The tangible and intangible legacy of the World Universiades is a debatable topic in the world scientific literature. The Universiade-2019 has become a powerful stimulus for the development of sports education, science, mass and elite student sports at the Siberian Federal University (SibFU). In the field of physical culture and sports SibFU has implemented new educational programs, held international scientific conferences, carried out major scientific projects, and built a new infrastructure. The number of students involved in physical culture and sports on a regular basis has increased. Since 2012, SibFU students began to win medals at all major international student competitions, such as the European and World Championships, European Universities Games and the Universiade. For example, according to the results of the Universiade-2019, SibFU took second place among all universities in the world in terms of the number of medals won. It is concluded that the Universiade, along with traditional national, cultural and sports goals, can contribute to the development of university sports in cities hosting mega-events. An effective way to implement this idea may be to include universities in the Universiade organizing comittees. The experience of SibFU in the preparation and holding of the Universiade-2019 can be recommended for replication and successful holding of future Universiades or other international student sports events.