It is the sixth edition of the programme with the latest edition of the Games scheduled for August 18 to 29 next year.

A total of 20 international candidates will be selected by FISU and AIPS, while another 20 candidates from host nation China will be selected by the Organising Committee of Chengdu 2021.

The inaugural edition of the initiative was held in 2011 at the Shenzhen Summer Universiade, and it has since continued at Kazan in 2013, Gwangju in 2015, Taipei in 2017 and Krasnoyarsk in 2019.

"This unique sports journalism education programme provides young and aspiring sports journalists with a rare hands-on training experience during a major multi-sport event," said FISU secretary general and chief executive Eric Saintrond.

"Moreover, the selected participants automatically become members of a continuously growing global network of FISU young reporters and may receive freelance or internship assignments at future FISU events, in case of outstanding achievement."

AIPS has continued its partnership with FISU, with its curriculum including lectures from world-class media and communication professionals, mentorship from established sports journalists and field-based training with the FISU media and communication team.

"AIPS is glad to renew the partnership with FISU to organise the Young Reporters Programme in Chengdu 2021," said AIPS President Gianni Merlo.

"The first project, which we worked on together in 2011 in Shenzhen, remains a source of inspiration to carry on this cultural initiative.

"A major multi-sport event as the FISU World University Games is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for aspiring sports journalists and the best place to acquire really valuable knowledge as well as practical training. 

"This partnership is a very important step for the future."

Applicants must be 19 to 25-years-old and either students or recent graduates in journalism, communications or public relations.

Selected candidates will have access to competition venues and the main press centre, with the cost of travel, accommodation and meals covered by FISU and the Organising Committee of Chengdu 2021.

Applicants must provide a CV listing previous positions and experience, a short essay of 500 words outlining the candidate's motivation for applying, links to previous work, two reference letters, a passport that is valid until at least February 2022 and official documentation confirming level of English knowledge.

The deadline for the programme is January 31.