A student visa interview may be stressful, particularly for a first-time student visa applicant wanting to study abroad. The main function of the interview is to find out about the student’s studies, background, finances and motivations for travelling. StudyLead Consultants helps students practise realistic questions in order to build up their confidence for this stage.
Why Are Students Asked Questions?
The visa authorities may want to understand whether:
The visa authorities may wish to know if:
- The student is eager to learn
- The selected programme is appropriate
- The student has a grasp of the university
- Financial arrangements are credible
- The student is able to describe his or her school record.
- Documents are consistent
- There are no fixed questions which are asked to all the applicants.
- Why Do You Want to Study in Turkey?
Give a specific academic answer.
- Why Did You Choose This University?
Know the university’s location, programme and basic academic information.
- What Is Your Course?
You should know:
- Programme name
- Degree level
- Duration
- Language of instruction
- Start date
- Who will pay for your study?
Let the reader know if you will be self-funding or if your parents/sponsor will be helping.
- What is your sponsor’s job?
Be aware of a sponsor’s job or business.
- What are your previous qualifications?
Describe your school education in chronological order.
- What made you select this field?
Link the programme to the previous programme or career aspirations.
- Where Will You Stay?
Be familiar with the accommodations.
- Have there been any family members in Turkey?
Answer honestly.
- Post-graduate Plans?
Provide a clear and realistic career plan.
You should know
University
Name, city, programme
Course
Duration and subjects
Finances
Sponsor and funding plan
Accommodation
Address/type
Education
Previous qualifications
Career
Your career Short and long-term future goals
Turkey
Basic knowledge of destination
How Should You Answer?
Keep your answers:
- Short
- Clear
- Honest
- Relevant
- In line with your documents
- Don’t use complex vocabulary.
Question: Why Turkey?
Better answer: “I chose Turkey as the programme is related to my academic qualification, the university has the specialization I’m interested in and the country is the right place to study abroad.”
Mistakes to Avoid
Do not:
- Memorize artificial answers
- Give contradictory information
- Make some predictions about your university.
- To avoid putting the pressure on your end, you can opt for Turkey for that very reason.
- Cover up previous visa denials.
- Give false financial information
Know Your Application in Detail
Review your Admission letter, programme page and visa application documents before the interview. Explain the reasons for choosing the course, the language used and its links with previous learning, duration. Check the location and accommodation of the University. Know what a preparatory year of language is. Having this information indicates that you haven’t opted for a course because you didn’t do your homework.
Prepare a Clear Financial Explanation
Be familiar with what the tuition and living costs are and have a general familiarity with who will cover those costs. If a parent or other sponsor is assisting you, understand what they do for a living and how to obtain funds to assist you. The financial documents should complement the explanation you give. Don’t memorize numbers that cannot be explained, and don’t demonstrate borrowing or unexplained money as personal funds. Be aware of what the scholarship pays for and what isn’t if it is being funded.
Keep Answers Honest and Consistent
Visa Interviews are not challenging English tests. Tell in a direct manner, answer the question. If you do not know, you are not allowed to make up information, if you do, you should explain it and refer to the official document. Examine dates of education/travel and present a consistent description. In the event that there is a gap in the study or refusal, write a sincere explanation with supporting evidence (as applicable).
Practical Checklist Before You Apply
Have an understanding of the course, university, finance, sponsor, accommodation and study plan. Ensure that the documents you use in your answer match the spoken answer and request up-to-date information from the relevant authority on the interview and visa procedure.
Final Thoughts
A student visa interview is NOT an English speaking contest. What’s most important is that you show your study plan and can explain your application in an honest way. StudyLead consultants can assist students in practising their commonly asked Turkey student visa questions, structuring the information and walk in more confident to the interview.