The minimum amount of money you must prove you have available for living expenses during your studies. Varies by location: £1,334/month for London, £1,023/month for outside London.

An enhanced credibility assessment used by universities for higher-risk applicants. It digs deeper into academic progression, source-of-funds, and motivation. Useful to practice for if you have gaps, complex funding, or previous immigration issues.

The UK government department handling visa decisions, border control and immigration policy. UKVI sets rules for student visas, including financial, English and CAS-related requirements.

A principle UKVI applies to ensure applicants are coming to study, demonstrated via consistent documents, coherent course choice, traceable funds, and credible future plans.

A mandatory healthcare surcharge paid during the visa application: typically £1,035 per year for most adult applicants (students pay the appropriate rate as part of their visa fee). It grants access to NHS services from the visa start date.

The framework used to score visa applications. For a student application, a total of 70 points is required (CAS and course requirements, funds, and English proficiency contribute to this total).

UKVI-approved English tests (e.g., IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI) used to prove your language ability for visa purposes. Results are typically valid for two years.

A short credibility check by Border Force officers on arrival to confirm identity, study plans, and accommodation. Keep originals or clear digital copies of CAS and offer letter for arrival checks.

A card issued to non-UK nationals staying longer than six months. Collect it at the designated Post Office within 10 days of arrival; it proves your legal status in the UK.

The expectation that your chosen course logically follows your previous education or employment. Good progression is a strong indicator of genuine intent.

An industry certification for education agents demonstrating ethical recruitment and counselor training standards. EEC is AIRC-certified through 2031 per internal records.

Documentation proving how your study funds were obtained — savings, salary, business income, loan letters — with evidence that funds were held for the required 28-day period.

A group of 24 leading UK research-intensive universities. Member institutions are often more selective and research-focused.

Tuberculosis screening required from applicants in certain countries, including India, for visas longer than six months. Tests must be taken at approved centres and are usually valid for six months.

The primary academic start date (late September) when most UK courses commence; it offers the widest choice of programs and is the most common intake for international students.

A secondary intake (January/February) with limited course options; useful if you miss the September deadline or prefer a later start.

A free, profile-based AI interview practice system that records answers, offers transcriptions and scores, and helps identify weak points before real interviews.