3MT Competition
Present your research in just three minutes with one slide.
In 2026, the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition for doctoral students is back!
What is 3MT
The Three Minute Thesis (3MT), created by the University of Queensland (UQ), Australia, is an academic competition that puts doctoral students’ communication skills to the test. Participants have just three minutes to present their research clearly and engagingly to a non-specialist audience, using only one static slide and no props.
How it works
In 2026, the Faculty of Graduate Research will take the lead in coordinating the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition for doctoral students, which will take place at two levels.
Each Faculty organises its own 3MT heats, with the winner and runner-up from each heat advancing to the university-wide final hosted by the Faculty of Graduate Research. The top doctoral presentation from this final will go on to represent Victoria University of Wellington at the Asia-Pacific 3MT competition
Want to take part? Contact your postgraduate coordinator for registration details and to find out about any specific requirements.
For more information, see the details below:
Who can enter
- Currently enrolled PhD candidates (doctoral research students) who have successfully passed their confirmation of candidature (or equivalent milestone)
- Candidates must still be active in their candidature (including candidates whose thesis is under submission) by the date of their first presentation are eligible to participate.
- Graduates are not eligible