This summer, a seriously talented crew of student athletes from across the UK are heading to Germany to represent Team GB Students at the FISU World University Games, one of the biggest international student sporting events on the planet.
These athletes will join 8,500 students to compete against the best university level talent from around the world in the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 Summer Games, happening from July 16–27. From early morning training to late night study sessions, this is what they’ve been grinding for — and now it’s game time.
With games now just one month away Stew Fowlie, GB Students Chef De Mission said “Excitement is building for our delegation of athletes and staff who are set to represent GB Students at this year's World University Summer Games.”
“It will be an unforgettable life changing experience in Germany where our team members will compete in a festival of top level performance across 11 sports alongside 8,500 athletes from around the world. The event promises to be an amazing opportunity for personal development, a defining moment in people's careers and a chance to celebrate everything that is great about university sport.”
“It is a thrill to be leading a team of incredible athletes and staff from across the BUCS membership and we look forward to doing everyone proud throughout 11 days of competition at Rhine Ruhr 2025.”
Deputy Chef De Mission, Ross Simpson added “It’s a true honour and privilege to support GB athletes on this stage. Our governing body partners have been incredibly supportive of the pathway provided by the higher education sector, and it’s been brilliant to hear how much they value this opportunity for their athletes—especially when they reflect on the calibre of those who’ve previously competed at a Summer World University Games."
"The dedication behind the scenes from BUCS staff and NGBs to make this possible is outstanding. This truly is the pinnacle of student sport, and I want to thank every institution that has supported their athletes in reaching this moment.”
So… what actually are the FISU Games?
Great question. The FISU World University Games is the largest international multi-sport event for students. Think Olympic-level competition, but all the athletes are balancing degrees, deadlines, and sporting successes.
Over 150 countries take part, and this year the action will be spread across cities in Germany’s Rhine-Ruhr region — including Düsseldorf, Essen, Bochum, and Duisburg — with events stretching as far as Berlin. The games feature 18 sports, from athletics and swimming to basketball and judo, and they’ve been a launchpad for future Olympians.
Meet Team GB Students
Over 150 students from unis across the world have been selected to represent Team GB Students this summer, competing in the following 11 sports:
- Archery
- Artistic Gymnastics
- Athletics
- Diving
- Fencing
- Judo
- Rowing
- Swimming
- Taekwondo
- Tennis
- Wheelchair Basketball
It’s a stacked squad full of talent, passion, and serious determination. Whether it’s their first time competing internationally or they’re returning pros, every athlete has put in the work to earn that GB badge.
Follow along
Want to follow the journey? Make sure to follow @BUCSSport on socials as we head to Germany alongside our student athletes to showcase the games. We will be posting daily updates from the games and following along all the action.
Keep an eye out this week for the start of our official team announcements to see which students are jetting off to Germany. Then stay tuned this July for 12 days of world-class action, unbelievable sporting moments, and hopefully a few medals along the way.
