Three Minute Thesis (3MT)
3MT is for all currently enrolled doctoral candidates. Find out how to enter your 3MT faculty heat, to stand a chance of qualifying for the University of Auckland 3MT Finals on Friday 8 August 2025.
What is the 3MT challenge?
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.
In a 3MT competition, doctoral candidates take up the challenge of sharing the story of their research with a general audience in under three minutes, supported by nothing more than a single, static slide.
You're invited to take part in 3MT
All currently enrolled doctoral candidates are eligible to compete in the University of Auckland 3MT Competition. This includes doctoral candidates whose theses are under examination by the date of their first presentation.
Taking part in this fun celebration of doctoral research will:
- improve your presentation and communication skills
- get your research noticed by potential collaborators and employers
- help you build friendships across the University
Learn more about how the competition works and how you can prepare by attending our training sessions.
Watch videos of the 2024 3MT finalists.
Enter your 3MT Faculty Heat
| Faculty | Heat Date and Time | Heat Venue | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI) | Friday 14 February 2025 (9:45am to 10:30am) | Room 260-115 | n/a |
| Business School | Monday 9 June 2025 (1pm to 4pm) | Room 260-310 (Decima Glenn) |
Register now (closing date is Friday 6 June) |
| Faculty of Arts and Education | Wednesday 25 June 2025 (10am to 12pm) | Room 201-440 |
Register now (closing date is Monday 16 June) |
| Faculty of Engineering and Design | Tuesday 24 June 2025 (10am to 1pm) | Room 405-422 |
Register now (closing date is Friday 6 June) |
| Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences | Thursday 19 June 2025 (12:30pm to 2:30pm) | Room 503-020 |
Register now (closing date is Tuesday 10 June) |
| Faculty of Science | Wednesday 11 June 2025 (1pm to 3pm) | Room 302-G20 | Register now (closing date is Wednesday 28 May) |
Enter the 3MT Open Heat (online)
The Open Heat is intended for eligible doctoral candidates who are based off-campus, or whose faculty is not holding a Faculty Heat (Law Faculty and Liggins Institute).
Other candidates may apply to enter the Open Heat if they are unable to attend their Faculty Heat due to exceptional circumstances.
While the Open Heat is held online, the winner is expected to attend the University of Auckland Final in-person. Learn more about how the competition works and how you can prepare by attending our training sessions.
| Heat Date and Time | Heat Venue | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday 26 June 2025 (1pm to 3pm) | Zoom |
Register now (closing date is Monday 16 June) |
The University of Auckland Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition is run by the School of Graduate Studies.