The University of Southampton Business School is excited to announce that we are entering 3 teams of Undergraduate BSc Students (5 students per team) into the Universities Business Challenge to compete against other leading universities such as the University of Liverpool, UCL and Sheffield!
This will be the School’s fourth year entering into the competition and we currently hold the UBC trophy after our students came in 1st place in 2025!
“The Universities Business Challenge (UBC) provided me the incredible opportunity to apply the theories, skills, and knowledge I have learnt in my lectures within a high-pressure, designed business simulation under extreme pressures.“
About
Commencing in October each year and running over two rounds during the same year, the UBC offers you a unique opportunity to develop the skills you will need as you move on from campus into corporate or public sector life.
Whether you’re aiming to work for a large multinational, take on a public sector role, return to run a family-owned business, or even set up your own enterprise, the UBC will help you strengthen your ability to make the strategic and operational decisions that create value for an organisation.
The UBC gives you the chance to grow personally and professionally through an experience that is both intellectually challenging and practically relevant. By working in competitive teams, you’ll also benefit from peer-to-peer learning and collaboration.
Hear from Syahmi, who led the team to victory in 2025!
Application Instructions
Before You Apply
- You must not be a previous participant.
- You must upload a short video of yourself as part of your application (details provided in the form).
- We can only offer 15 spaces in total.
Selection Process
- Application Submission – Complete the online form and upload your video.
- Shortlisting – Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted.
- Invitation to Team Selection Afternoon – Selected applicants will be invited to attend an assessment afternoon on:
- Date: Monday 13 October 2025
- Time: 13:00 – 16:00
You will take part in activities assessing teamwork, communication, presentation, creativity, and numerical skills.
3. Final Selection – Successful applicants will be allocated to a UBC team.
Key dates – 2025-26
| Date | Activity |
| 15.09.25 | UBC Applications Open |
| 05.10.25 | UBC Applications Close |
| 06.10.25 | You will receive an invitation to the Team Selection Afternoon, if your application has been successful |
| 13.10.25 | Team Selection Afternoon (13:00 – 16:00) |
| 20.10.25 | Introduction Session/Meet Your Team (13:00 – 15:00) |
| 22.10.25 | Trial Trading Period Starts |
| 24.11.205 | Check in meeting – All teams and mentors |
| 09.12.25 | Trading ends |
| Feb-26* | TBC – Semi-finals |
| Mar-26* | TBC – Final at UoS |
*(If you are placed among the top universities, you will be invited to participate in an ALL DAY SEMI FINAL AND FINAL event in 2026 – Location and dates TBC)
Support
Each team will be allocated a mentor with business experience to offer support and guidance. You will mostly meet as organised by your team, but there will be occasional meetings organised by the Business School, where all teams get together and the Business School Staff can support you with any issues.
Before entering, please read full details about the UBC and ensure you can commit the time please click here
Applications close: Sunday 5 October 2025 – 23:45
If you have any queries, please email SBSEmployability@soton.ac.uk
Best of luck!