Pre-CAS Interview Practice / University of Lincoln

University of Lincoln Pre-CAS Interview Questions 2026

Your course · Why Lincoln · Your research · Career · Finances · Immigration history · Accommodation & UK

Updated July 2026

The University of Lincoln invites a select group of international applicants to a pre-CAS interview — a friendly, supportive conversation designed to check your motivation for studying in the UK and to prepare you for the UKVI credibility interview. You must complete and pass it before Lincoln issues your CAS.

Who gets invited is specific: students from Ghana, India, Iran, Iraq, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Syria are required to take part, and for the September 2026 intake students from Nigeria are included too; others may be asked on an ad-hoc basis. The interview runs 30–40 minutes on Zoom (or similar), and Lincoln usually tells you the outcome within five working days. Prepare across your course, why Lincoln, the research you did before applying, your finances, immigration history, accommodation, career plans and why the UK.

The cost of walking in unprepared

University of Lincoln's pre-CAS process runs 5 stages. You must complete and pass it before Lincoln issues your CAS.

Merra: run the University of Lincoln pre-CAS interview before it counts

Hope, Merra’s AI interviewer, runs a University of Lincoln-style pre-CAS mock out loud — the real question format, real follow-ups — then scores you on the five dimensions real interviewers use, with a recording and transcript.

  1. 1Sign up freeno card, 5 free coaching sessions available until used.
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The University of Lincoln pre-CAS interview process

  1. 1If you're selected. If you're selected, you receive an invitation to book your interview slot (check the Zoom app works on your device beforehand).
  2. 2Attend the 30–40 minute pre-CAS interview on Zoom. Attend the 30–40 minute pre-CAS interview on Zoom or a similar platform.
  3. 3Answer questions across your course. Answer questions across your course, motivation, prior research, finances, immigration history, accommodation and career plans.
  4. 4Lincoln notifies you of the outcome. Lincoln notifies you of the outcome, usually within five working days.
  5. 5Your CAS is issued only if you pass the interview. Your CAS is issued only if you pass the interview, have paid your CAS deposit, and all other checks are complete.

Real University of Lincoln pre-CAS interview questions

Verified against university sources. The same questions Hope asks in a University of Lincoln-style pre-CAS mock.

Why did you choose this course, what modules will you study, and what will you learn in them?
Your course
Why the University of Lincoln, and what other universities did you consider?
Why Lincoln
What research did you do before applying — websites, virtual events, in-country staff or an agent? (Be ready to describe your own research even if you used an agent.)
Your research
What are your career plans, and how will this course help you achieve them?
Career
How are you paying for your course, are you receiving support, and do you know the UKVI maintenance requirements?
Finances
Have you held a visa before, studied abroad, or had any visa refusals?
Immigration history
What are your accommodation plans, why the UK, and what other countries did you consider?
Accommodation & UK

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

5 coaching sessions free
then £12.99/mo or £29/quarter · Pro from £29/mo
  • No card needed · 5 free coaching sessions available until used
  • Full scored feedback on every session
  • University-tuned mocks for University of Lincoln and others
  • Recording and transcript included
  • Cancel anytime
Practise your pre-CAS interview

University of Lincoln pre-CAS interview FAQs

Who has to do Lincoln's pre-CAS interview?

Students from Ghana, India, Iran, Iraq, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Syria are required; for September 2026, Nigeria is included too. Others may be asked on an ad-hoc basis.

How long is it and on what platform?

30–40 minutes on Zoom (or similar).

Do I have to pass it?

Yes — Lincoln issues your CAS only if you pass, have paid the CAS deposit, and all other checks are complete.

When will I hear the outcome?

Usually within five working days.

I used an agent — is that a problem?

No, but be ready to talk about the research you did yourself, in addition to your agent's help.

Related pre-CAS guides

Merra is an independent interview practice platform and is not affiliated with University of Lincoln. Pre-CAS processes vary by university and may change without notice.

Your CAS interview decides your visa. Walk in ready.

Your first practice session with Hope takes 15 minutes and flags every refusal-risk answer. Free, no card, instant feedback.

Practise your pre-CAS interview5 free coaching sessions · available until used · no card needed · cancel anytime