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The 3 Minute Thesis Competition Logo.

The Three Minute Thesis® Competition challenges graduate students to explain their thesis or dissertation in 3 minutes or less to a non-specialist audience. The competition supports your capacity to effectively explain your research in three minutes, in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.

The idea for 3MT® came about at a time when the state of Queensland was suffering severe drought. To conserve water, residents were encouraged to time their showers, and many people had a three minute egg timer fixed to the wall in their bathroom. The then Dean of The University of Queensland Graduate School, Emeritus Professor Alan Lawson, put two and two together and the idea for the 3MT® competition was born.

Important Dates

September 25th: Registration Opens

December 5th: Deadline for applications/proposals/ video submission (Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges. The top submissions will be invited to compete in person at the final round competition)

February 19th: Final round competition will take place, 4-6 PM in Business Building 102

Finalists will be recommended for the regional/national/international competition in March 2026

A man giving a presenation

3MT Preparation Workshops

Join us for some online workshops that will help YOU prepare for the 3MT Competition.

Registration

The deadline for applications/proposals is November 28th.

Eligibility and Submission Guidelines

Participation is open to all active, matriculated Southern Doctoral (Research) and Master’s (Research) candidates. To ensure meaningful presentations, research or projects should be at a stage where results, preliminary insights, and broader significance can be clearly articulated by the time of the candidate’s first presentation.
Master’s students undertaking special projects (rather than formal research) are welcome to participate in a separate category. Please note that this category is not part of the official 3MT® competition, and winners will not advance to subsequent levels.
Submission Requirements: Interested graduate students must submit:
  • An abstract of their research or project
  • A link to a YouTube video of their 3-minute presentation for pre-screening

Why Participate?

The 3 Minute Thesis (3MT)® is more than just a competition—it’s a powerful professional development opportunity for graduate students. Here’s why you should consider participating:
  • Sharpen Your Communication Skills: Learn to present your research clearly and concisely to a non-specialist audience. This skill is essential for interviews, networking, and public engagement.
  • Boost Your Confidence: Gain experience speaking in front of an audience and receive feedback that helps you grow as a communicator.
  • Increase Visibility for Your Research: Share your work with a broader community and spark interest in your field. It’s a great way to make your research accessible and impactful.

  • Enhance Your Career Prospects: Employers value candidates who can explain complex ideas simply. 3MT® helps you stand out in both academic and non-academic job markets.

Rules

  • Presentations are limited to 3 minutes and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
  • Presentations are to be spoken word (no poems, raps, or songs).
  • Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through speech.
  • A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’) and is to be presented from the beginning of the oration.
  • No additional electronic media (e.g., sound and video files) are permitted.
  • No additional props (e.g., costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
  • The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

Judging Criteria

Comprehension and Content

  • Presentation provided clear motivation, background, and significance to the research question.
  • Presentation clearly described the research strategy/design and the results/findings of the research.
  • Presentation clearly described the conclusions, outcomes, and impact of the research.

Engagement and Communication

  • The oration was delivered clearly, and the language was appropriate for a non-specialist audience.
  • The PowerPoint slide was well-defined and enhanced the presentation.
  • The presenter conveyed enthusiasm for their research and captured and maintained the audience’s attention.

People’s Choice

An important aspect of the competition is the People’s Choice prize. Following all presentations, the audience is asked to vote on who they thought gave the most convincing 3MT® presentation (based on their understanding of the criteria above).

A finalist can be the winner or runner-up and still receive the People’s Choice award.

Awards

Doctoral Category: 
  • Winner- Finalist: $500
  • Runner up: $300
  • Note: The winner of the competition may have the opportunity to advance to regional, national, or international levels. However, only one individual—either the winner of the doctoral category or the master’s category—will be selected by the judges to represent Southern at the regional competition.
     
Master’s (Research) Category: 
  • Winner- Finalist: $500
  • Runner up: $300
  • Note: The winner of the competition may have the opportunity to advance to regional, national, or international levels. However, only one individual—either the winner of the doctoral category or the master’s category—will be selected by the judges to represent Southern at the regional competition.
     
Master’s (Special Project and Creative work) Category: 
  • Winner- Finalist: $500
  • Runner up: $300
  • Note: Winners are not eligible to advance to regional/national/international competitions due to official 3MT® rules. 
     
People’s Choice: $200

Resources

How To Prepare

Winners From Other Schools

FAQ

No, this competition is only open to students currently enrolled at the School of Graduate and Professional Studies.

Yes, you may compete if you are still in the early stages of writing.

One single static PowerPoint slide is permitted.

In preparing the slide, remember that ‘less is more.’ It does not have to include text. Visual cues are very effective in assisting the presenter’s explanation of their research. (No slide transitions, video, or animations are permitted).

No additional electronic media (e.g. sound, music, animation, and video files) is permitted during the competition.

Using notes during your presentation is allowed. Be mindful to stay engaged with the audience and not appear as if you are constantly looking at your notes.

Practicing your presentation before the competition will help you look confident and sound prepared.

No, props are not permitted.

Business formal or casual is suggested. Costumes are not allowed.

Yes, it is possible to win a place (First or Runner Up) and also win the People’s Choice Award.

Yes, you can and it is recommended.

Yes, however it is recommended that you contact your university library with copyright concerns or questions to confirm the use of copywritten content.