15 Questions and Answers for Student Visa Interview. The student visa interview is the last stage to get permission to travel in the desired country for study purpose.

When you submit documents in the embassy, you need to book an appointment for Interview. It is a one-on-one meeting between you and Interviewer at the embassy. Therefore, You need to be well prepared to prove that you are a genuine student and want to study abroad.

Here this blog presents Important 15 questions with answers in details for International students. Every question is explained in detail with an example. So, you can get overview, how can you prepare for particular course, University and country.

The consular only wants to make sure that you are a genuine applicant who is sincerely looking to pursue his education. Embassy and Consulate Interview will be almost same as determined below for all countries including Sweden, Germany, Australia, Italy, Latvia or Poland.

Let’s go through 15 Questions and Answers for Student Visa Interview one by one.

Why do You Want to Study in this Country?

This is a really important question when it comes to Students visa Interview in the embassy. You can draw a picture in terms of quality education, affordability and culture activity. Your answer should reflect details about Universities and education system of a particular country, you are applying for studies. Mention Tuition fee, Living cost and Scholarship opportunities in your answer. Therefore, Your answer should be precise.

Here we have elaborated the answer to this question with Latvia as an example. It can help you to write an answer for a particular country you are applying for.

Example (Why do you want to study in Latvia?)

I was planning to study abroad especially in Europe. Tuition fees in Europe are generally very low compared to other continents, while many European universities are placed at the top of international university rankings. So the quality of education is really good. When I was thinking about studies in Europe, I came to know about Latvia due to comparisons with other European countries in terms of tuition fee, living cost and quality of education.

Visit: Study in Latvia: Step by Step Guide for International Students 

While, I think tuition fee, living cost and quality of education correlate with each other for effective and bright future. Latvia is the whole-some package for these three specific reasons. 

Additionally, I found Latvia so attractive for myself. Most universities are government-approved. It has tuition fee for bachelors in engineering around 2200 to 3000 EUR per year in most courses for students outside the EU. While average tuition fees for bachelor’s degrees in engineering at public universities in Europe is 4500 to 15000 EUR per year. 

When I come towards living cost comparison. Average monthly living expenses in Latvia are estimated to be between 450 and 700 EUR depending on the type of accommodation. These amounts should be enough to cover food, accommodation, transportation and other expenses. While other European countries have living expenses in-between 700 and 1000 EUR.  

This is an eye-opener difference for students from Non-EU like me. So I just closed eyes and selected Latvia for studies. So I can save money for living and transportation cost. 

It is a wonderful country for studies due to most courses are taught in English. Most universities have modern campuses with laboratory, libraries and business start-ups. So degree from Latvia is equivalent to other EU-countries in terms of quality of education. While maintaining very low cost in both living and tuition fees.  

Universities in Latvia are well known for producing high qualities in engineering and IT graduates. Its degrees are acknowledged worldwide not only in Europe. Through different surveys, 80% of foreign students are happy with life and studies in Latvia. While, Through my research on social media, I came to know about positive responses about Latvian culture and education system. 

At last, I would like to say Latvia is easily accessible internationally. It connects by air with more than 80 cities. By train, by bus and by ferry it connects with more than 100 cities. Which is very fascinating and attractive for tourism. It has a high quality of life with clean cities, low noise and save the urban environment with low crime rates.

If the Interviewer asks which Countries You searched for studies and Why did not Choose one of those Countries? 

He can Argue in between the first question also. 

You can always show a strong comparison of two to three countries with a particular country you are applying for studies. Variables can be different during a comparison of different options of study destination. As in the case of Latvia, it’s a cheap country and Tuition fee is a strong argument to build the point of view. Always think about what should be the best answer in many variables. 

So, Check here an example for deep Understanding.

Example (How you can say Latvia is a cheap country than other European countries?)

This is very important question that asked in student visa interview. I checked details on internet. So, I give you an example of few countries like Denmark, Finland, Netherlands.   

In Denmark, public universities for non-EU students cost tuition fee between 5000 and 15000 EUR per year. While in Finland Average tuition fees for non-EU students can be between 4,000 and 18,000 EUR per year, available in both public and private universities. Meanwhile, In Netherlands Non-EU students pay tuition fee between 6,000 and 20,000 EUR per year. Which you can say is quite more than Latvia. 

When we do the comparison with living cost. In Finland, The average monthly living expenses for a student are approximately 700-900 EUR. In the Netherlands, the student should be prepared to spend an average of between 700 and 1,000 EUR per month when studying in the Netherlands. In Denmark, the student should prepare to spend an average of between 750 and 900 EUR per month when studying in Denmark.

Why You Choose this Country instead of your Homeland?

Another important question for students visa interview Interview. Draw comparison in the education system, carrier opportunities and new culture exposures. Check this example to clearly understand the question and apply the learning for a particular country accordingly.

Example (Why you choose Latvia not your homeland?)

There are quite a few reasons, which I would like to mention here for this particular question.  

 First of all is  Education system  

The strong reason for me to consider studying in Latvia is for the chance to experience a different style of education. 

Pakistani students are used to a passive style of learning in which more emphasis is on theoretical studies. I will get the experience of a more engaging and active learning style when studying in Latvia. This may involve active learning through class participation, dialogue exchange, case studies and practical off- and on-campus experiences that make learning fun and meaningful. I think this can boost my confidence and communication skills. 

• Education  System in Sweden
• Higher Education in Luxembourg
• Higher Education system in Austria 
• Types of Higher Education Institutions in Germany
• Types of Italian Higher Education System

The next most important reason to choose Latvia is, Career Opportunities can be numerous after completing my degree. 

Additionally, The study experience in a foreign country does matter to any future employer in my homeland. It shows them that you can thrive and grow in an environment away from your comfort zone.

Meanwhile, I will have the chance to experience a new culture for me. Therefore, That would be amazing to find incredible new foods, customs, traditions and social atmospheres. 

Besides, when you are studying in Latvia, you won’t be limited to travelling in just the nation in which you are studying – you can see neighboring countries as well. That’s exciting. 

While, I will make new friends from different part of the world with different cultures. Through which you learn a lot. That means, to solve one issue, you have many different approaches, which is exciting. So, I will learn many ways to improve my life. When you see diverse situations and behaviours, that helps in problem-solving. 

This will be the first time, I am going to experience living alone away from family. With no family to make my meals, freshly-pressed clothes or to support me on tough days emotionally. So, it’s the ultimate crash course on how to be a fully-fledged adult. But as they say, at some point, everyone needs to learn how to stand on their own.

Why You have Chosen this Specific Course?

First of all, course should be relevant to your previous studies. Therefore, It’s really important and on the second step, visit a particular university you got admitted and read every bit of information about the course. So you would be able to explain it with full confidence.

Check here an example where the answer is for bachelors in mechanical engineering. 

I have finished high school diploma from a renowned high school. It is mainly aimed at mathematics and Physics. I have performed well in these courses. While, I enjoyed mathematics and Physics most in high school. During the last two years I have realized, choosing this distinct field of study is purely based on passion. By picking out this as a profession, I would enjoy doing the most. Now I want to Challenge myself through Advanced courses of mathematics and Physics. 

I have read information about ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY, MECHANICS AND   MECHANICAL ENGINEERING on RTU website with great interest. 

As well as having looked through the degree content, my desire has increased. There is a broad range of specialisation possibilities after completing this course.

What is Course Structure and Subjects, You are admitted in? 

This question is co-related with the last question Why you have chosen this course? 

So, It’s a detailed answer about the particular course. You might do not need to explain fully, but command on course structure and subjects even would be helpful during studies in university and an interview in the embassy.

Again check here example of bachelors of mechanical engineering in Riga Technical University. 

It is Bachelor Degree of Engineering Sciences in Mechanical Engineering under faculty of transport and mechanical engineering at RTU. While, It is taught in English and its duration is 3 years. It has 180 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). 

This programme is quite well structured. 

This degree programme has compulsory subjects, compulsory elective study courses, field-specific study courses and precise portion of Humanities and social sciences study courses and free elective study courses. While, It has compulsory subjects for Latvian language and Latvian culture, which can be good. So, It will help me to learn the Latvian language and view culture as an outsider. At the end of the degree, it has a bachelor thesis. 

Compulsory subjects are mathematics, physics, mechanics, general chemistry, structures and properties of engineering materials, Fundamentals of Computer Science, Fluid Mechanics and Construction of Machines and Mechanisms.  

While elective subjects are Basics of Production Automation, Mechanics of Composite and Elastic Materials, Fundamentals of Medical Physics. Meanwhile, Business communication and General Sociology are humanities and social sciences courses.

Why You Select this Particular University?

One of the most important questions during the Interview. Prepare answer by visiting the website of a particular university, you got admitted in.

Check here an example of Riga Technical University and Prepare answer Accordingly.

Question can be 

Why You Select the RTU for Studies?

That is dream come true if you get a chance to study at big and renowned university. RTU is one of best technical university of Latvia, which is located in the capital of Latvia, Riga. 

It offers the course I am passionate about. If I am not wrong it is the only university in the capital of Latvia that offers this course, that I am passionate about. So, This is only one course I applied in Latvia. While, There are other technical universities like Turiba University, Riga Stradins University and the university of Latvia in Riga city. But these universities do not offer the bachelors in mechanical engineering currently. I liked the course module of RTU. It has faculty and student’s ratio as good as other well-known institutions of Europe. RTU has a good reputation in innovations, learning environment and teaching. It has a good reputation for research. It has good laboratories and research labs. Professors are really cooperative and very good in teachings.

 RTU got recognition and It is highly ranked in international ratings. Its most sustainable and environmentally friendly higher education institution in Latvia. Graduates have greater chances in the labour market and their carrier can take off quickly after graduation. At last, through different social websites, I got a great response and positive feedback.

What You know about the City, in which you have Chosed University?

Get all details about the city, where the university is located. It shows a good impression on Interviewer that you are a serious student and well planned for your study tour. RTU is located in the capital of Latvia.

So we have mentioned all the important information about Riga in this question’s example.

What you know about the city Riga?

It is the capital of Latvia. There are 19 universities in Riga. More than 86000 students study. it is growing, as more and more students from abroad decide to study in Latvia. It has a population of more than 700,000. This city is more than 800 years’ old. It is a blend of modern and medieval buildings. The narrow streets of the Old Town date to medieval time. Riga is considered a major cultural centre. Riga was designated European Capital of Culture in 2014, and there are many notable museums and performance art spaces as well.

if you decide to study in Riga, you get to experience a city with many fellow university students and strong youth culture, but also a city with a well-known tradition of being easy-going. Riga offers a supportive learning environment especially suited to the varied interests and needs of international students. With such high quality, but affordable universities, there is something for everyone.

Residents of Riga enjoy a comparably dense public transport network, served mostly by trams and buses. The city is connected via Riga International Airport (RIX). It is the largest airport in the Baltics and offers direct flights to largest cities in Europe, primarily through the national carrier air Baltic.

What is Cost of Living in that City?

Again this question inter-related with the last one. You should have an idea about the cost of living in a particular city you are going to live in. As like of Riga city of Latvia. 

What is cost of living in Riga?

Well, I am planning to get accommodation in Riga. While different rates for flats, which are as follows. 

• Student hostels70 EUR – 120 EUR, Solo flat: 250 EUR – 350 EUR 
• Shared flat: 100 EUR – 200 EUR. While food cost 120 EUR – 250 EUR.  
• Public transport with student discounts is 16 EUR per month (buses, trams).

What are Your Future Plans after Completing Studies?

The question about Future Plans can be asked in many ways.

Where you see yourself from now on to 5 years? OR

What do you see yourself doing after university?

As you can see, the same question can be asked in many ways. It is always a tricky question to answer. Prepare an answer which should be related to your studies, you are going to complete in future at a particular university.  

Check here an example of Mechanical engineering to answer about plans. It will give you an idea about, how to prepare an answer.

As I am planning to study bachelors in mechanical engineering. So my complete focus is on the next three years’ studies. I aim to perform well in my studies for this and learn all the necessary skills. My priority would be to good mechanical engineer, skilled at science and mathematics, and good at problem-solving. I would love to use my knowledge and skills to develop solutions to help improve mechanical processes and products and can work in a variety of sectors, including manufacturing or automation or robotics or product development or power. 

Maybe I will be an entrepreneur in future. Maybe I will study management courses. Engineer and management skills can be a deadly combination. As management plays an important role in entrepreneurship. I would like to explore many options in the future. It can be a job; it can be my own company. The daily challenges excite me, so right now I am planning day today.

What can You bring to the University?

Answer with a positive mindset for this question. 

“People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing.”

Dale Carnegie

As an enthusiastic member of my school debating society, I enjoy academic debate, so I think I’d be able to contribute a lot to class discussions.

“The rare individual who unselfishly tries to serve others has an enormous advantage.”

Dale Carnegie

I’m good at organising things, and keen to get involved with running events for the department. I love giving presentations, especially preparing great handouts, so I think I’d be particularly useful when it comes to group work.

What is the Passive Style of Learning?

Here comes another Important question, that might be asked by Interviewer. You should be prepared to answer this one. Check here answer in details with an example. This shows two different education system. The European education system is based on practical and class participation while in Asia education system is of passive style. 

This is the very common style of teaching in Pakistan. Where the teacher explains theoretical information on the white board. Students participation is almost zero in lectures. So, That’s how the whole subject or course is explained by the teacher.

How do ECTS Credits Work?

This question is good to know for your knowledge and might be asked in Interview.

By completing a course, seminar, or module, you get awarded ECTS-credit points. Every ECTS credit point represents the amount of workload you accomplished in that period of time.

Some examples of ECTS credits assigned per degree type are:

• 1 year of studies – 60 ECTS-credits 
• 3-year Bachelor’s programme – 180 ECTS-credits 
• 2-year Master’s programme – 120 ECTS-credits 

Not all ECTS Credits are Created Equal:

This means that usually a module or course with 10 ECTS credits has approximately twice the workload of a course with 5 ECTS. But why just in theory? Depending on the country, one ECTS credit point can equal on average between 25 and 30 study hours.

Examples include:

• Austria, Italy, and Spain – 1 ECTS = 25 study hours 
• Finland – 1 ECTS = 27 study hours 
• The Netherlands, Portugal – 1 ECTS = 28 study hours 
• Germany, Belgium, Romania and Hungary – 1 ECTS = 30 study hours 

Study hours (also known as work hours) are estimates because you might spend much more time on a course you are not so familiar with and maybe way less on another course, which is exactly in your field of interest and expertise. 

What are Your Weaknesses?

To properly answer this dreaded interview question, remember: Focus on being self-aware, honest, and dedicated to improvement. So, If you’ve got these three qualities, your weakness won’t ruin your chances of landing the residence permit for studies. Try to reflect on your real weaknesses and what you’re doing to improve.

See what will Bachelor’s degree candidate answer, a weakness question. For master’s students, the answer might be different. 

What will you do Besides Study?

The answer should focus on extracurricular activities. It’s Purely based on Individual preferences. 

Example (What will you do in Latvia beside study?)

I would like to explore the beautiful cities of Latvia and other European countries on my holidays. While, I will learn about different languages or cultural values. I will make friends from different backgrounds. Meanwhile, I will have more time to myself, so I can practice writing, drawing, singing, yoga, cooking, running, graphic design, touch typing, IT skills or reading up on my chosen career path – skills which will enhance my CV and make me a more interesting, well-rounded candidate. 

So, I will talk more, and in more depth, to the people who matter to Me. A mixture of loneliness and social media will make me open up to my friends and family, and could even improve my relationship with them.

What You have done in your Study gap period?

Have you study gap? 

My study gap period is not too much. It’s almost a year. I have been a tutor during this period. Therefore, I was teaching to the children who cannot get a quality education. At the same time, I took workshops to enhance my communication skills and exposure to life itself. I was researching for studies in Europe.

Important points to consider during Interview

If you don’t understand, ask Interviewer can you please repeat the question. 

Meanwhile, If you don’t know any answer. Tell him/her straight I do not know the answer, instead of silence. 

So you can keep calm. If you prepare the questions mentioned above and practice as much as you can. You should not worry about anything. Well preparation means, you will get a positive response from the embassy. 

You can avoid nervousness and anxiety by only practice.

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