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:
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)
Insurance Cover and Workplace Health and Safety Policy
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 StreetBrisbane
Queensland 4000
Australia
Phone: (07) 3236 3055
Email:
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 |
None.
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.