U3A Brisbane
U3A is the University of the Third Age, which is the age of active retirement, coming after the age of youth and work and home making. University is a loose term - there are no academic requirements for membership and no exams.
U3A is a worldwide self-help organisation promoting learning for personal enjoyment and wellbeing. Keeping the brain active, doing interesting things and making new friends are essential for helping older people to maximise their chances of independence, and this is what U3A does very effectively. U3A is making a very substantial contribution to society by helping its members to remain healthy and active for longer.
U3A Brisbane is one of many similar U3A organisations in Australia. Formed in 1986, we are a totally volunteer organisation, and provide leisure and educational courses to local seniors. We have over 3000 members and offer more than 200 educational courses each term, all of these at low cost. Most classes are in-person, but we also offer online classes.
Our City Campus classes are held at our own premises at 97 Creek Street Brisbane, and in leased rooms nearby at 232 Adelaide St Brisbane, just a short walk from bus, train or ferry. Other City Precinct classes are held at various locations in the CBD.
We also have classes in surrounding suburbs and districts - in Logan, Southside, Northside, Westside and Wynnum.
See the Class Search page for information on all current classes, or download our current term's Class Schedule in PDF form. Our Site Map provides links to all pages on our website.
Join Our Learning Community
To attend our classes, you must first become a member. Membership is for a calendar year and costs $45 per annum. You can then enrol in classes via the Class Search page. District (suburban) classes are generally free of charge, but our City Campus classes require an upfront fee for the term. There are 4 terms per year based on Qld school terms. For more information see our How to Join page.
Current Classes
Class Schedule for Term 4 2024 is now active and enrolments are open. Term 4 commenced on Monday 30 September.
To join a new class, enrol through the Class Search page by clicking on the Enrol button, or contact the tutor directly. If you book online you may assume your enrolment is accepted unless the tutor advises otherwise.
You can use the Member Dashboard to view your class enrolment status.
2024 Term dates:
| Term | From | To | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mon 22-Jan | Thu 28-Mar | 10 |
| 2 | Mon 15-Apr | Fri 21-Jun | 10 |
| 3 | Mon 8-Jul | Fri 13-Sep | 10 |
| 4 | Mon 30-Sep | Fri 6-Dec | 10 |
Monarch's Birthday: Monday 7 October
2025 Term dates:
| Term | From | To | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tue 28-Jan | Fri 4-Apr | 10 |
| 2 | Tue 22-Apr | Fri 27-Jun | 10 |
| 3 | Mon 14-Jul | Fri 19-Sep | 10 |
| 4 | Tue 7-Oct | Fri 12-Dec | 10 |
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here, and anyone can use it. In order to assist U3A members in understanding AI, we have developed a resource to provide practical information on using the various AI tools publicly available, and to outline some of the thorny social issues AI presents:
The technology has advanced more quickly than expected, and has the potential to reshape our world. This resource page is offered primarily to provide information about the numerous ways in which AI can currently be used. In the longer term, there are philosophical and even existential considerations, but the more we know about practical AI, the better we will be equipped to understand the deeper issues for humanity.
We are running various presentations on AI as part of this educational process. Tutors and Members are encouraged to explore the creative opportunities of AI.
Our Class Types
We currently have over 175 face-to-face classes in our City Campus and district venues. We also have many active classes employing various Remote Learning methods, e.g. email, discussion groups, including 33 Online Classes using Zoom videoconferencing. Congratulations to both tutors and members who have embraced the new learning opportunities.
Acknowledgement of Country
In the spirit of reconciliation, U3A Brisbane (the inner city area is traditionally known as Meanjin) would like to acknowledge the Turrbal and Yuggera peoples, the Traditional Custodians of Country and their connection to land, sea and community. U3A extends this acknowledgement to all Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
