Is there one UK university you would love to study at? Or have you found the perfect course for you? As part of the application process, they may want you to attend an interview or submit your work to see if you're the right kind of student.
They may want to assess how good your spoken English is, or how committed you are to studying your chosen course – and typically prestigious universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge, use interviews to select the very best students.
Many universities conduct interviews online. If you've been invited to an interview and can't attend in person, ask about remote interviews.
Make sure you’re prepared and have thought about these beforehand. Asking smart and interesting questions shows the university that you're interested in the course.
To best prepare these questions, look through the course guide and the university website. Make sure you've read up on the latest developments in your field – you won’t be tested, but it shows you are truly interested in the topic.
Campuses can be big and you can often get lost. Arrive early so you can familiarise yourself with the place – don't arrive late to an interview feeling stressed or flustered.
Whether the interview is in person or online, don’t slouch in the chair – sit up straight. Don't yawn or fold your arms. Always try to make eye contact and look alert when the interviewer is talking. Interviewers will learn as much about you through your body language, as through your words.
Try to act relaxed. They really want to get to know you and what you can personally offer their course. They may also ask unexpected and apparently random questions, to see how well you act under pressure.
It's important to look presentable – but that doesn't mean wearing a suit if that is not something you would normally wear.
Universities will generally expect students to dress smartly or smart-casual. Even if you have an interview on Skype or Zoom, you'll be expected to look presentable. Feeling comfortable is important though, to help you perform better.