What is a VISA interview by the University? Why do I need to this? Why cant I just appear for the VISA interview at the embassy?

I have been asked by the University after they issued me an offer letter to appear for a VISA interview? Why is the University conducting such interviews? What purpose would it solve? And if I fail this interview, then what?

Sometimes Universities try to assess your profile and would include a VISA interview to see how you would fare in the real VISA interview at the embassy. It can include almost a similar line of questioning which an officer at the embassy might take. These interviews serve the twin purpose of helping the students with a preparatory round, and also assessment for the University before they sponsor a candidate. The University can also reject an application if the candidate performs very badly at the interview, after all they are sponsoring the student for the VISA and therefore have the right to reject candidates at this stage too. 

Most of the Universities do this as a support to the student so the student can prepare for a gruelling interview at the embassy, where chances of failure are high if the student is not prepared, and such a failure can result in permanent rejection of the students' prospects for obtaining VISA for that country. I have prepared a list of questions and answers to help students here. See link......