The 2003 FIVB Women's World Cup was held from 1 to 15 November 2003 in Japan.

Twelve women's national teams played in cities all over Japan for the right to a fast lane ticket into the 2004 Summer Olympics.

Teams were made up as follows: hosts Japan, continental champions and vice-champions from Europe, Asia, NORCECA and South America, continental champion from Africa, and two wild-card teams nominated jointly by the FIVB and the Japan Volleyball Association.

Teams played a single-round robin format (66 games overall), in two parallel groups (site A and site B).

The women played in Tokyo, Kagoshima, Nagoya, Toyama, Sapporo, Sendai, and Osaka.