Overview
Founded in 1982, u3a* is a UK-wide movement of locally-run interest groups that provide a wide range of opportunities to come together to learn for fun. Members explore new ideas, skills and activities together.
There are 1,057 u3as with over 450,000 members; membership costs less than £20 on average per year and is open to everyone who’s no longer in full-time work.
* University of the Third Age
u3a is a UK-wide movement which brings together people, who are no longer in full-time employment, to develop their interests and continue their learning in a friendly and informal environment.
u3a has members who draw upon their knowledge and experience to teach and learn from each other but there are no qualifications to pass – it is just for pleasure. Learning is its own reward.
It's all voluntary; a typical u3a will be home to many activity groups covering hundreds of different subjects - from art to zoology and everything in between.
Formed over 35 years ago, there are now over 1,050 u3as across the UK, with thousands of interest groups between them and more than 450,000 members nationally - plus we’re growing every day.
The u3a national body – the Third Age Trust - looks after all the u3as in the UK, providing educational and administrative support.
The Trust is overseen by a Board of Directors (opens in new tab) , to which any u3a member may be elected.