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CAS Shield

Find out more information about CAS Shield, our new integrated system. Follow our step-by-step guide to successfully complete the process and receive your CAS.

You will need to complete the CAS Shield process before NTU can issue your CAS so it is a really important step in your application.

Starting the process

Once your place at NTU is confirmed, you will need to log into CAS Shield, our new integrated system.

You will need to complete the CAS Shield process before NTU can issue your CAS. Our team need time to review your documents and information so please do not delay starting this process and risk not being able to start your course.

You will receive an email from CAS Shield with a link to create your account. As soon as you receive this email, please log in to CAS Shield. You will need to create a password and set up a multi-factor authentication for your account.

Some students will not have to complete all parts of the process. You will be guided through your CAS preparation process which may include verifying your personal details, uploading relevant documents and completing an online interview.

It can take time to complete all the steps and for your documents to be verified, so we recommend you begin the process as soon as possible.

You may also find it helpful to watch a training video on how to complete all the steps on the CAS Shield platform.

How do I complete CAS Shield?

Step 1

You will be asked to complete your information checks. You can edit the information if anything is incorrect, such as the spelling of your name.

Once you tick to confirm your details, you can no longer make any changes so please check everything carefully.

Step 2

You will be asked to complete your financial checks and upload any required documents. Make sure to select all the funding options that apply such as a scholarship or loan. You should aim to provide as much detail as possible. We may need to check your financial documents so there may be some delay as we verify them.

Step 3

You will be asked to upload a series of documents which may include a copy of your passport and any previous or current UK visas. We may require evidence of any scholarships or funding you will receive.

Step 4

You may be asked to complete a Pre-CAS Questionnaire. You can complete the steps one at a time but once you complete a step, you won’t be able to edit your answers so please ensure all the information is accurate.

Step 5

You may be required to complete a pre-CAS interview where you’ll be asked a number of questions about why you chose to study at NTU. If this step applies to you, you’ll receive a request to complete the interview through CAS Shield.

Before starting the interview, please make sure you have a stable internet connection, are in a private area and have your passport ready to share.

Financial checks advice

You may be asked to share the bank details and a statement for the account you will use to apply for your visa. Please only use an accepted bank account as advised below:

Accepted

  • Only bank statements for accounts held in commercial banks are acceptable.
  • Only standard current or savings accounts can be used to evidence funds.
  • Only bank statements that have been stamped by a bank branch will be accepted.
  • Only personal bank statements are accepted - they can only be in your name or your parents.

Not accepted

  • Bank statements from banks established for specific purposes such as Rural banks, Mortgage banks, Microfinance banks, Agricultural banks, Community banks, Investment banks are not acceptable for CAS and Visa purposes.
  • Bank statements from relatives other than your parents will not be accepted.

Our webpage has detailed information about the financial requirements and the format of your evidence. Please check carefully to ensure your documents are suitable.

Official financial sponsors:

The only sponsorship letters that are acceptable are; the UK Government, your national government (not state or regional), the British Council or any international organisation or international company.  Sponsorship letters written by a local (not international) company or organisation; or by any family member other than parents will not be accepted.

Your Pre-CAS Interview

The Pre-CAS interview is an important step to showing that you are prepared for your UKVI visa application. Do not rush to complete this without first preparing, we’ve put together some advice to help you.

To strengthen your interview, it’s essential that you answer questions confidently, directly and completely, with relevant and accurate detail.

Your responses should clearly demonstrate the thorough research you have done on your:

  • UK study choice: Why you chose the UK and its education system over studying in your home country or elsewhere.
  • Course knowledge: Course content, key modules, structure, skills you will gain and how the course relates to your previous studies and interests.
  • NTU and university choice: Why you chose NTU, its strengths, teaching approach, facilities, campus and location. Compare your choice with other universities you considered.
  • Career plans: Relevant career opportunities in your home country, your short- and long-term goals, and how the course will help you achieve them.
  • Financial preparation: Tuition fees, living costs, accommodation, travel expenses, funding sources, budgeting and how you will meet UKVI financial requirements.
  • Accommodation and living arrangements: Where you plan to live, costs, location, transport to campus and whether you have relatives in the UK.
  • Academic background: Previous education, relevant subjects, achievements and how your experience has prepared you for your chosen course.
  • Working during and after study: Student visa work restrictions, plans for part-time work, and your intentions after graduation.
  • Personal circumstances: Any previous visa refusals and whether you intend to bring dependants to the UK.

Important: Use the official NTU website and, in particular, your specific course page to research your answers. Be prepared to discuss specific details and explain your reasons for choosing NTU and your course. Vague or generic answers will not be sufficient.

Please take the time to familiarise yourself with these details before your interview, as you will need to demonstrate a good understanding of your course and reasons for choosing NTU.

We are not looking for rehearsed or memorised answers. Instead, focus on carefully reading each question, thinking critically, and responding in a way that showcases your unique motivations and knowledge. You have time to review each question before the recording starts, make sure to use this time in full. Only one attempt is allowed per question.

Preparing to explain gaps in your education

UKVI may ask questions about significant gaps in your education history when assessing your Student visa application. You should be prepared to explain what you have been doing since your last period of study and why you have decided to return to education at this stage.

Consider the following before completing your CAS Shield interview:

  • Be ready to explain any periods away from formal education, including employment, further training or other relevant activities.
  • Explain why you wish to undertake your chosen course now and how it relates to your previous education, experience and future career plans.
  • Ensure you have an up-to-date, detailed CV covering your education and employment history, including dates, job titles, responsibilities and your employers’ contact details.
  • Ensure your answers provide a clear and consistent account of your education and employment history.
If you have had a significant study gap, preparing a clear explanation in advance will help you respond confidently to questions during your CAS Shield interview and any subsequent UKVI credibility interview.

Your next steps

There is no submit button so you may feel unsure about if you have completed everything - you can check the CAS checklist summary to see if there is a green tick by each section.

You will also get an email confirming everything has been submitted.

Once our team has verified all your information, we will issue your CAS by email which you can then use to apply for a visa.

Don't forget to still update us on your travel plans and arrival information through CAS Shield. You can add:

  • your flight details and arrival date
  • visa decision and share code.

This means we can know when to expect you in the UK and it will make your enrolment much quicker and easier.

Applying for your visa

Our international student support team can advise you on making a successful visa application.

NTU-approved education counsellors

Need more advice on applying and visas? We always recommend that you get advice from an NTU-approved education agency. Find one from our worldwide network near you.