The University of the Third Age (U3A) provides courses on a wide range of subjects, presented in an informal manner, for those who have retired or are not in full-time work and who wish to extend their learning to new fields and to learn new skills.

U3A is a world-wide organisation which was founded in France in 1972. The first Australian U3As were formed in Melbourne in 1984 and by the end of 2009 there were over 70 U3As in Victoria, with a total membership of over 20,000.

No qualifications are required for admission and there are no examinations. Membership of U3A entitles you to attend as many courses as you wish.

There are many U3A campuses around Melbourne, so if one U3A does not offer the particular subject or activity you wish to pursue, you should call the U3A Network office ( 9670 3659 ) and they will be able to tell you which U3A does.

U3A tutors donate their knowledge, skills and time to share with others. Similarly, U3A members work, in a voluntary capacity, to provide the range of services required to manage and administer the organization.