The 1981 FIVB Women's U20 World Championship was held in Mexico City, Mexico from October 16 to 26, 1981.

15 teams participated in the tournament.

A total of 15 teams qualified for the final tournament.

In addition to Mexico, who qualified automatically as the hosts, another 14 teams qualified via four separate continental tournament.

Mexico Argentina Australia India Canada Cuba South Korea Spain Brazil Costa Rica Japan Bolivia * China Peru Puerto Rico Soviet Union Argentina Brazil Japan Mexico China Cuba Peru South Korea Australia Costa Rica India Canada Puerto Rico Soviet Union Spain