Three Minute Thesis (3MT)
Be inspired by our 3MT highlights reel and find out how to register for your faculty heat in 2026.
What is 3MT?
The Three Minute Thesis (3MT) is an academic research communication competition developed by the University of Queensland. More than 900 universities in 85 countries take part in this exciting, fast-paced, annual event.
In a 3MT competition, doctoral candidates share the story of their research with a general audience in under three minutes, supported by only a single, static slide.
The University of Auckland 3MT competition is brought to you by the School of Graduate Studies (SGS). Faculty Heats take place in June each year, with the winners qualifying for the University of Auckland 3MT Final in August.
The winner of the University of Auckland 3MT Final goes on to represent the University internationally in the Asia-Pacific Virtual 3MT Competition and the U21 Virtual 3MT Competition.
2026 schedule
- 17 March: Entries open
- 30 April: Entries close
- May: Training workshops
- June: Faculty Heats
- Date tbc: University of Auckland 3MT Final
Enter your 3MT Faculty Heat
2026 dates will be announced soon.
| 3MT Heats | Date | Time | Registration link |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABI | |||
| Arts and Education | |||
| Business and Economics | |||
| Engineering and Design | |||
| FMHS | |||
| Law | |||
| Liggins | |||
| Science | |||
| Open Heat |
Prizes
- Citizen Watches
- Monetary prizes from Alumni Relations and Development
- E-vouchers from Auckland University Press
- Gym memberships at Hiwa from Sport and Recreation
- Clothing from Campus Store
Competition rules and judging criteria
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How 3MT works. Size: 524.9 kB.
Document Description: Explore the 3MT competition rules, judging criteria, competition structure, and entry terms and conditions.
Start preparing
- Guidance from Academic Positions on how to write a PhD elevator pitch.
- Ideas from ThinkWrite on how to design an engaging slide.
- 10 short videos from Deakin University about how to master 3MT.
Watch videos of previous 3MT winners
2025
Winner: Noah Bunkley (FMHS)
Runner-up: Rebecca O'Leary (Faculty of Arts and Education)
People's Choice: Ross Millar (Faculty of Science)
2024
Winner: Inka Pleiss (Faculty of Science)
Runner-up: Isurie Akarawita (Faculty of Engineering)
People's Choice: Logan Ritchie (ABI)
2023
Winner: Cam Hoffbeck (Faculty of Science)
Runner-up: Anantha Narayanan (Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences)
People's Choice: Cam Hoffbeck (Faculty of Science)
Key links
Why enter 3MT?
"3MT took my confidence and skills in public speaking to the next level. Whenever anyone asks about my PhD I have a short pitch ready, and can communicate my work at a moment's notice." – Bex Ansell, Finalist
"3MT has been really helpful, not just for being better able to communicate my thesis topic with others, but also helping me really clarify in my own head what the core of my project was about." – Logan Ritchie, People's Choice
"I had to confront my own fears. Coming from a non-English-speaking background, presenting in English was really difficult for me, but 3MT gave me the opportunity to face that challenge and improve both my communication and presentation skills." – Sandra Gómez Gálvez, Finalist
"Taking part in 3MT boosted my confidence in speaking to a wider audience and helped me connect with other like-minded and passionate researchers. Whether you win or lose, it’s definitely an exceptional opportunity for personal growth!" –Jie Bao, Finalist
"I think all up and coming researchers should engage with opportunities to communicate their research to a wider audience. It is easy to forget how amazing our research is, and a lot of the time the only people that know about it are you and your supervisors." – Inka Pleiss, Winner