FAQs

What is fisu?

Established in 1949, the International University Sports Federation (FISU) is the global governing body for university sports. FISU oversees the Summer and Winter World University Games and the World University Championships, promoting athletic competition within the global university community.

  • Governance: The General Assembly, with representatives from 174 National University Sports Federations, is FISU's main decision-making body.

  • Funding: FISU's financial sustainability comes from subscription fees, organizing and entry fees, television revenues, and marketing activities.

  • Mission: FISU fosters international collaboration, sportsmanship, and healthy competition among university athletes.

FISU is a driving force in promoting sportsmanship and academic excellence worldwide through well-organized events and a strong governance structure.

what are the world university games?

The World University Games (WUG), organized by FISU, is a prestigious international multi-sport event for university athletes. Held biennially, it alternates between winter and summer competitions in various global cities, blending sportsmanship with cultural celebration.

  • Summer Games:

    • Duration: 12 days

    • Sports: 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

    • Optional Sports: Up to three added by host countries

    • Notable Records: 11,785 athletes in Kazan, Russia (2013); 174 countries in Daegu, Korea (2003)

  • Winter Games:

    • Sports: 9 compulsory sports, including Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Cross-Country Skiing, Curling, Figure Skating, Freestyle & Freeski, Ice Hockey, Short Track Speed Skating, and Snowboard

    • Optional Sports: Up to three added by host countries

    • Notable Records: 2,668 participants in Trentino, Italy (2013); 58 countries in Krasnoyarsk, Russia (2019)

The World University Games are a pinnacle of university-level sports, promoting athletic excellence and cultural exchange, fostering global camaraderie and understanding among university communities.

what are the world university championships?

In addition to the World University Games, FISU also organizes the World University Championships (WUC). These championships are held in the years between the biennial World University Games, featuring standalone competitions in various cities worldwide, each chosen based on the specific sport.

  • Schedule: Held in the years between the biennial World University Games.

  • Format: Standalone competitions, each focused on a specific sport.

  • Locations: Hosted in various cities across the globe, selected based on the sport.

The World University Championships showcase university-level athletic prowess and foster international camaraderie. These events provide a platform for universities to compete and celebrate sportsmanship, contributing to the global sporting landscape and reinforcing FISU's commitment to excellence in university sports.

what is the eligibility criteria?

Eligibility Criteria for Competitors:

A. 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.

B. Student:

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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:

    • The academic eligibility certificate stamped and sealed by the student’s university registrar, OR

    • A National Letter of Intent (NLI), OR

    • A letter of acceptance and proof of a financial deposit to the concerned university.

C. Additional Paperwork & Documents:

  • Sign and return the USA Team "Honor Code, Code of Conduct, Authorization, Waiver, and Release" form.

  • Complete and return a USA Team "Medical History" form.

  • Provide a clean digital, color scan of their full passport data page (preferably in .jpg format)

  • Provide a digital, color portrait-style/head-shot photograph of himself/herself with a white background (preferably in .jpg format).

When is the next event?

Keep your eye on our event’s page for upcoming opportunities.