Visa tools
Interview preparation
Read the questions officers commonly ask, see what each one is checking and how to answer truthfully, then practise out loud with a timer.
Practise telling the truth clearly. Do not memorise scripts, invent answers or use documents that are not yours. Officers notice rehearsed or inconsistent answers, and a false statement can lead to a refusal with lasting consequences.
Schengen style consulate interview
Several Schengen countries ask national visa applicants for study to attend a short consulate interview, and others decide on documents alone. Questions usually cover your course, funds, accommodation and plans. Language, procedures and expectations differ between countries such as Portugal, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain and Italy, so read your consulate's instructions.
- Learn the basic facts about your city and university and why you picked them.
- Know your funding clearly: blocked account, sponsor or scholarship, and the amounts.
- Be able to name your accommodation and how you will register after arrival.
- If an interview is in a language you are learning, say so and ask the officer to speak slowly if needed.
Practise one question at a time
Draw a question, start the timer and answer out loud in your own words. Then check what the officer is looking for.
Press Give me a question to begin. Questions do not repeat until you have seen all 7.
Question bank
Read each one before you practise. Open a question to see what it checks and how to answer honestly.
Why did you choose this country and this university?
What the officer is checking
Whether your choice is based on research and the course, not only on the visa route.
How to answer truthfully
Mention the programme, the teaching language and what you found out about the university. Be specific and honest.
What will you study, and how does it fit your background?
What the officer is checking
That you understand the course and that it follows from your education or work.
How to answer truthfully
Describe the programme in plain words and link it to what you have studied or done. Mention two or three modules if you can.
How will you finance your stay?
What the officer is checking
That your funds meet the requirement and are genuine.
How to answer truthfully
Explain the source, the amount and the form it is held in, such as a blocked account or sponsor letter. Be prepared to show the matching documents.
Where will you live?
What the officer is checking
That you have a realistic arrival plan.
How to answer truthfully
Say where you have booked or applied, and how you will find longer term housing. Never claim a booking you do not have.
Do you speak the local language, or how will you manage?
What the officer is checking
Whether you can follow the course and settle in.
How to answer truthfully
Be honest about your level. If the course is in English, say so, and mention any language classes you plan to take.
What do you plan to do when your studies end?
What the officer is checking
Whether your plans are credible and consistent with a student visa.
How to answer truthfully
Share your real plans. If you hope to work in the country afterwards, say so and show you understand the rules for that route.
Have you travelled to the Schengen area before, or been refused a visa?
What the officer is checking
Your travel and visa history, and consistency with your form.
How to answer truthfully
Answer as you did on your application. Mention a refusal plainly and say what is different now.
A common mistake
Leaving out a past refusal.
This result uses the general rules. Your own documents, finances and history can change it. Have an advisor check your exact case.
How it works
Choose your interview type
United States F-1, United Kingdom, Canada or a Schengen country consulate.
Read the question bank
Each question shows what the officer is checking, how to answer honestly and a common mistake.
Practise with a timer
Draw a random question, answer in your own words and keep notes on key facts, not a script.
Questions people ask
Will I definitely have an interview?
Not always. Many applicants for some countries are decided on documents alone, and others are interviewed. Check the instructions for your visa application centre or embassy.
Should I memorise answers?
No. Rehearsed and inconsistent answers are easy to spot. Know your facts, your documents and your plans, and say them in your own words.
What if I do not understand a question?
Ask the officer to repeat it or say it another way. That is better than guessing.
Are my notes saved?
They stay in your browser on this device and are not sent to us.
Want a person to check your plan?
An adviser can review your documents, funds and timeline with you and tell you what to fix before you apply.