Being shortlisted means your papers are strong. The interview is where the panel decides whether they believe your plan. Here is how to prepare.
The questions you are most likely to hear
- Tell us about yourself.
- Why did you choose this course and these universities?
- Why study abroad instead of at home?
- Describe a time you led others or solved a difficult problem.
- What will you do when you return home? Where will you be in 5 years?
- What is the biggest challenge in your field in your country, and what would you change?
- Why should we choose you over other strong candidates?
Use the STAR method for experience questions
- Situation: the context, in one sentence
- Task: what you needed to achieve
- Action: what you did (say “I”, not “we”)
- Result: what changed, with a number if possible
Example: “Our district clinic kept running out of malaria tests (S). I was asked to fix stock tracking (T). I built a simple weekly spreadsheet and trained two nurses to use it (A). Stock-outs fell from six a quarter to one (R).”
How to prepare in one week
- Re-read your application. Panels ask about what you wrote. Know every claim in it.
- Prepare 4–5 stories using STAR that show leadership, teamwork, problem-solving and impact.
- Know your courses: two modules from each and why they matter to your plan.
- Practise out loud with a friend or record yourself on your phone. Aim for 1–2 minute answers.
- Prepare one question to ask the panel at the end.
Online interview checklist (for unreliable internet)
- Test the video platform a day before.
- Have mobile data as a backup to Wi-Fi, and keep your phone fully charged.
- Plan for power cuts: charge your laptop or use a power bank.
- Choose a quiet room with light in front of you, not behind.
- Save the organisers’ contact details so you can tell them quickly if you get disconnected.
Also read: How to write a winning motivation letter.
