GLOBAL COBIS Research Skills Competition
An international academic challenge for students ages 14–18 worldwide—combining hands‑on training, independent research, expert evaluation, and global recognition.
A chance to win extra UCAs tariff points!
What is GLOBAL COBIS Research Skills Competition?
The GLOBAL COBIS Research Skills Competition is an international academic challenge for secondary school students aged 14–18 worldwide. Inspired by the GEC Accelerated Research Program, it delivers a dynamic, hands-on learning journey that builds core research, critical thinking, and academic writing skills—guided by expert mentors and assessed by university scholars.
COBIS (Council of British International Schools) is a leading global association representing 400+ schools and organizations in 80+ countries. Since April 2025, GEC Academy has become one of COBIS Supporting Associates and the first online research program accredited by UCAS with 8 tariff points through the Level 3 Qualification in Research Skills.
Judge Panel
Dr. Fanny Bessard
University of Oxford
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Associate Professor in Medieval Eurasian History
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Published monograph with Oxford University Press
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Led Leverhulme-funded research on lslamic economic systems
Dr. Aarti Jagannath
University of Oxford
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Assoicate Professor in Clinical Neuroscience
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BBSRC David Phillips Fellow in Circadian Biology
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Founder of spin-out company Circadian Therapeutics
Leading Instructor
Graduates of top global universities, our instructors are experienced educators and published researchers who have successfully mentored students toward offers from elite universities, including Oxbridge.
Awards & Recognition
Top Winners (First/Second/Third Place) receive:
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4 hours of personalized one-to-one live tutoring with academic mentors
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The Level 3 Research Skills for Academic Study/Studies Certificate at no cost upon completion of the tutoring
All Participants receive:
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A Certificate of Completion
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Priority access to future GEC academic programs
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Invitations to international research seminars
Eligibility
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Age: 14–18
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English Proficiency: Approximately IELTS 5.5 or above (or school recommendation)
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Academic Background: Open to all disciplines—Business, STEM, Humanities, Arts, Medicine, Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability, and more
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Cohort Size: Up to 20 participants
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Format: 100% online with global time-zone coverage
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Registration Fee: None
Why should students take
GLOBAL COBIS Research Skills Competition?
Through structured training workshops, an independent research project, and expert evaluation, students will:
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Learn to frame research questions, complete a literature review, select methods, and follow academic integrity
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Practice information evaluation, data analysis, and formal academic writing
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Present original research and receive professional feedback from experienced academics, including scholars from the University of Oxford
Global Reach
In 2025, more than 4,000 students from 12 countries participated; in 2026, the competition expands further to meet growing demand for university-ready research skills.
Competition Timeline 2026
January 2026
January 2026
January 2026
January 2026
January 2026
January 2026
Registration.
Kick-off.
Final Submission Deadline.
Results Announcement.
One-to-one Coaching for Top 3 (each finalist receives 4 hours of personalized mentoring).
Level 3 Research Skills Certificate issued (upon completion of tutoring).
Competition Structure
Phase 1: Research Skills Training (Weeks 1‒4)
10 hours of interactive live lessons with Q&A delivered by the GEC academic team.
Students learn to build a research proposal. Intro to the GEC Accelerated Short‑Term Research Program.
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topic selection
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literature review
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research methods
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referencing/citation
Phase 2: Independent Research Project Submission (Weeks 5‒6)
Students submit a structured research report on a chosen topic.
Assessed on originality, methodology, critical thinking, and academic writing.
Phase 3: Evaluation and Recognition
A panel including Oxbridge-affiliated professors reviews submissions.
First, Second, Third Place awards conferred.
Winners receive one-to-one live tutoring (4 hours) leading to the Level 3 Research Skills Certificate.
Students Testimonials
These reflections come from participants of the 2025 GLOBAL COBIS Research Skills Competition, including the First, Second, and Third Place winners, who shared how the program enhanced their research confidence, critical thinking, and academic writing skills.