World University Games

Publication date: 05 Dec 2024

About the World University Games

The World University Games (Universiade) are international university sports competitions organised under the auspices of the International University Sports Federation (FISU). The Summer and Winter World University Games take place every two years.

Students, postgraduate students and graduates of the two years preceding the Universiade between the ages of 17 and 28 are eligible to participate.

2025 World Winter Universiade

The 2023 Winter Universiade is scheduled to take place from January 13 to 23 in Turin, Italy.

Turin will host over 1,400 athletes representing 43 national student sports federations. The 22nd Winter World University Games will include competitions in the following winter sports:

• Ice hockey;
• Short track;
• Speed ​​skating;
• Skiing;
• Biathlon;
• Freestyle;
• Snowboarding;
• Curling;
• Figure skating.

2025 Summer Universiade

This is a large-scale sporting event that will bring together the best student athletes from all over the world.

The World Student Games, scheduled from July 16 to 27, 2025, in Germany, will serve as a crucial stage for highlighting the potential of upcoming global sports stars. These games, also known as the Universiade, are a celebration of athletic and educational synergy, as they bring together university students from across the globe.

The Universiade features a diverse lineup of sports, including athletics, swimming, basketball, and fencing, showcasing a blend of physical skill and strategic thinking. Beyond the competition, the event fosters international camaraderie, underlining the role of sports as a unifying force across cultures and nations.

With its focus on students, the tournament emphasizes the intersection of academia and athletics, paving the way for holistic development and nurturing talent for future global sporting events.

The competitions will be held in 18 sports:

• Archery;
• Artistic Gymnastics;
• Athletics;
• Basketball;
• Volleyball;
• Boxing;
• Diving;
• Water polo;
• Fencing;
• Badminton;
• Judo;
• Rugby sevens;
• Rhythmic gymnastics;
• Swimming;
• Table Tennis;
• Tennis;
• Taekwondo;
• Sambo.

History of the World University Games

The first international competition among students took place in 1905.

In 1919, Jean Petitjean created the Confederation of Students.

The first World University Games were held in Paris in 1923.

Until 1939, all World University Games were held in Europe.

In 1947, the first games organised by FISU, University Sports Weeks, took place in Paris.

2027 World Universiade

According to preliminary information, the 2027 Summer World Universiade will be held in Chungcheong, South Korea. The location of the next Winter Student Games will be announced later.

Keep an eye on the dates of the World University Games and other events in our Sports Events Calendar.