International University Sports Federation

FISU is the International University Sports Federation (Federation Internationale du Sporte Universitare) and is the international governing body of university sport. The organisation employs around 20 staff and is based in Brussels, Belgium. Over 170 nations are currently in membership of FISU, including New Zealand.

USNZ is the New Zealand member of FISU and only USNZ can sanction New Zealand teams and individuals to compete at FISU events.

FISU is governed by a biennial General Assembly. A 20 strong Executive is elected every 4 years along with the President, Treasurer and other senior positions.

FISU Events

FISU is responsible for delivering (through host countries and their organising committees) the following University sports events:

a)  World University Games (also called the Universiade) which is staged every 2 years in ‘odd’ years - next in Kazan, Russia 2013 and 2015 in Gwangju, Korea.

b)  World University Winter Games (also called the Winter Universiade) also staged every 2 years in ‘odd’ years - next in Maribor, Slovenia in January 2013 and 2015 in Granada, Spain.

c)  World University Championships - individual sports championships held every 2 years in the ‘even’ years - FISU is organising 26 different World University Championships in 2012 ranging from Rowing in Spain to Triathlon in Chinese Taipei and Speed Skating in Poland.

FISU also organises i) the biennial FISU Forum - a gathering of students from its member nations to consider different structures and practices in delivering student sport around the world  and ii) the FISU Conference - an academic sports conference held at the same time as each World University Games.

FISU Website

For further information, click on the FISU website which details its events, dates, regulations, member nations etc.