Established in 1949, FISU, which stands for Fédération Internationale du Sport Universitaire (International University Sports Federation), plays a pivotal role as the global governing body for university sports. With a primary focus on overseeing the Summer and Winter World University Games, as well as the World University Championships, FISU has become a cornerstone in promoting athletic competition within the university community worldwide.

At the heart of FISU's governance structure is the General Assembly, representing its extensive membership of 174 National University Sports Federations. This assembly serves as the main governing body, reflecting a diverse and inclusive approach to decision-making within the organization.

FISU's financial sustainability is achieved through a multifaceted approach, encompassing subscription fees, organizing and entry fees, television revenues, and marketing activities. This diverse funding model ensures the organization's ability to fulfill its mission of fostering international collaboration, sportsmanship, and healthy competition among university athletes.

In essence, FISU stands as a dynamic and inclusive force, propelling the spirit of sportsmanship and academic excellence on a global scale through its carefully organized events and robust governance structure.

The World University Games (WUG), orchestrated by FISU, stands as a prestigious international multi-sport event exclusively designed for university athletes. This biennial spectacle unfolds in varying global cities, alternating between winter and summer competitions, creating a captivating blend of sportsmanship and cultural celebration.

Spanning a remarkable 12 days, the Summer World University Games commands a stage second only to the Olympic Games, embodying a unique convergence of athletic prowess and cultural exchange. The Summer edition boasts 10 compulsory sports with 15 disciplines, including Archery, Badminton, Basketball, Diving, Fencing, Artistic Gymnastics, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Judo, Soccer, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball, and Water Polo. Host countries add up to three optional sports, creating a dynamic and diverse program.

Noteworthy records include the astounding participation of 11,785 athletes in Kazan, Russia, during the 2013 Summer Games and the involvement of 174 countries in Daegu, Korea, in 2003, underscoring the global resonance and inclusivity of this event.

On the frosty terrain, the Winter World University Games features nine compulsory sports – Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Cross-Country Skiing, Curling, Figure Skating, Freestyle & Freeski, Ice Hockey, Short Track Speed Skating, and Snowboard – supplemented by up to three optional sports, handpicked by the hosting nation. In Trentino, Italy, in 2013, a record-breaking 2,668 participants showcased their talents, while Krasnoyarsk, Russia, witnessed a record number of 58 participating countries in 2019, further emphasizing the widespread appeal and international significance of the Winter Games.

In essence, the World University Games not only encapsulate the pinnacle of university-level sports but also serve as a dynamic platform for cultural exchange, fostering camaraderie and understanding among the global academic community.

In addition to the flagship World University Games (WUG), FISU also spearheads the World University Championships (WUC), representing a vital component of its diverse sporting calendar. These championships, strategically scheduled in the years between the biennial World University Games, constitute a series of distinct sporting events dispersed throughout the calendar year. These events unfold in various cities across the globe, each chosen based on the specific sport being featured.

The World University Championships manifest as a dynamic array of standalone competitions, showcasing the athletic prowess and international camaraderie emblematic of university-level sports. Covering a spectrum of disciplines, these championships serve as a platform for universities worldwide to converge, compete, and celebrate excellence in sportsmanship.

With each event tailored to the unique requirements of the featured sport, the World University Championships contribute significantly to the global sporting landscape. By providing opportunities for athletes to shine in their respective disciplines, these championships reinforce FISU's commitment to fostering competition, collaboration, and the pursuit of sporting excellence within the context of higher education.

In essence, the World University Championships, interspersed strategically between the World University Games, elevate FISU's role in promoting international collaboration and athletic achievement across diverse sporting arenas throughout the year.

BTI Events stands as the key managing partner for UniUSA, serving as the American arm of FISU. Renowned as a comprehensive athletic event management company, BTI Events takes center stage in facilitating and offering logistical support for various athletic teams venturing to both domestic and international events. This crucial role includes the meticulous coordination of U.S. athletes participating in the prestigious World University Games.

Operational under the strategic direction of the UniUSA, BTI Events plays a pivotal role in assisting American athletes with the intricate aspects of Games and Championships administration. This involves a spectrum of responsibilities, from managing logistics to providing vital information resources. The collaborative effort between the UniUSA and BTI Events ensures that U.S. athletes experience seamless and well-coordinated participation in the World University Games and other international competitions.

Beyond logistical support, BTI Events contributes to the success of American athletes by streamlining administrative processes and leveraging its expertise in event management. This collaborative synergy aims to enhance the overall experience for U.S. athletes, allowing them to focus on their athletic performance while BTI Events takes care of the intricate details.

In essence, BTI Events, as the managing partner for the UniUSA, plays an instrumental role in the success of American athletes on the global stage, embodying a commitment to excellence and efficiency in the realm of international university sports.

Eligibility Criteria for Competitors:

1. U.S. Citizen:
   • Competitors must be a national of the United States and hold a valid U.S. Passport that will not expire for six months after the conclusion of the event.
   • Age Restriction:
     • Competitors must be at least 18 years of age and no older than 25 years of age on December 31 of the year of the event.
     • For basketball competitors, the age limit is no older than 24 years of age on December 31 of the year of the event.

3. Student:
   1. Students who are currently officially registered at a university or similar institute whose status is recognized by the appropriate national academic authority of their country or who have taken at least one 3-credit course "progressing towards a degree or diploma" within the last year before the event.
   2. Former students of the institutions who have obtained their academic degree or diploma within the last year before the event. Students must provide a clear color copy of their degree or diploma.
   3. Incoming freshman and transfer students are usually eligible. Students finishing high school and entering the university in the fall after the event and transfer students must present one of the following:
      1. The academic eligibility certificate stamped and sealed by the student’s university registrar, OR
      2. A National Letter of Intent (NLI), OR
      3. A letter of acceptance and proof of a financial deposit to the concerned university.
4. Additional Paperwork & Documents:
   1. Sign and return the USA Team "Honor Code, Code of Conduct, Authorization, Waiver, and Release" form.
   2. Complete and return a USA Team "Medical History" form.
   3. Provide a clean digital, color scan of their full passport data page (preferably in .jpg format)
   4. Provide a digital, color portrait-style/head-shot photograph of himself/herself with a white background (preferably in .jpg format).

If you or your team are interested in competing in an upcoming event you can email info@usateam.org to begin the discussion on potential involvement.