An Australian team was among the 50 countries due to be represented at the Winter Universiade, which was to have taken place December 11-21.

Organisers cited "highly dynamic developments in the pandemic and related incoming travel restrictions" for the decision.

Students from more than 500 universities were scheduled to compete in 60 medal events at venues across central and eastern Switzerland.

They included delegations from several countries - including Australia, Britain and the Netherlands - which faced entering a 10-day quarantine required by the Swiss federal government to limit spread of the omicron variant.

Sports officials and broadcasting staff travelling from abroad also faced being quarantined.

"As a result of these official restrictions, the Winter Universiade 2021 cannot now take place," organisers said.

The multi-sport event was already postponed during the pandemic from its original dates in January 2021.

"We are devastated and very sorry that we will not be able to welcome the athletes from all over the world, who have been preparing intensively for their competitions," organising committee president Guido Graf said.

The next edition of the biennial winter games is scheduled for 2023 in Lake Placid, New York.

Australian Associated Press