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 3 Winners Will Receive:
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A £50 Amazon Gift Card
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Feature coverage on COBIS & GEC platforms
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A 20% scholarship for future GEC Pathway research projects
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Ofqual-regulated Level 3 Research skills Certificate (8 UCAS points)
All Participants Will Receive:
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A Certificate of Completion
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Priority access to GEC-LASER accredited courses
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Academy accredited courses
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Appointment as a GEC Academy Research Skills
Ambassador -
Free access to the LUMINAl Lecture Series featuring global university leaders and Nobel Laureates
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An option to further study Level 3 UCAS 8 points research skills qualification (extra 4 hours learning with a fee*)
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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Format: 100% online with global time-zone coverage
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, 12 countries participated.
In 2026, the competition will be launched on a global scale to meet the increasing demand for university-ready research skills.
Competition Timeline 2026
Registration Period
Programme Kick-off
Final Submission Deadline
Results Announcement
1st November 2025 - 30th November 2025
12th January 2026
13th February 2026
20th April 2026
Small Group Coaching
(The top three to six, different age groups)
Early-May 2026
4-hour tailored mentoring session
Level 3 Research Skills for Academic Studies Certificate Award
By Mid-June
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.