SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              WASHINGTON D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 6-K

                        REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
                    PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-16 OR 15D-16 OF THE
                         SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                                October 23, 2001

                                VIVENDI UNIVERSAL

                             42, AVENUE DE FRIEDLAND
                                   75008 PARIS
                                     FRANCE
                    (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports
under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

                         Form 20-F     X           Form 40-F

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

                         Yes                       No     X

If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in
connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):

Contents:  Press Release.

                                  EXHIBIT LIST



Exhibit             Description
-------             -----------
                 
99.1                Press Release.


                                   SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                                             VIVENDI UNIVERSAL

                                             By: /s/    George E. Bushnell III
                                                 Name:  George E. Bushnell III
                                                 Title: Vice President

Date:  October 24, 2001