Playing UBL as an international student at Federation University
Carly defending on the court, playing for the Fed Falcons against the University of Adelaide
Study, travel, play: the UBL experience
For many international students, studying in Australia is also about seeing new places, meeting new people and exploring new opportunities. If you love basketball, the University Basketball League (UBL) offers all of that in one.
Representing Federation University in the UBL means competing against the best university teams in the country, travelling interstate with your costs covered, and building friendships that go well beyond the court.
The UBL is Australia’s only national university-based basketball league, run by UniSport Australia in partnership with Basketball Australia. The competition features 12 universities across the country, with Federation University competing in both the men’s and women’s leagues.
UBL games are hosted mid-week on campus and streamed live on UniSportTV. Teams also travel interstate to compete, giving players the experience of representing Federation University on the road. Travel, accommodation and uniforms are all covered, so you can focus on playing your best without worrying about expenses.
Why UBL matters for international students
Joining the Fed Falcons UBL team instantly connects you with other students who share your passion for basketball. You train together, travel together and build experiences that help you feel at home.
The Semester Two schedule is designed to avoid clashes with other leagues, such as the National Basketball League, making it easier for players to balance study and sport.
Federation University provides everything you need to succeed: uniforms, travel arrangements, accommodation, coaching, and specialised training for high-performing student athletes.
UBL games are broadcast online, and highlights are shared widely across the UniSport Australia network, meaning your skills are showcased to a national audience—and can be shared with friends and family anywhere in the world.
Federation University's 2025 UBL season
Federation University made an impact early in the 2025 season, with both the men’s and women’s teams securing strong wins in Round One against Curtin University.
Each year the competition grows stronger, with more teams joining and new opportunities for student athletes to showcase their abilities at a national level. Interstate travel is often a highlight for players, giving them the chance to see different parts of Australia while competing at an elite standard.
Mid-game on the sidelines with our women's UBL team
Carly's story
Carly, an international student who joined Fed Falcons after playing professional Basketball in Russia, says joining the UBL team was the easiest way to settle into life at Federation University. From his first week, he was meeting people, learning about campus life and enjoying being part of the community.
For Carly, team culture is a highlight:
“The vibe is so fun. Boys and girls together, travelling and making memories. If you’re new, we will support you. Mistakes are normal, and we help each other. We’re just playing and having fun, but we also want to win, and we do that together.”
Balancing elite sport with study can be challenging, but Carly is determined:
“I’ll bring 200 per cent this year. Many of my mates are finishing, so we want to finish strong and maybe even win the championship. Working hard is the key.”
While basketball plays a big role in his life, Carly is also focused on his degree:
“I have big plans. Basketball is amazing, but my degree in civil engineering is what I’m really aiming for.”
How to get involved
If the UBL sounds like something you'd like to be part of, here's how to get started:
- Visit the Federation University UBL page and complete the expression of interest form to let the team know you're ready to get involved; and
- Watch a few UBL games on UniSportTV to experience the pace, skill and energy of representing Federation University on the national stage.