13 Great Questions To Ask At A University Interview

When you think of university interviews, the first thought that may come to your mind is how best to answer the interviewer’s questions.

Excellent answers will increase your chances of admittance. But even after breezing through your interviewer’s questions and nailing every response, it’s highly likely that you’ll be asked if you have any questions. To prevent any awkward silences, we’ve suggested 13 great questions to ask at a university interview.

1. What type of student succeeds at this university?

This question is a great question to ask at a university interview because it expresses your determination to succeed. The schools are searching for specific values in their students. A commitment to inclusivity, excellence, service, and diversity are some of the common qualities.

Once the interviewer answers the question, you can follow up with “What advice would you give on how I can practice it?”

You’ll demonstrate that not only are you willing to be a contributing member of the student body, you’re also eager to embody the university’s values and make them a part of your lifestyle.

2. What opportunities are available for students who love to ____ ?

Fill in the gap with one of your passions! Be that public speaking, mentoring, or playing a particular sport, it’s a great chance to remind the interviewer about your interests besides your subject. Of course, you could ask about academics too! For example, you might ask what clubs or societies exist for those who want to explore the area of biochemistry.

Asking this question is a great way to determine if the college you’re interviewing at has all the resources you need. It’s one of the best questions you can ask at a university, especially if you’re genuinely stuck deciding which university you should join. 

Related Read: How To Prepare For A University Interview

It also expresses how engaged and passionate you are about your interests. To answer this question, the interviewer may mention particular organisations or programs.

Feel free to inquire more about these to deepen the conversation. 

3. What internships or industry partnerships does my course offer?

If you’re unsure about how your course works in tandem with the university’s career department, this is a great question to ask at your university interview. It shows how serious you are in building your future career. The answers will also help you decide if the course can help you achieve your goals or not.

Some universities discuss internship offers on their website. Before asking this question, make sure you check their site. If already covered this on their site, you could use this time to request more details about their offer. 

4. What are some of the most important aspects of campus life?

Campus life does not revolve solely around academics. A marvellous university will encourage well-roundedness in their students to prepare them for the real world.

The answer to “What are some of the most important aspects of campus life?” will inform you about how the school values and improves the student experience. You might learn about unique traditions that you’ll only find on this particular campus.

With the interviewer’s answer, you will get a feel of the university’s environment to help you decide which university you’ll choose.

If there are specific things that interest you, ask more questions regarding them.

5. What are some of the existing challenges the students face at this university?

Asking this question is a perfect way to prepare yourself for university life. It also shows your willingness to participate with the rest of the community in tackling these challenges. 

The best part? You can make an educated decision by checking in with yourself. Do you have the necessary skills and resources to face the unique set of challenges this university faces? 

This question is one of the great questions to ask at a university interview because you can observe how much the school is willing to solve existing problems. Is there overcrowding? Perhaps there’s a lack of conducive study spaces for specific types of student groups? That’s fine, so long as they’re taking steps to address it and you’re ok with dealing with the challenges in the short term.

6. What could I do to improve this university?

This relates to the above question, but comes from a slightly more proactive place. You’re showing the interviewer you’re a willing contributor to the community. You’re eager to make a difference and put in the work for the benefit of everyone.

Based on the interviewer’s answer, you’ll understand what the school is pushing forward to strengthen its community.

Are they putting a premium on research this year more than anything else? Perhaps the school is more focused on creating solid partnerships with world-renowned industries. In the midst of these, how can you contribute in your own way? 

7. What sets this school apart from the rest?

Nothing could help you make your decision faster than asking this question. Each university has its strengths. It’s all about finding the right one that will help kickstart your future career. 

“What sets this school apart from the rest” is one of the best questions to ask at a university interview because it allows the interviewer to highlight the outstanding qualities of the school. 

Related Read: 60 Cambridge University Interview Questions & Oxford University Interview Questions

An active sports team, top-notch academics and even well-known alumni are fantastic qualities to look out for. It’s also an excellent way to learn more about why students choose this school over others.

8. What are the research opportunities available in this course?

Completing academic research is the synthesis of everything you will have learned during your stay at the university. It’s an excellent opportunity to apply your learnings to solve real-life problems. That’s why “What research opportunities are available in this course?” is one of the best questions to ask at an interview. 

Asking this question will show that you’re passionate about your subject and eager to learn more from the people who know it best.

9. How do students handle stress?

This question is one of the good questions to ask at a university interview because you’ll find out whether the university actively promotes healthy living. Do they give their students proper outlets to reduce stress?

Promoting team building and extracurricular activities are great ways to help relieve students from intense academic pressures. 

10. How much of the student population are international students?

Diversity, inclusivity, and equality are values that most universities share. A healthy and diverse student community is a sure sign of progress. It’s beneficial for students to have exposure to various cultures and ethnicities. 

“How much of the student population are international students?” is one of the best questions to ask at a university interview. Asking it helps you learn more about the school’s efforts to accommodate everyone and equalise education. 

11. How does the university help its students secure employment?

Being aware of the university’s career development services is crucial when choosing which school suits your goals best.

Watch out for mentoring programs, job fairs and seminars on how to search for jobs. You’ll need all the help you can to help you skyrocket your career.

12. What are the scholarship options available at this university?

If you’re looking to lighten your financial load, “What are the scholarship options available at this university?” is one of the good questions to ask at a university interview.

If you don’t find any available scholarship offerings you’re eligible for, inquire about financial aid.

What payment plans do they offer to their students? While you’re at it, you may also ask for advice on how to cover your expenses. What part-time jobs do the other students have? 

13. What is the best way to prepare for university life?

This question lets the interviewer know that you’re ready and willing to go above and beyond. It expresses how serious you are about your education, as well as your future career path. 

The interviewer might suggest that you look into academic summer programs in places like Cambridge or extra classes to help you on your way to success.

SAT, ACT courses, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities are great ways to prepare for college. 

Wrapping Up

Being prepared with a set of good questions to ask at a university interview is a must. Not only to show you’re well-prepared and foresighted but also to gauge if the university fits your goals or not. 

Asking questions and taking note of the answers is a great way to make educated decisions. Does the university have good career services to help you succeed?

Immerse’s Academic Insights programmes allow you to live and learn on some of the world’s most prestigious campuses. These programmes can help you whittle down your university and subject choices, meaning that you can ask even more specific questions to impress during your interview.

We wish you the best of luck in your university interview. Do your best!