Sponsorship Interview Questions - 1

Sponsorship Interview Questions Immigration History Question Please give us a brief overview of your immigration history?

Tips/ Answers Tips: If you have any visa refusals in the past and you have declared it to University in your application then mention it clearly.

Have you ever applied for a visa? Have you received any visa refusal? Please could you fully explain the circumstances of the refusal? (declared in their IHQ) Education History Please could you list your education history from the age of 16? Please include any study not completed. What was the last course of study you completed? When was this? Can you confirm to us any previous study; including any not completed. If not completed successfully – Why did you not complete your previous course(s)? Was any study incomplete? Please can you tell me why your study was incomplete?

Month & Year of last qualification completed/attained.

What was the date you completed your last study? Have you been employed in this time? Why are you choosing to return to study now? Is the new course a change of discipline? Why do you wish to change discipline? Which English test did you take? Which test centre did you use? Which component did you score the highest in?

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You should know exactly which test did you attempt, date of test, overall score, score of each sub skill and date of award etc. Student who have not done IELTS they should know on what basis they have met the English Language requirements of the University

Why UK in comparison to other Study Destinations & Universities: Why have you chosen to study in the UK?

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I am eager to attain quality degree which is recognized across the world. Quality of education system in the UK is far ahead compared to many other countries UK Universities are well reputed and highly respected in the corporate world. UK is the most popular destination for international students especially for engineering/computing/business/medical/ art & design/ technology/law studies. It will give me immense opportunity not only to learn British culture but also to associate and socialize with people from different origins.

You may add couple of more relevant Did you consider studying in another Tips: country? Or You should have done some research into other countries like US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Did you consider studying outside China, Germany being most desired study destination and some emerging markets like Malaysia, the UK? If so which countries? Turkey, Sweden, Norway, Finland, UAE, Singapore Which universities/colleges did you apply? If not why not? You should have clear idea of entry requirements, fee, living costs, duration, benefits, disadvantages etc.

Did you research any other country before deciding on study in the UK? Which universities or colleges you applied in the UK? Or

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Which other colleges/universities did you consider?

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Where do these universities rank in comparison to UH? Why did you not choose any other institution/university you apply?

You should describe you have done extensive research at your own on UK institutions which helped you shortlisting. You applied to shortlisted institutions and received response/ offers You should conduct comparative analysis of key features or considerations of each university which are important in decision making e.g. Teaching excellence, employment rate, overall ranking, subject ranking, student satisfaction, fee, living costs, location, reputation of University, academic facilities, campus facilities, course contents and structure etc.

Tips: Here comparative analysis will help you answering this question. Do not give reasons like lower living costs, less fee, weak quality of education, duration of course etc. You should have atleast one solid reason of declining each university you applied or considered. Your reasons of declining other universities should be logical and give a positive illustration of your decision rather vaguely negative. E.g. Course contents and modules offer extensive knowledge, professionally wider scope, specific academic or learning facility etc.

Why University of Hertfordshire? Why did you choose the University of Hertfordshire? If ranking mentioned Do you know where the University of Hertfordshire is ranked? What about your other choices?

Choosing an institution is a complicated task. However, there are number of reasons and facts which convinced me to choose UH for my higher Education: 1- Recognition of Excellence in Teaching: The University of Hertfordshire has achieved the top gold ranking in the Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2018. This award recognises UH students’ excellent progression rates to employment and that students from all backgrounds achieve consistently outstanding outcomes.

Why did you choose your preferred institution? What advantages did University of Hertfordshire have over the other institutes you considered?

commitment and success in teaching is related to : -

Work-based learning, entrepreneurship and enterprise Employability and transferable skills into the curriculum with co-curricular awards that lead to professionally accredited qualifications A curriculum informed by research, business and the professions A high level of investment in physical and digital resources, which are accessible to all students The extensive widening participation agenda, with high quality support through personalised learning Engagements with students as partners in teaching and learning, by offering extensive opportunities outside traditional learning environments

2- Graduate employment rate rises to a new record high 96.5% - the best employment rate of graduates in the east of England region and outscoring several Russell Group Universities, including both Oxford and Cambridge as per National Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey data released in 2018. UH students are in work or further study six months after graduating; well above the national average for the UK (94.6%). Conducted by the UK’s Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), the data ranks the University of Hertfordshire 23rd out of 124 universities in the UK. Five of the University’s Schools achieved employment rates of above 95% - Life and Medical Sciences, Humanities, Hertfordshire Business School, Education and the School of Health and Social Work which scored a remarkable 99.6%. 73% of Employed graduates earn over GBP20000 per annum within 6 months as per Destination of Leavers Survey rom higher Education 2016/17 78% of graduates are employed in professional or managerial jobs within 6 months. 3- Excellent Student Satisfaction: Herts has received excellent feedback from students in 2018 National Student Survey (NSS), scoring 83.49% for overall student satisfaction, which is ahead of the sector average. 4- Rankings: UK:

a- The Complete University Guide 2020 league table, ranked UH 74th (86th in 2019 and it has been named as a ‘notable climber’ by the independent guide. The annual guide also ranked subjects Food Science, Social Work, Optometry Ophthalmology & Orthoptics and Medical Technology in the top 20 in the UK. b- Ranked no 65 as Best Universities in the UK 2019 by Times Higher Education c- Ranked no 66 in Top Universities in the UK 2019 by QS International: a- Ranked 601-800 by The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019. b- Ranked 101-150 as per Young University Rankings 2018 by The Times Higher Education c- Ranked 751-800 by QS Global World Rankings 2019 Subject Specific: Please see web page of course or refer to International Guide for subject specific stats. 5- Accredited teaching: Our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are accredited by bodies such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, Association of MBAs, EPAS, Institute of Engineering & Technology, Nursing and Midwifery Council and the Solicitors Regulation Authority to name but a few. 6- Strong links with industry: The University of Hertfordshire has established fantastic links with blue chip companies over many years ensuring your degree is connected to a global network of industry leaders. We have received support from companies including Microsoft, Samsung, Sony Music and many more. 7- Modern Campus, Impressive learning and award winning facilities: Our campus is home to the £38 million Forum Hertfordshire, which is a vital part of Hertfordshire's live music and club scene. Our latest investment of £50 million on a state-of-the-art Life and Medical Sciences building which opened in 2016. As well as our £10m Law Court building, voted the eight most impressive law school building in the world! The University of Hertfordshire is home to a £15 million Sports Village on it's de Havilland Campus with climbing walls, indoor and outdoor sports pitches and rock climbing wall. Additionally, on our College

Lane Campus, we offer a smaller cardio and resistance weight gym for those who don't want to go to the other campus for their work out. First- class Learning facilities and wide range of specialist study facilities

8- Location: The University of Hertfordshire is based in Hatfield, a town just 25 minutes from central London by train. There is plenty to see and enjoy while you study with us, surrounded by the beautiful British countryside of Hertfordshire, whilst also being able to experience the highs of London living within close reach. Our campuses are a short distance away from five international airports making it easier to travel from almost any country in world! The nearest airports are: London Luton Airport, London Heathrow Airport, London Gatwick Airport, London City Airport, London Southend Airport 9- Safe Campus: Living at the University of Hertfordshire you will be able to enjoy the facilities on one of our multimillion pound campuses at one of the safest University locations in the East of England. 2nd safest university town in the East of England as per Complete university Guide Crime Statistics England Wales 2017. We also offer guaranteed accommodation for all first year international students as they tend to find it more safe and convenient. 10- Large Alumni network: With over 200,000 alumni including 27000 global alumni from 190 countries and 31 International Alumni Chapters. This is true demonstration of quality and progress. 11- Others: a- Awards by Times Higher Education in 2018 b- Clubs & Societies c- Vibrant and Diverse Social Life d- Careers & employment team e- Student wellbeing

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Do you know how large the university is, how many students are studying? Can you briefly tell me about University of Hertfordshire? Can you give me a quick overview of this institution?

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International Student support

Mainly it has two country side campuses spread over 125 acres of land in Hatfield- a) DeHavilland and b) College Lane campus. College Lane campus is quite large and houses most of schools (School of Engineering & Technology, School of Computer Science, Creative Arts, Life & Medical Sciences, Health & Social Work, Physics Astronomy & Mathematics) Whereas De-Havilland is a newly built campus and it houses Hertfordshire Business School, Hertfordshire Law School and School of Education and School of Humanities. There are more than 25000 students studying at Hertfordshire out of which more than 4980 are international students representing over 100 different nationalities. So, it offers a rich multi-cultural environment to International students and an ease to adjust and accommodate.

Tips: What facilities are available at the University of Hertfordshire? What facilities are available at UH? What facilities are your expecting at UH?

Top 10 University for facilities spend as per Complete University Guide 2020 https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/universities/top-ten-uk-universities-for-facilitiesspend/?entry=9 Categorize facilities into Academic & Learning, Specific School, campus & Social facilities ab-

Academic and Learning Experienced teachers Learning Resource Centre for study materials, computing facilities, printing and more Library & Computer Suite Online Library Study net (UH student learning portal) Individual School facilities You should refer to atleast 2-3 specialist facility of your relevant school. Please click on relevant school below to read more.

Law School School of Engineering & Technology

School of Life & Medical Science Creative Arts Computer Science School of Health & Social Work School of Education School of Physics, Astronomy & Mathematics cCan you tell me about any facility the University has for your course? Can you tell me one specific facility which you did not find in other institutions? What made the UH facilities stand out compared to other institutions?

Campus and Social On campus accommodation, pharmacy and bank Hertfordshire sports village and Oval Gymnasium Indoor gaming areas Variety of cafes and restaurants Number of social lounges for students International Student support Student Union Entertainment facility Clubs & Societies Help & Support

Where is the University? Or Where is University located in the UK? Or Can you tell me anything about Hatfield? What research you have done about this town?

The university is in Hatfield- a town almost 30 minutes away from central London. - In easy access of all London Airports - Direct train service run between Hatfield and Kings Cross London. Easy train links to travel all across the UK. - Hatfield’s population is just over 44,000 and major attractions are Hatfield House, St Albans Cathedral, Hatfield War Memorial. - Nearby towns are St Albans, London Colony, Watford, Welwyn Garden, Harlow - Galleria shopping mall and Odeon Cinema are at walking distance - Forum (entertainment venue) is at College Lane Campus of University of Hertfordshire. - Distance: 32 km/ 20 miles from North of London. 23 km/14 miles from London Luton Airport

Why this course: Can you describe the course you will be studying? What will be your study pattern? (hours- days of the week)

Are you required to do a work placement as part of your course? If yes, when will you be doing the placement and how many hours will it be?

You should have a clear idea of: - duration of course, number of taught semesters and modules - Titles of each module along with credits. - Scope of Dissertation - Full time course (15-20 direct contact hours with min 20 hours self study) - Lectures are 2-4 days a week - Credit hours for entire course & annually See web page of course and course specifications Answer this question carefully. Tips: -

Placement is not guaranteed and its optional. You should not give any hint that it is the only reason of choosing UH.

Does this course has any professional recognition How your chosen course will be assessed?

See web page of course and course specifications See web page of course and course specifications Tips: -

Courses are assessed usually through seminars, lectures, presentation, group work, course work, research work/dissertation, mid-term and end term exams etc.

See web page of course and read course specifications thoroughly

Post-graduate only How does the course you have chosen relate to your previous studies? If same level study – Why have you chosen this course at this level?

It is only applicable to students who have specifically studied level 7 course in the UK and applying for another course at same level. Tips: -

Can you tell me about any modules you are particularly interested in?

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You should highlight few modules/subjects you studied in your previous qualification and related to advance level of modules and enhanced learning outcomes of the course you intend to study or career prospects. Part of admission process we usually require justification statement and you may have already given strong justification You should thoroughly review and evaluate learning outcomes of each modules and identify one to two distinguish modules which are directly linked with your interest background and future career

Career: How will this course, combined with your previous study benefit your future career plans? Or How does this course help you achieve your future plans?

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Give brief overview of academic and professional background and highlight notable aspects Relate to the course or key modules you are intending to study Correlate specific learning and knowledge of your course to your precise future jobs/positions. Your answer should not be general or casual or ill prepared. You should explain to Interviewer pragmatically and logically.

Are you currently employed/been employed in the field you have chosen to study? If are currently employed then ask what is going to happen with the job if they study at UH

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If you have been employed in relevant field then do mention it clearly and relate it properly. If you have not worked or been employed in relevant field then do deliberately relate to your skills and knowledge.

Tips: What job can you get with the qualification you have and the one you are studying for?

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You should clearly mention the job titles you are anticipating to start your career and level (e.g. MTO, middle or senior management) You should have clear understanding of the industries or sector you can get employment

What job do you intend to work as? Can you tell me more about how you will attain this career? What do you plan to do once you have finished the course?

What is your expected salary upon returning to your home country? What salary do you expect to get on completion of this course? What salary you are expecting on completion of course? Where have you go this figure from?

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This varies from case to case. This should relate to your career plans e.g. employment, entrepreneurial project etc. Also there are limited options to extend stay in the UK legally so possibly students will be returning to their home country. Additionally, in order to prove genuine intent to study in UK student should clearly declare that he is aiming to start his professional career. You should have done extensive research related to expected salary, package of perquisites and retirements benefits. You can refer to newspaper advertisements, popular job portals in Pakistan or in your region. You can also refer job portals for skills and knowledge required, qualification, expertise required and range of salary offered.

** All facts and figures should be logical. Sometimes you need to purposely magnify.

Funding: Can you confirm how much the course costs? How much funds do you need to have for maintenance?

As per Tier 4 Student Visa Guidance notes, UH is outside of London and I need to show GBP1023 per month for a period of 9 months. So for 9 months it amounts to GBP9207

How much it will cost you to complete this course in full?

Add annual fee and add annual living expense and multiply it with no of years of course duration

Who will be paying your fees & living support? If parents paying, how are they able to fund you? Or Who is funding your studies? Or Who is your financial Sponsor? How are you/they able to afford your tuition fee and maintenance? How much your financial sponsor earn per year in Pakistani Rupees? What job do your parents have? Do you know your household income? Are you required to return this funding to your financial sponsor? Why are they funding your studies?

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In Pakistan, parents usually support their children out of their personal savings. Visa officer may ask income of parents and source of funds. In case parents, real income is not justifiable or logical then reasonably exaggerate taking into account number of dependents on this income Do mention parents have paid fee and set aside funds for maintenance out of their personal savings for years. Visa Officer may ask if you need to pay back this amount to your parents at any point in future. Then you should clearly say parents have not placed such condition and it is not the normal or cultural norm here in this country.

Tips: Will anyone be accompanying you to UK? If so, how will they be supported?

This is not applicable for majority however if a student is less than 18 then parents may want to accompany him for initial period of 1-2 weeks.

Accommodation: Where will you live? What accommodation is available at Hertfordshire? Which university accommodation do you plan on staying in? Do you know anything about the costs and the facilities offered with this type of accommodation?

University has more than 5000 rooms at the campus Categories and types of accommodation: (check the updated cost) Single en suite-de Havilland Campus: GBP ____ per week Townhouse: GBP _____ per week Single: GBP ______ per week Single en suite-College Lane Campus: GBP _____ per week Enhanced Room: GBP _____ per week Studio Room: GBP ______ per week Twin Room: GBP ______ per week Contract duration: 42 or 50 weeks Facilities: Bed with underneath storage, Beside cabinet with storage shelf, Disk with drawers, bookcase and desk lamp, Desk chair, Pinboard, Wardrobe, Wifi, Power Sockets, TV aerial socket, Ensuite with shower, toilet and sink, Quiet, Lifestyle and single-sex rooms available, Fridge, freeze and microwave, Single bed with underneath storage, Self-contained flat, 4th bed with underneath storage, Easy chair, Wardrobe, 2 hobs and a sink, Eating area with table and 2 chair

How do you intend to travel to your place of study? (Route/journey time/cost) Do you know how far your accommodation is from the

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We advise you should be claiming to live at on campus accommodation only. In this case, we have halls of residence at both campuses and walking distance from halls to school building is 2-5 mins maximum. In such situation, you would not need to use bus or take a train hence you will not incur any travel cost. Always say you have applied for on campus accommodation or will be applying.

University and how long the journey time is?

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You have applied online for on campus accommodation and gave four preferences.

Miscellaneous: Do you have any family or friends living in the UK? What relation are they and what is/are their names

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Ideally you should not mention any distant family members or friends living in the UK. However if a very close relative like brother, Sister, father or mother are living then do not attempt to hide this fact.

Do you intend to work? or Do you intend to work alongside your studies? Or Do you know Tier 4 rules regarding working hours?

I am entitled to work part time i.e. 20 hours per week. However, I am not planning to work as I have required funds available to me for maintenance and tuition fee. I may work part time in summer break. I intend to keep my focus on my studies as nature of course is intense and I want to attain high degree classification.

Additional Q2.

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Campus of your School Did you use any agent? Or Who assisted you in your admission and visa process? Have you understood all the questions in English? Are you happy with the conduct of interview? Where will you be making your visa application from?

You should know in which campus your school is located.

Your opinion yes or no matters

In case line is not clear and you are unable to hear during the interview due to distortion, noise or bad line please register this complaint as many times as you can. If you have experienced distortion, noise or bad line then clearly say “no” Mention City where you will submit your visa application at VAC.