What is the U3A?

U3A stands for University of the Third Age.

The word “University” is used in its original sense - a collective of people devoted to learning.

There are no exams, tests or entry qualifications except being a member of the Third Age.

The phrase “Third Age” refers to those who are no longer in full time employment - the first age being one’s school/college days and the second age is when one is in full time employment.

Each U3A is an independent charity with its own constitution.  However, there is a general co-ordinating body known as The Third Age Trust which provides a range of support services to all the U3As including the provision of materials such as audio tapes, videos and CDs.

There are currently about 632 U3As in the UK with some 184,746 members.  U3As vary in size from 20 to 30 members to several thousand.