Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT) is an academic research communication competition developed by the University of Queensland (UQ), Australia. It is an exciting, fast-paced event that is held annually in more than 900 universities in 85 countries.

This entertaining event gives thesis students the chance to present their research to a large audience while competing for a number of generous prizes. The presentation must be no more than three minutes, incorporating only one static PowerPoint slide. The overall University of Canterbury Doctoral winner will then go on to participate in the online Asia-Pacific 3MT® final. 

First Place: $3000 research grant

Second Place: $1500 research grant

Third Place: $750 research grant

Peoples Choice award: $500 research grant

The top Doctoral candidate will represent UC at the Asia-Pacific virtual event finals (hosted by the University of Queensland). Note this will be a recorded submission and support will be provided around recording.

The competition is open to:

Master's Research Students who are currently enrolled in a thesis (90 points or greater).

Doctoral Candidates who have successfully passed their confirmation milestone (including candidate whose thesis is under examination) by the date of their first presentation are eligible to participate in the 3MT competitions at all levels, including the Asia-Pacific 3MT competition. Graduates are not eligible.

Pre-confirmation doctoral candidates who are active in program are still eligible to participate in the UC 3MT competition for the first round of their relevant competition (Department or Faculty) but cannot advance to the second round or the UC 3MT Final.

UC Master's and Doctoral Thesis students must communicate their research in no more than three minutes, with the help of only one static title slide, with the presentation aimed at to a non-specialist audience. 

Each Faculty runs its own 3MT heats, with the heat finalists progressing to the 3MT finals held at the Research Student Showcase Event. The best doctoral entry will represent UC at the Asia-Pacific 3MT competition on Wednesday 15th October 2025 (virtual event). 

We are excited to announce that this year we will be hosting a live finals event once more! 

Title Slide: All entries will need to include a static title slide, check with your Department Coordinator about these requirements or download the standard 3MT title slide here: https://learn.canterbury.ac.nz/mod/resource/view.php?id=3653305 (clicking this link will download the file directly to your device). 

View 3MT competition rules

3MT Judging Criteria

3MT Competitor Guide