Universities of the Third Age (U3As) provide low-cost learning to older people to encourage them to stay active and engaged, Australia wide.  There are U3As elsewhere around the world.  A U3A is an incorporated non-profit voluntary community organisation.

Starting in France some 40 years ago, U3A stands for University of the Third Age.  The Third Age refers to the age of active retirement.  It follows the Second Age of employment and the First Age of parental responsibility

Designed for retired or semi-retired people, U3As provide opportunities for people to try something new, meet new people and share their knowledge and skills with others.  Courses range from physical fitness, to desk-based classes, language studies, art and craft classes, social activities and more.

Before you can participate in a course or activity at a U3A you must become a financial member.  Each U3A is its own incorporated Association and sets its own fee structure. Becoming a member enables you to attend classes with no additional payment, unless specifically noted in the information for that activity, although there may be some additional fees for excursions.

No, membership of one U3A does not give you access to another U3A’s activities unless there are local arrangements in place to accommodate that option.

Unfortunately, a complete list of all U3A programs and activities is not available.  This is because U3As are individual organisations that create a program of activities to meet the needs and interests of their own members.  However, doing a google search may help you find specific activities available in your local area.  Alternatively, you could explore what U3As in your area provide through looking at their websites via our Find a U3A page.

Volunteering is an important part of being a member of a U3A.  Positions are available for Committee of Management, office volunteers, tutors or activity leaders and various committees.

Go to  the Find A U3A page to find your closest U3A.

U3A Network Victoria is the peak body for the state’s 105 Member U3As, representing around 38,000 members statewide.

To contact U3A Network Victoria, call (03) 9670 3659 or send an email. 

Your annual membership fee plays a crucial role in supporting the U3A Network Victoria and its 105 U3As across the state.

It typically contributes around 10% to the overall Network budget, helping to maintain the services and support that make the U3A experience possible for so many.

• Comprehensive insurance coverage under VMIA
• Copyright protection
• Access to the Network’s Education program
• U-MAS membership management system and Website Template for easy administration
• Opportunities to apply for project funding grants from funders like DFFH and ACFEB
• Information and resources through the U3A Support Centre, Network News, workshops, meetings, and Communities of Practice
• Support for four annual Members Council meetings
• Advice and guidance for meetings of 11 U3A regions
• Access to marketing materials and public advertising
• Advocacy efforts to represent U3A interests to the government
• Support for U3A committees with training and incident management

These services, and the Network’s ability to advocate on behalf of U3As, are only possible with a strong, engaged membership.

Please reach out to Network President Annie Grigg on 0408 638 151 or via email at anne.grigg@u3avictoria.org.au. This process is confidential.

For further assistance or if you have questions, you can contact the Network office at info@u3avictoria.org.au or call us on (03) 9670 3659.

You can update your membership information and find the NDS User Guide through the links provided.

The awards were first presented in 2022.  They are made annually to recognise tutors who contribute significantly to their U3As, particularly in the following areas:

• Innovation in the development and presentation of courses; particularly new courses

• Excellence in course conduct and presentation

• Highly positive feedback from course attendees, and

• Mentoring other tutors.

Nominations for 2024 are now closed.

As part of the nomination process, you will be asked to set out what the nominee has done and why you think they should be recognised.  Every nomination is different so there is no single way to approach this.  Just tell us what you think is particularly noteworthy about your nominee’s service and achievements as a tutor.

You can include things like:

• Examples of how they have demonstrated outstanding qualities,

• What they have done to make things better for others,

• The role(s) or area(s) in which they have excelled.

The maximum word limit for the application is 200 words. This is your opportunity to highlight why you think this tutor deserves this recognition.

See information about the 2023 and 2022 award winners here and here.

A selection committee will make the award selection and advise Network Committee of their recommendations for final approval. Successful nominees will be announced at the U3A Network AGM each year.

For further information on the award, email John Taubman, Chair of the Tutor Recognition Award Selection Panel.