The FIDE has announced the first World University Online Championships ©Getty Images

An inaugural World University Online Championships has been announced by the International Chess Federation (FIDE).

The event is open to students born in 1995 or later, who are working towards a degree or diploma at a university. 

Organised by the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, the event will be divided into four separate competitions. 

The FIDE World University Individual Online Blitz Championship is scheduled on March 13 and 14 and will be a 20-round Swiss tournament. 

This will be followed by the FIDE World University Individual Online Rapid Championship, in the format of a 12-round Swiss tournament, on March 20 and 21.

The four best teams from the blitz and rapid contests will then be determined by the individual standings. 

Chess has featured at a number of university events, including the European Universities Games ©EUSA
Chess has featured at a number of university events, including the European Universities Games ©EUSA

A FIDE World University Team Online Rapid Cup is set for March 27, with the FIDE World University Team Online Blitz Cup on March 28.

Bartlomiej Macieja has been appointed the tournament director and will be assisted by Aleksander Mista.

Tomasz Delega has been named chief arbiter. 

Individual events will be held on the Tornelo platform, while team contests will be played out on Chess24. 

Chess is a regular feature at a number of university events, including the European Universities Games and Mind Sports World University Championship.