The GAIN University Investment Challenge

Applications are open until 1st of October 2025

What is the challenge?

Female students at a table in discussion

The GAIN University Investment Challenge is a brand new UK-wide competition for women and non-binary university students who want to sharpen their skills in stock analysis, teamwork, and public speaking.

Exclusive to our Society Partners, each participating team (consisting of 3-5 students) will work in a small team to research a real UK-listed company, build an investment pitch, and present it to seasoned industry professionals - with the chance to win prizes, gain exclusive mentoring, and grow your career network.

The top 5 teams will be invited to an in-person final where they will be expected to deliver their pitch live and be questioned by a panel of industry experts.

Why Take Part?

  • Real-world experience — analyse live market data and make real investment recommendations.

  • Skills for your CV — research, teamwork, communication, and critical thinking.

  • Industry exposure — present to and network with leading investment professionals.

  • Prizes & career perks — mentoring, qualifications, money prizes and exclusive events. (Scroll for full prize list).

Group of women seated around a conference table in a meeting room with large screens displaying a presentation titled 'Early Career Programmes'.

Who Can Enter?

  • The University Investment Challenge is open to female & non-binary students at UK universities (any year of study).

  • You do not need to study finance or economics - all disciplines are welcome.

  • Teams must consist of 3 to 5 students.

  • Able to attend the in-person final if your team makes the Top 5.

Do I Need to Be Part of a Society?

  • We are working in partnership with student societies across the UK.

  • If you're a member of a GAIN partner society, your team is eligible to represent that society.

  • Not sure if your society is a partner? Ask your society committee or check our societies page here.

Struggling to Form a Team?

  • If you're having trouble finalising a team, talk to your society - they may be able to connect you with others looking to join.

Key Dates

1st - 26th September 2025: Application window

29th September 2025: Teams announced

7th/14th/21st/28th October 2025: Online workshops. Live online training on: Analysing financial data, building your investment thesis & pitch, presentation & Q&A skills

4th November 2025: Deadline for submissions of: 5 minute video pitch, Written research report (max 5 pages)

5th - 11th November: Judging period.

November 2025: Mentoring - personalised guidance for finalists from industry professionals.

26th November 2025: Live final: pitch to a panel of experts, answer questions, network.

Six young women sit around a conference table in an office, with a man standing behind glass walls in the background.

What You’ll Produce

  • 5-minute video pitch - clearly recommend buy, sell, or hold your chosen stock.

  • Written research report - max 5 pages, outlining your analysis, risks, and rationale.

Both are judged on:

  • Depth and quality of analysis (financial & non-financial).

  • Persuasiveness of the thesis.

  • Creativity and professionalism.

Support You’ll Get

  • Access to resources, guides, and Q&A.

  • Recorded workshops covering all the skills you’ll need.

  • For finalists — 1:1 mentoring with an industry professional before the live final.

Winners of the 2023 GAIN Investment Challenge with their prize cheque

What are the prizes?

Our prizes are designed to recognise achievement, support career growth, and celebrate the hard work of all participants

The top 5 teams will win:

  • CISI student membership + 50% concession CISI qualifications (Worth £144 per student)

The 2nd place team will win:

  • £250 society donation

  • £100 for each team member

The winning team will win:

Logo of CISI, the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, with text 'Educational Trust'

 FAQs

  • No, team members can be studying any any degree subject. Basic investment knowledge helps, but we’ll provide training.

  • Yes - if you’re studying at a UK university and meet the other criteria.

  • Most of the challenge is online. Only the live final is in person for the Top 5 teams.

  • 10 UK-listed companies (different from other GAIN challenges), revealed at the launch.

  • All workshops are recorded and available to watch later.

Need Help?

If you're unsure about anything - eligibility, society status, forming a team - reach out to us

Tamara Steffens

Education Partnerships Co-ordinator