This marks the return of the Universiade to China following the 24th edition hosted in Harbin in 2009. It will also be another major comprehensive international winter sports event hosted by China after the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games and the Harbin 2025 Asian Winter Games.
On 26 November 2025, the Executive Committee of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) approved Changchun’s bid to host the Universiade. On the same day, FISU, the Chinese University Sports Association, and the People’s Government of Changchun jointly signed the Host City Contract, officially confirming Changchun as the host city.
The 2027 Universiade will adopt a co-hosting model, with Changchun serving as the main competition zone and Jilin City as a secondary zone. A total of 13 sports and 108 events will be contested. Para-sport events will be included in Cross-Country Skiing and Alpine Skiing. The Changchun competition zone will stage all ice events, along with Cross-Country Skiing, Ski Orienteering, and Freestyle Skiing Aerials. The Jilin competition zone will host alpine skiing, ski mountaineering, biathlon, and snowboarding events. Key competition venues include the Jilin Speed Skating Oval, Changchun Jingyuetan Ski Resort, Jilin Songhua Lake Ski Resort, and Beidahu Ski Resort. Located within the world’s prime “golden snow latitude” belt, Changchun is widely known as the “City of Powder Snow.”
With abundant winter sports resources and extensive experience in hosting large-scale events, the city is well positioned to deliver a spectacular Winter Universiade that highlights Chinese characteristics and fosters international youth exchange.
GB Students Chef De Mission, Chris Purdie, said: "The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has a rich history with the FISU Winter Universiade. The prestigious international university multi-sport event provides a platform for students to compete alongside competitors from countries all around the world. The FISU Winter Universiade are widely recognised as a unique performance environment and as a significant development opportunity for both athletes and support staff."
Over the course of 65 years, GB Students have won a total of 21 medals (6 Gold, 9 Silver and 6 Bronze). Most recently, the delegation representing GB Students at the 2023 FISU Winter Universiade in Lake Placid became the most successful British team since the Universiade's inception in 1960. It was the first time that a British delegation won 2 Gold medals and an additional Bronze at a single Games.
GB Students are preparing for the Universiade in Changchun 2027. More information regarding qualification and selection will be made available soon.
Please find the confirmed list of sports here.
