Four candidate cities were in the running for the event, including 2016 Olympic and Paralympic host Rio de Janeiro.

Split in Croatia and Valencia in Spain were the other contenders, but the FISU Executive Committee voted unanimously for Cartago.

It means that the Forum, which is scheduled to be held between April 4 and 9, will be the first FISU event ever to take place in the Central American nation.

Kyiv was initially awarded the gathering in 2018 but FISU reopened the bid process in October due to problems with the Ukrainian bid.

This included the "lack of complete documentation received from the organisers", "missed deadlines" and "organisational issues".

Taking place every two years, and in years when a World University Games is not held, the FISU Forum is described as "a place to exchange ideas and best practices".

It brings together students, officials and other key partners involved in the university sports movement, along with FISU member associations.

Budapest is hosting this year's event.

The decision to select Costa Rica was made at the FISU Executive Committee meeting in Lausanne.

Officials also discussed the topics of the two FISU World Conferences which will take place next year alongside the two World University Games.

The event taking place at the winter edition in Lucerne will focus on dual careers, digitalisation and women competing in elite sport.

At the Summer World University Games in Chengdu, student development through sport and enhancing the legacy of major events will be the themes.