U21 Three Minute Thesis Competition
About Three Minute Thesis (3MT®)
The Three Minute Thesis competition (3MT®) Global Competition challenges research students to explain their work in just three minutes to a non-specialist audience, building vital skills in communication, presentation, and impact.
Local competitions are held face-to-face, while the U21 virtual final sharpens on-camera presence, international peer review, and global research storytelling. It’s a chance for students to shine, for institutions to showcase talent, and for new collaborations to take root across the U21 network.
Why take part?
By taking part in the U21 Global 3MT® Competition you will:
- Develop Sharpened Communication & Presentation Skills – Learning to condense complex research into just three minutes improves clarity and the ability to engage non-specialist audiences. This is a valuable, versatile skill across academic and professional contexts.
- Receive International Visibility & Networking – Local 3MT® winners go on to compete in the U21 global final, gaining exposure beyond their university and expanding their professional and academic networks.
- Compete for Prizes & Recognition –
- First Prize: US $2,500
- Highly Commended: US $500
- People’s Choice: US $1,000
Who can take part?
Active PhD and Professional Doctorate Researchers who have competed in local 3MT® competitions and have been nominated by their university to compete in the global U21 competition.
Each member university selects one student to compete in the U21 Global Final which is judged by an expert international panel from academia and industry.
Key dates
The deadlines for the 2025 competition are as follows:
- Deadline for receiving videos: Thursday 15 October 2026
- People’s Choice opens: Monday 16 November 2026
- People’s Choice closes: Sunday 10 January 2027
- Winners announced week commencing 18 January 2027
Time commitment
There is no taught component for this initiative, therefore, the time commitment will vary from person to person depending on the time it takes you to prepare a 3MT® video, write an accompanying bio and promote your entry online and via your networks.
Participant reflections
Participating in the 3MT® competition was an enriching experience that significantly enhanced my confidence as a researcher, public speaker, and academic. I discovered that communicating research to a non-specialist audience is a valuable skill. It challenged me to reconsider how I frame my work and inspired me to make it more accessible and relevant to a broader audience.”
Mosa Khasu, University of Johannesburg, 3MT® participant 2024/25