International Student Sports Festivals

International Student Sports Festivals Overview

UniSport Australia is building on the success of its Victorian International Student Sport Festival (VISSF) by rolling out a series of tailored events over the coming year to engage and celebrate international students across multiple campuses. The most recent VISSF, held in April 2025 at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, attracted a record 470 international participants from 26 countries and 12 universities. The day featured a vibrant mix of sports, including social badminton, 3×3 basketball, and table tennis, structured in ways that balanced competition, camaraderie, and casual play. These formats are clearly designed to meet the diverse athletic interests and skill levels of international students, while also fostering intercultural exchange and enhancing mental well‑being. Participants received free meals, had access to coaching and volunteer support, and enjoyed a fully inclusive environment that emphasises community and belonging.

Past Events

Upcoming Events

Looking ahead, UniSport’s national calendar will also feature international‑student‑friendly programming alongside flagship events like UniSport Nationals. For example, the 2025 Nationals on the Gold Coast (27 Sept–3 Oct) will include a Wednesday evening “UniFest” a festival atmosphere with music, food vouchers, and social activations, intended to complement traditional sport and offer a dedicated space for student connection away from the competition. This blend of sport and culture within national and regional festivals shows UniSport Australia’s commitment to delivering holistic experiences that resonate with international students, combining competitive sport, social events, cultural celebration and inclusive environments across our member universities.