Apply to be on University Challenge
We're looking for our team for the next series of BBC Two's University Challenge (2026)
In 2021, our University Challenge team were on TV for the first time in 35 years. We are now looking for the next set of challengers to form a Dundee team for the 2026 series.
What is University Challenge?
BBC Two's University Challenge is the UK's annual university TV quiz show, with teams of four competing head-to-head across a range of question categories.
We're looking for our best student quiz minds to form a team of four (plus a reserve member) to go forward to the next stage of auditions.
If you think you have what it takes, complete our application form and starter quiz to apply.
Am I eligible to apply?
Nearly all students at Dundee, whether undergraduate, postgraduate (masters), or PhD, are able to apply for the team if they are due to graduate in Summer 2026 or later.
Costs (no money, only time)
Costs are covered by the production company or the University: this includes travel, hotel rooms, meals, and reasonable expenses so there is no need to worry about money. The University will also organise the travel on your behalf.
You will need to be able to dedicate a couple of hours a week to practice sessions.
Friday 21 November – apply via reaching taking our entry quiz.
Once applied, we will then reach out if you’re successful in joining our 2026 team.
Our application form includes 15 starter questions (each worth 10 points on the show).
- Please answer the questions from your general knowledge. Imagine you are on the TV show, or at a pub quiz. So do not look up the answers online.
- You do not need to answer all the questions, but do feel free to take a guess.
Deadline for applications: Sunday 21 October at 23:59
We will then shortlist the best submissions and arrange a chat on Teams in the week following the deadline to get to know you, and see how you would fit into a team. We will then run a set of practice sessions before choosing the final team to apply to the show in November.
Dates for your diary
Interview with team from production company
- Between 7 January and 27 January 2026 (exact day to be confirmed, but likely to be at the end of the month)
This involves a general knowledge quiz and chat with the production team. Previously this has been held in Edinburgh or Glasgow and the University will organise and pay for any transport.
Filming dates (to be confirmed)
If our team are successful in getting through to the 28 teams that appear on TV, team members will need to be available for the following dates for filming. (Day either side may also be required for travel.)
- Tuesday 24 - Friday 27 February 2026 inclusive (Round One)
- Wednesday 25 - Friday 27 March 2026 inclusive (Repechage and Round Two)
- Tuesday 21 - Thursday 23 April 2026 inclusive (Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals, and Final)
As the programme is a tournament, with winning teams progressing, you will need to confirm availability for all of these dates as the team may be required for multiple days of filming.
The studios are at MediaCityUK in Salford, near Manchester. Travel and accommodation will be organised and paid for on your behalf.
Still not sure?
We want to encourage as many people to apply for the team as possible, as that means we can get the best quizzers from around the University.
So if you're not sure, or have any questions at all about applying, please feel free to email us at [email protected] and Pam and Irina will be able to help answer your questions.
University Challenge is a Lifted Entertainment (part of ITV Studios) production for the BBC. The University of Dundee's role is to help recruit and assess a prospective team who will then apply for a place. Final decisions on eligibility and selection for the programme are at the discretion of Lifted Entertainment.