U3A is a worldwide self-help organisation promoting learning for personal enjoyment and satisfaction. 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, no awards, and no exams!

Research shows that 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, thus lessening the strain on our already overstretched health system.

Established in 1986, U3A Brisbane is a self-funded organisation, managed and operated entirely by volunteers, which provides a wide range of intellectually stimulating activities for older people.

Learning Philosophy

At U3A, members learn together in a collegiate culture of like-minded peers who share a common goal of learning for pleasure. Naturally, this forges friendships and networks which reach out to other contacts in our age group and which address many of the risks to general health we all face as we age. These can include loss of social contact, lack of intellectual stimulation, and a decreasing sense of self worth. In a society with a growing cohort of over 50's, a society with new retirees who are highly educated, widely travelled and who have a longer life expectancy than ever before, we provide not only new and varied challenges, but strive to extend present ideas and make the most of the “third age” stage of our lives. Our courses reflect the interests and enthusiasms of current members, and we continue to research their needs and aspirations so as to provide even greater satisfaction.

Classes

We have over 3000 members and offer more than 200 courses each term, all of these at a low cost. We have 4 terms each year which follow Qld school term dates. Our City Campus classes are held at Ground Floor, 97 Creek Street, Brisbane and Level 5, 232 Adelaide St, Brisbane. These two venues are about 150m apart, and a short walk from bus, rail and ferry stops. See map on our Location page. Our District Groups also conduct classes at locations throughout the Brisbane suburban area and the Logan District. See our Class Search page for more information on class locations. 

For more information about U3A membership and class enrolments, see our Frequently Asked Questions.

Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or phone (07 3236 3055

Management and Administration

U3A Brisbane is managed by a volunteer Management Committee elected annually at the AGM, with sub-committees responsible for specific areas. They are ably supported by a large number of volunteer Coordinators and administration staff. All classes are conducted by volunteer tutors.

Important Governance Documents

U3A Brisbane Constitution (revised 2022)

Code of Conduct

Policies page

Insurance Cover and Workplace Health and Safety Policy

Strategic Plan

Disclaimer

Please read our Disclaimer which contains important information about content of class materials, presentations, website hyperlinks and related matters.

Office Location

Ground Floor, 97 Creek Street
Brisbane
Queensland 4000
Australia

Phone:  (07) 3236 3055

Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ABN 57 827 746 544
Date of Incorporation 29-Sep-1998, Certificate IA-19847

U3A Brisbane Inc. is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).

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

Public Holidays during Term 4:
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

Other U3As

All U3As are run as independent organisations, although they maintain links with one another. Some of the U3As in areas surrounding Brisbane include U3A Redlands, U3A Ipswich, U3A Redcliffe and U3A Pine Rivers. See also the complete list of U3As in Queensland. 

U3A Brisbane, along with most U3As in Queensland, is a member of U3A Network Queensland, an organisation established to represent and promote the U3A movement at state level.