| Nations participating | 86 |
|---|---|
| Athletes participating | 2,912 |
| Events | 10 sports |
| Opening ceremony | July 19 |
| Closing ceremony | July 30 |
| Officially opened by | Nicolae Ceauşescu |
| Torch lighter | Nadia Comăneci |
| Main venue | Lia Manoliu Stadium |
The 1981 Summer Universiade, also known as the XI Summer Universiade, took place in Bucharest, Romania. The events were watched by 200,000 spectators.