Eligibility
The competition challenges graduate students to deliver a compelling presentation of their project and its significance to a room of non-experts in just three minutes.
To participate in VIU's 3MT, you must currently be registered in a graduate program at VIU. Students must not have graduated prior to the date of the competition final.
VIU's 3MT Finals will be held in person during CREATE 2026, on March 31. It is expected that all the program finalists will be in attendance at the 3MT. The VIU winner needs to be able to attend the regional competition at the University of Regina on May 5. This will be an in-person event with travel expenses covered.
Dates to know
March 20: Programs to forward names of three students who will be their representatives at the VIU 3MT competition.
March 31: VIU 3MT Competition
May: Western Regional Competition hosted by the University of Regina
National 3MT Showcase: At the CAGS Conference in the fall of 2026
Rules
- A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’ of any description)
- No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted
- No additional props (e.g. laser pointers, costumes, laboratory equipment or musical instruments) are permitted
- Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum.
- Presentations are to be spoken words (e.g. no poems, raps or songs)
- Presentations are considered to have commenced when the presenter starts their presentation through movement or speech
- The decision of the adjudicating panel is final
Resources
Handbook and Previous Finalists- this link will take you to the CAGS 3MT website, scroll down a bit and you will see links to the videos. You can also just search for 'Three Minute Thesis' on YouTube and find all sorts of examples. But remember, your research and you are different - make sure your 3MT is too.
Award
The 3MT champion will receive a $750 cash prize, VIU swag, and a trip to represent VIU at the Western Regional competition in May.