Pre-CAS Interview Practice / Aston University
Aston University Pre-CAS Interview Questions 2026
Why Aston · UK · Your course · Finances · Accommodation · Career · Wildcard
Updated July 2026Aston University in Birmingham runs one of the most structured pre-CAS processes in the sector. As part of the CAS request, you may be asked to complete a pre-CAS video interview to assess your eligibility for a CAS number — and Aston recommends you read its pre-CAS interview leaflet and watch its guidance recording before you take it. High-risk-area applicants are picked up automatically by the CAS Shield system; others may be invited manually.
The two-stage design is what sets Aston apart: if you don't pass the video interview, you're invited to a Face-to-Face interview conducted by Aston's Visa Compliance Credibility Officers — and if you don't pass that, you can appeal, but you won't be given a third attempt, in line with UKVI procedure. Both interviews determine your CAS eligibility, so fail them and Aston can't issue a CAS. Aston's question format is structured too: applicants report a set of around fourteen questions — a mix drawn from a pre-determined list, a couple of administrative questions, and a couple of unseen 'wildcard' questions. Aston teaches in Birmingham, London and online.
The cost of walking in unprepared
Aston University's pre-CAS process runs 5 stages. Most applicants only find out they weren't ready once the decision is made.
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Practise your pre-CAS interview5 free coaching sessions · available until used · no card needed · cancel anytimeThe Aston University pre-CAS interview process
- 1As part of the CAS request. As part of the CAS request, review Aston's pre-CAS interview leaflet and watch its guidance recording.
- 2Complete your pre-CAS video interview (high-risk-a. Complete your pre-CAS video interview (high-risk-area applicants are auto-selected via CAS Shield; others are invited manually).
- 3If you pass. If you pass, Aston progresses your CAS; if you don't, you're invited to a Face-to-Face interview with Aston's Visa Compliance Credibility Officers.
- 4Pass the interview process and Aston issues your CAS. Pass the interview process and Aston issues your CAS; fail and no CAS is issued (you can appeal, but there's no third attempt).
- 5Apply for your Student visa. Apply for your Student visa; UKVI may separately run its own credibility interview.
Real Aston University pre-CAS interview questions
Verified against university sources. The same questions Hope asks in a Aston University-style pre-CAS mock.
Why AstonUK
Your course
Finances
Accommodation
Career
Wildcard
Prepping alone vs with Merra
Without Merra
- ✕Read questions, rehearse answers in your head
- ✕First time answering out loud is the real interview
- ✕No structured feedback on how you actually come across
- ✕Find out you weren’t ready from a rejection email
With Merra
- ✓Practise out loud before the real interview
- ✓Structured evaluation and feedback after every session
- ✓Review your session history and track improvement
- ✓Personalise practice by role, company, and focus areas
Pricing
- ✓No card needed · 5 free coaching sessions available until used
- ✓Full scored feedback on every session
- ✓University-tuned mocks for Aston University and others
- ✓Recording and transcript included
- ✓Cancel anytime
Aston University pre-CAS interview FAQs
What's distinctive about Aston's process?
It's two-stage: a pre-CAS video interview first, and a Face-to-Face interview with Visa Compliance Credibility Officers if you don't pass.
How many attempts do I get?
Two — the video interview and, if needed, the face-to-face. If you don't pass the face-to-face you can appeal, but there's no third attempt.
How is it structured?
Applicants report around fourteen questions — a mix from a pre-determined list, a couple of administrative questions, and one or two unseen 'wildcard' questions.
Who gets selected?
High-risk-area applicants are picked up automatically by CAS Shield; others may be invited manually.
What should I do first?
Read Aston's pre-CAS interview leaflet and watch its guidance recording before your interview.
Related pre-CAS guides
Merra is an independent interview practice platform and is not affiliated with Aston University. Pre-CAS processes vary by university and may change without notice.
Your CAS interview decides your visa. Walk in ready.
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Practise your pre-CAS interview5 free coaching sessions · available until used · no card needed · cancel anytime