The importance of physical activity at all ages is a well-known fact all over the world. Despite the knowledge about the positive effect of physical activity, the global problem of today is precisely the reduced level of physical activity. The main goal of this research is to examine the level of physical activity among the student population at the University of Split, predictors of physical exercise, gender differences in the frequency of physical activity and factors that influence the level of physical exercise. For the purpose of data collection, a survey was conducted among 263 students of the academic year 2021/2022. A computer statistical program so called STATISTICA version 13.0 (TIBCO Software Inc, USA) was used for data processing. The results showed that university students in Split regularly or occasionally carry out some form of physical activity, with male students being more active than female students. A significant difference was observed in the regularity of exercise and leisure activities. In carrying out physical activity, the majority of respondents are most motivated by the positive effect of physical exercise on health. Many students are as well motivated by the effect of reducing stress and improving physical appearance. Observing the differences between the genders, female students significantly motivates the positive effect on health and reducing the stress level. Socialization and social recognition are proved to be the least important factors of motivation. Socialization is equally important for male and female students and social recognition, on the other hand, motivates male members significantly more.