The GAIN University Investment Challenge
Discover the world of investment with confidence
Watch the Highlights from the 2025 Live Final
See the next generation of investors in action at our national final.
What is the Challenge?
The GAIN University Investment Challenge gives university students a real taste of investment management.
Over six weeks, teams of up to five research a listed company and pitch it as a long-term investment idea — just like analysts do in real life.
You’ll learn how to assess a business, analyse financials, and present your investment thesis to a panel of professionals. It’s an opportunity to deepen your understanding of markets and gain the kind of experience that will set you apart in interviews and applications.
Why Take Part?
Build skills for your future
Gain hands-on experience in company analysis, valuation, and portfolio thinking.
Boost your employability and your CV
Develop teamwork, communication, and presentation skills – all highly valued in finance roles. Add a nationally recognised competition and training from industry experts to your CV.
Network and be mentored
Receive feedback and insights from leading investment professionals.
Win fantastic prizes
Compete for exclusive mentoring opportunities, professional networking experiences, certificates recognising your achievement, and prizes for the top-performing teams – including funded CISI qualifications, student memberships, and cash awards.
Have fun and compete
Test your ideas, learn from others, and represent your university on a national stage.
Who can enter
The challenge is open to female and non-binary students at UK universities (any year or subject) who are interested in learning about investment management.
To take part, you must be a member of a GAIN-partnered university society – more than one team per society can take part. If you need extra team members, get in touch with your society.
If your university does not yet have a partnered society, you can still express interest, and GAIN will help you connect with or start a recognised society.
Support You’ll Get
Access to resources and guides to help you throughout the challenge
Recorded workshops covering all the key skills you’ll need — from research and analysis to pitching with confidence
For finalists: personalised 1:1 mentoring with an industry professional before the live final
What You’ll Produce
Each team will submit:
- A short written investment report (5 – 8 pages)
- A final presentation in the form of a 5 – 8 minute video pitch, clearly recommending whether to buy, sell, or hold your chosen stock
Both are assessed by seasoned investment industry professionals based on:
- Depth and quality of analysis (financial & non-financial).
- Persuasiveness of the thesis.
- Creativity and professionalism.
What Are the Prizes?
Our prizes are designed to recognise achievement, support career growth, and celebrate the hard work of all participants.
The winning team will win
£500 society donation
Access to CISI* professional qualification course (Level 3)
Worth £266 per student.
*the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment
£200 for each team member
The 2nd place team will win
£250 society donation
£100 for each team member
The top 3 teams will win
CISI* student membership
plus a 50% concession on CISI qualifications (worth £144 per student)
*the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment
Opportunity
These prizes come in addition to the opportunity for professional networking, exclusive mentoring sessions, and the prestigious title of GAIN University Investment Challenge Champions!
The GAIN Investment Challenge prizes are kindly donated by CISI.
FAQs
No, team members can be studying 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. More details will be announced soon.
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.
Yes, completely free.
Get in touch — GAIN can help you connect with an existing society or guide you through becoming a partner.
Ready to take part?
Submit your application through the online form.
If you’re unsure about eligibility, societies, forming a team, or anything else — reach out to universities@gainuk.org
The 2025 Teams
The 2025 teams are:
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