About U3A - FAQs

What is the third age?

No, U3A is not part of Middle Earth. In the real world, childhood is our first age.  The second age is that of career and parental responsibility. The third age is when we really start to enjoy life - the age of active retirement.

What is U3A?

U3A, L'Université du Troisième Age, was founded in Toulouse in France in 1972, where universities began to provide educational opportunities for older adults. The experiment met with immediate success and soon spread to other European countries.

By 1981 it was transported to Britain, but there it was adapted by a group of Cambridge enthusiasts so that, instead of being dependent on universities like the 'French' model, it became a movement based on self-help and mutual aid; a kind of 'intellectual democracy'. Both concepts share the same aim - to encourage older people who remain active in their retirement to continue lifelong learning.  While the French model has close ties with universities for classes and accommodation, in the Cambridge or 'British model' you can be course leader one day, student the next. Everyone is encouraged to contribute voluntarily to the running of their U3A. 

Around the world U3A now has millions of members.  Not all call themselves by that name. Some use the title Seniors Universities, especially in China, some are called Institutes of Learning in Retirement (USA) while in Australia, the name varies according to State/Territory legislation on the use of the word 'university'. U3A itself uses the word in its ancient context meaning 'a community of scholars'. 

An international body called AIUTA, based in France, holds conferences every two years.

What about U3A in Australia?

U3A was introduced into Australia in 1984. The Cambridge model was adopted because, at the time, Australian universities were not committed heavily to the idea of community education.

There are now over 200 campuses and membership exceeds 60,000. U3A is recognised as the fastest growing education organisation in the country. There is, at present, no national body in Australia, campuses or groups preferring to remain autonomous.

However, members keep in touch through networks, newsletters, conferences and seminars. U3A Online provides a search facility for locating other U3As in Australia. Rick Swindell, former president of U3A online, presented a paper at the 2007 National Conference, outlining the history, development and future directions of U3A in Australia. You can download a PDF file (260 Kb) of this talk entitled "The U3A Paradigm".

How does U3A operate in Canberra?

U3A ACT is Canberra's only U3A. It is incorporated in the Australian Capital Territory and is governed by a constitution. Since starting in 1986, it has grown from 100 people to more than 3500 members. In 2007, U3A ACT celebrated its 21st birthday with a National Conference in Canberra, which included a paper on the history of the first 21 years of U3A-ACT.

U3A ACT runs more than 200 courses. Please refer to Type of Classes on Offer below.

U3A ACT recognises that the social aspect of the movement is also important and provides opportunities for people to meet others who share similar interests. These events also become a place to meet and make friends.

The range and number of courses are entirely dependent on the availability of volunteer course leaders. Members are encouraged to give courses on subjects which they feel competent to lead. Other leaders are needed as facilitators for discussion groups (e.g. Current Affairs). The more discussion there is, the more lively and worthwhile the course becomes and the more members get from them.

Who can join?

If you are over 50 and no longer working full time then you are eligible. There is no requirement for prior qualifications.

Join now online.

What is a typical class experience?

No two classes are the same, but generally the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. Classes typically comprise ten to 25 students. Lectures can accommodate a much larger audience, with the venue being the principal limiting factor. There is ample opportunity to mingle and meet your fellow attendees during a tea/coffee break and after a class. The pace of learning is gentle and, best of all, there are no examinations.

What's on offer?

Like most U3As, U3A ACT offers a program of courses conducted during daylight hours. Course duration depends on the course leader - from a few weeks to all year. In addition, there are occasional one-off lectures and presentations, as well as outings and even tours to places of interest. Currently, we run over 200 courses. The topics cover a wide range and reflect both the interests of members and the availability of suitable course leaders/tutors.

Take a look at our current course prospectus. The latest bimonthly Newsletter (~0.5Mb PDF file) includes new courses and changes or refer to course updates on this website.

Can I organise and lead a class?

Are you passionate about a particular topic? Do you like sharing your ideas or knowledge with others?

U3A always welcomes proposals for new courses from members who have interests or skills in particular fields and would like to share them with their peers. In fact, we depend on it! This is the spirit of U3A: a world-wide body of senior citizens who get together to help each other to learn and keep their brains active.

'Courses' can be as short as a single 2-hour session or run for 2 hours every week for a year; it's up to you, as course leader.

Please go to the Course Leaders page for more information on becoming a course leader, including a course proposal form, or, if you would like someone to contact you to discuss the possibilities, use the online volunteer opportunities form.

How can I contribute to the operation of U3A?

U3A is an organisation of volunteers, run by volunteers. If you would like to help out with U3A administration, use the online volunteer opportunities form.

Join on-line

It is easy to join using the online membership application facility.

More questions?

We're happy to answer them. Either send an e-mail to the Secretary or give us a call on (02) 6281 6998. Our office at the Hughes Community Centre in Wisdom St, Hughes, is staffed by volunteers from 9:30am to 4:30pm Monday - Friday.

Contact details for the management committee, course coordination committee and other office bearers are provided in the Contacts page.