UNIV 60th Annual International University Conference

March 19 – 29, 2027
For high school seniors and university students

What is UNIV?

The annual UNIV Forum conference brings together thousands of students from around the world for Holy Week in Rome, immersing them in the aesthetic and spiritual vibrancy of the eternal city. Drawing inspiration from the great men who have walked the streets of Rome over the centuries, UNIV challenges each participant to develop a magnanimous vision for his life and the world. The visits to sites of historical and cultural significance, participation in the Holy Week services, events with the Pope, lectures, and discussions throughout the program serve to inspire participants to strive for the greatness to which they have been called and that our times demand.

Application and Payment Information

  • Application deadline: January 25, 2027.
  • Conference submission deadline: February 20, 2027.
  • Cost: $1,375 (covers lodging, meals, and transportation while in Rome). The cost does not cover airfare or pocket spending money.
  • Deposit: A $200 deposit is due at the time of application.
  • Payment deadline: The full balance for the trip is due by March 1, 2027.
  • Making payments: To make a payment, click on the “Payment” tab above and follow the instructions.

Questions: For more information about the UNIV trip, contact Peter Conroy at pconroy@ysi.org.

For more information about the UNIV Forum conference: See univforum.org.

Apply

UNIV 2027:

“The Logic of Gift”

A highlight of the week is the academic conference that gathers students from over 40 countries to discuss fundamental issues facing humanity today. It offers a unique academic and cultural experience for those who wish to reflect on significant world issues in an international setting.

The main sessions of the conference take place on Tuesday, March 23 at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross.  The theme for this year’s conference is “The Logic of Gift.” For more information, visit univforum.org.

Download the brochure

Participation in the UNIV Conference

In addition to attending the presentations of the conference, all students are encouraged to participate more formally in the conference by submitting a paper, a video, or a work of art or participating in one of a number of competitions. Partial scholarships of $300 are awarded to students whose submissions are accepted by the conference. Please note that group submissions earn a single $400 scholarship to be shared among the group members. In order to be considered for a scholarship, submissions must be made by February 20, 2027. In addition to submitting your work directly to the UNIV Forum, please also send it to univ@ysi.org to be considered for the scholarship. Students will be notified of submission acceptance and will be awarded the accompanying scholarship in March.

Ways to participate in the UNIV Conference

  • Research Paper: Submit and present a research paper. More details are available here.
  • Video: Submit a 5-10 minute video reflecting the theme of the UNIV conference. More details are available here.
  • Artwork: Submit a work of visual, literary, or performing art. More details are available here.
  • Social Initiatives: Submit a short video about a social initiative to compete for a grant. More details are available here.
  • Debates: Participate in a team debate competition. More details are available here.
  • Case Competition: Compete in a business case competition. More details are available here.

Seeing Rome

The group from the US & Canada will leave for Rome on Friday, March 19 and return on Monday, March 29. A number of days will be spent seeing the historical and cultural sites of Rome. The group will also participate in many of the Holy Week services and activities taking place in Rome during those days. Traditionally, the group attends an audience with the Pope and a get-together with the Prelate of Opus Dei, Msgr. Fernando Ocáriz.

Some of the sites to be visited:

  • Roman Forum
  • Colosseum
  • St. Peter’s Basilica (and other major basilicas)
  • Vatican Museum
  • Piazza Navona
  • Piazza del Popolo
  • Piazza di Spagna
  • Scavi tour (subject to ticket availability)
  • Pantheon
  • Major churches in Rome

UNIV Sponsors

UNIV is sponsored by the Institute for University Cooperation (Instituto per la Cooperazione Universitaria – ICU). Founded in 1966 to foster cultural, scientific, and educational exchanges world-wide, ICU annually brings together university students, educators, and leading professionals to discuss important issues of the day. The trip to UNIV for the group from the US & Canada is organized and sponsored by YSI.