I am currently in the process of applying for a PhD programme. I have sent off my application and it has been deemed satisfactory from an academic standpoint i.e. my degree transcript and CV. I am now only waiting for the awarding of a studentship (funding) from the college I have applied to. Last week, I received an e-mail from my potential supervisor inviting myself to have a tour of the college, visit their research group and to have lunch. I suppose the purpose of this invitation could be to:
1) Give my potential supervisor an opportunity to assess my feasibility to undertake a PhD under their supervision or
2) Give my potential supervisor an opportunity to persuade me to accept a PhD offer.
Is it safe to assume that the decision regarding the awarding of funding from the college is all but guaranteed to be successful?