Competition Rules

(for U21 Global 3MT® competition)

Modifications to the 3MT® rules have been made to accommodate a ​global, virtual format.


  • Presentations are limited to 3 minutes and competitors exceeding 3 ​minutes will be disqualified.


  • Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter ​starts their presentation through speech (timing does not include the ​required 3MT® title slide and commences when the competitor starts ​speaking, not the start of the video).


  • The 3-minute audio must be continuous – no sound edits or breaks.


  • Entries should be based on the presenter’s own work and contributions ​to research and should not make reference to ‘our work’.


  • Video submissions must meet the following criteria:

o Filmed on the horizontal;

o Filmed on a plain background;

o Filmed from a static position;

o Filmed from one camera angle;

o Contain a 3MT® title slide; (see below)

o Contain a 3MT® PowerPoint slide (see below)

o Include subtitles in English at the bottom of the screen


  • The opening 3MT® title slide should include the title of the thesis topic, ​university and competitor name.


  • A single static slide is permitted in the presentation (no slide transitions, ​animations or ‘movement’ of any description). This can be visible ​continuously, or ‘cut to’ (as many times as you like) for a maximum of 1 ​minute.
  • No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, ​laboratory equipment and animated backgrounds) are permitted ​within the recording. Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no ​poems, raps or songs).


  • No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are ​permitted within the video recording.


  • The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.


  • Submissions must be in video format. Files sent in other formats ​will not be accepted.


  • Please note: competitors *will not* be judged on video/ recording ​quality or editing capabilities (optional inclusions). Judging will ​focus on the presentation, ability to communicate research to a ​non-specialist audience, and 3MT® PowerPoint slide.


  • Please note: After competing in the home university competition, ​competitors have the option to either submit their current ​presentation or re-record and submit a new presentation for entry ​into the U21 global competition.


  • The U21 3MT Leads will receive a link to complete the 3MT ​application form on behalf of their institution.


  • The U21 3MT Lead will need to send the video as a WeTransfer file ​to programmes@universitas21.com


  • The accepted file formats are .MOV and .MPEG


  • The video will need to feature embedded English subtitles


  • Questions about the competition rules can be sent to: ​programmes@universitas21.com



Updated: July 2024

U21 Global