Preparing for a university interview: common questions, sample answers and tips

Short answer: Many foreign universities hold admission interviews, especially for medicine, business, creative fields and scholarship programmes. The committee checks your motivation, interest in the field and communication skills. Going in prepared changes the result significantly.

Interview types

• Academic interview: subject knowledge and thinking ability (for example Oxford, Cambridge).
• Motivation interview: why this programme and this university.
• MMI (multiple mini interviews): ethics and scenario questions in medical programmes.
• Portfolio interview: in design and art programmes.
• Credibility interview: a pre-visa check by some UK universities.

Common questions

• Tell us about yourself.
• Why did you choose this field?
• Why our university and this country?
• What are your plans after graduation?
• Give an example of how you solved a difficult situation.
• What is the last book or news item related to your field that you read?

Answer structure

For scenario questions use the STAR method: situation, task, action and result. Answers should be specific, short and based on personal experience. Speak consistently with what you wrote in your motivation letter.

Online interview rules

• Check your internet, camera and microphone in advance.
• Choose a quiet, well-lit room with a simple background.
• Install the platform (Zoom, Teams) in advance.
• Turn off phone notifications.

Common mistakes

• Knowing nothing about the university.
• Memorised, robotic answers.
• Presenting the scholarship or the country as your only motivation.
• Not asking a question at the end — have one or two questions ready for "Do you have any questions for us?"

Preparation plan

• Read the university and programme pages.
• Prepare answer notes for 10–15 questions.
• Do at least 2–3 mock interviews (in English).
• Record yourself on video and review your speech.

Frequently asked questions

Will the interview be in English?

Usually yes for English-taught programmes. It is also a check of your language level.

How does a State Programme interview work?

It has its own rules; check the official information from the State Programme.

Note: interview formats vary by university and programme. Read the instructions in your invitation carefully.

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