17th UC3M National Debate Tournament

The UC3M National Debate Tournament is an intellectual competition featuring team-based dialectical debate, with successive speeches by each speaker (similar to a parliamentary debate), in which each team defends a position assigned by lottery on a controversial and current topic.

In recent years, Carlos III University of Madrid has established itself as a leader in debate in our country, thanks to the high level of performance demonstrated by our teams in competitions, as well as the meticulous organization of our national debate tournament. This academic year, we will hold the 17th UC3M National Debate Tournament on April 8 and 9, 2027, at the campus located at Puerta de Toledo, Madrid.

Qualifying Tournament

 

Registration
  • The 17th UC3M National Debate Tournament will be held on April 8 and 9, 2027.
  • The minimum number of teams is 8, and the maximum is 16. Each team will consist of a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 people.
  • Registration will be open from February 15 through March 12, 2027, and will be processed strictly in the order in which applications are received. Once the application is submitted, you will receive an email confirming or denying your spot and, if accepted, the necessary information to complete payment (€150). Registration will be finalized once payment has been made.
  • A second team may be admitted once the registration period has ended and spots remain available. Applications for a second team must be submitted within the established timeframe (February 15 through March 10, 2027), and any second team will also be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Online Registration
Volunteering

Would you like to help organize a nationally recognized event taking place at our university?

You can volunteer at the Uc3m High School Tournament, which will take place on February 4 and 5, 2027, at the Getafe Campus, or at the National College Debate Tournament, which will take place at the Puerta de Toledo Campus on April 8 and 9, 2027.

Your participation also counts toward one elective credit.

Don’t hesitate—find out more about our volunteer opportunities with the Debate Society.

Rules, Theme, Schedule, and Judging Panel
  • Regulations
  • Topic
  • Schedules
Follow the tournament
  • Opening Ceremony – Thursday, April 8, 2027, at 3:30 p.m. Puerta de Toledo Campus, Auditorium.
  • Hashtag: #debateuc3m
  • Follow the final: 17th UC3M National Debate Tournament, Friday, April 9; time to be announced.
  • Closing Ceremony and Awards Ceremony: Friday, April 9; time to be announced. Puerta de Toledo Campus, Auditorium
Awards

The winning team of the National Debate Tournament earns a spot in the LEDU finals, which will be held in the fall of 2027.

Trophies will be awarded to the champion and runner-up teams, as well as the team with the best oratory.

The following will receive diplomas: the champion and runner-up teams, best opening statement, first and second rebuttals, closing statement, and best orator.

The 16th National Debate Tournament in Pictures

Photographs