how to answer why do you want to study in the uk? -ukvi credibility interview

Summary

In this video, Charity, the founder of the Gru UK platform, provides essential guidance for passing the UKVI credibility interview. She explains that successful answers should be academic-focused, using the PEEC (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Comparison) technique. Key topics covered include affordability, high academic standards, and globally recognized qualifications in the UK. Charity shares practical tips on structuring responses, avoiding personal reasons, and emphasizing academic and professional benefits. Drawing on her own experiences as an international student and a professional at the University of East London, she helps viewers navigate the interview process to increase their chances of visa approval.

Takeaways

• 😀 Personal reasons like the beauty of the UK or proximity to home are not strong enough for the UKVI credibility interview.
• 😀 The best responses should be academic-based, focusing on reasons like affordability, academic excellence, and globally recognized certificates.
• 😀 The PEEC technique (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Comparison) helps structure strong answers for the interview.
• 😀 When discussing affordability, provide specific comparisons with other countries like the US, Canada, or Australia, and mention credible platforms like the UKVI website.
• 😀 UK education is renowned for its high academic standards, supported by frameworks that ensure quality assurance in teaching and learning.
• 😀 Always compare UK education to your home country rather than other English-speaking countries when discussing academic excellence.
• 😀 UK qualifications are globally recognized and can help you stand out in the international job market.
• 😀 Avoid citing Google as your source when providing evidence; instead, refer to official platforms like UCAS or UKVI websites.
• 😀 The main purpose of coming to the UK should be for education, not for a post-study work visa, which should not be mentioned during the interview.
• 😀 Tailor your answers to the UK’s educational system, focusing on how it addresses specific gaps in your home country's education system.
• 😀 Structure your answers with the PEEC technique: First, state your point, then back it up with evidence, explain its relevance, and compare it to your home country’s situation.

Q & A

Why is it important to avoid personal reasons when answering the question 'Why do you want to study in the UK?' during the UK VI credibility interview?

It is important to avoid personal reasons because the interview focuses on academic and professional motivations rather than emotional or lifestyle preferences. Personal answers, like liking the weather or proximity to home, are considered irrelevant in an academic context and may reduce your chances of passing the interview.

What does the PEEC technique stand for, and how should it be applied in the credibility interview?

PEEC stands for Point, Evidence, Explanation, and Comparison. It should be applied as follows: First, state a clear academic point about why you want to study in the UK. Then, provide evidence from reliable sources like the UKVI or UCAS websites. After that, explain why this point is important to you personally, and finally, compare the UK with your home country to emphasize the advantages.

What is an example of a strong academic reason for wanting to study in the UK?

A strong academic reason could be the UK's high standards of academic excellence, which are maintained by frameworks like the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). The UK's education system blends theory and practice, providing a comprehensive learning experience.

How can affordability be used as a strong academic reason in the credibility interview?

Affordability is a strong reason when you provide concrete evidence, such as comparing tuition fees in the UK with those in other countries like the USA, Canada, or Australia. For example, if your tuition in the UK is £10,000 compared to $15,000 in the USA, this shows that studying in the UK is more affordable, which can influence your decision.

Why should you avoid citing Google as a source for your research during the interview?

Google is a search engine, not a credible platform. Citing websites like UCAS or UKVI demonstrates that your research is based on reliable and authoritative sources, which is crucial to building a strong, academic argument for studying in the UK.

What is the importance of comparing the UK to your home country rather than other English-speaking countries?

The comparison should be made with your home country because the goal is to highlight the unique advantages the UK offers compared to what is available in your own education system. Other English-speaking countries like Canada or the USA have similar educational standards, so the comparison to your home country is more relevant.

How should you demonstrate the high academic standards of the UK in your response?

You should reference the UK's quality assurance frameworks, small class sizes, and the balance between theoretical learning and practical experience. These elements ensure a high level of academic quality that may not be present in your home country.

What should you avoid mentioning when asked why you want to study in the UK?

You should avoid mentioning the post-study work visa as a primary reason for wanting to study in the UK. While it may be a benefit, the interview is focused on academic motivations, and citing the visa could be seen as a non-academic answer.

Why is a globally recognized certificate from the UK a significant advantage?

A UK qualification is internationally recognized and valued, which can help you stand out to employers worldwide. It opens up job opportunities in various countries, making it a strategic investment in your future career.

What is the role of the interviewer in assessing your answers during the UK VI credibility interview?

The interviewer is assessing whether your reasons for studying in the UK are academically grounded and if you have genuinely researched your study options. They will look for well-reasoned, evidence-backed answers that demonstrate you are committed to your academic and professional goals.