Connecting Seniors to Lifelong Learning
U3A is the largest provider of adult education programs for retirees in Queensland. All programs are provided by volunteers. There are now 34 U3A groups in Queensland including U3A Online, with an estimated 23,000 members. Classes are held in a whole range of different subjects; including: computing, languages, travel, the arts and a range of physical fitness activities suitable for more senior adults. We learn for the joy of learning there are no pressures of exams.
Learning in your later years has proven not only to benefit your physical health but your overall wellbeing. Contact your local U3A today to learn the benefits of lifelong learning and meeting new friends. This could be the best move you ever make!
Should you be interested in starting up a U3A in your area you can find out how by going to Starting a U3A page in our resources and downloading the Start Up Kit.
If you wish to share your experiences, expertise in management, as a tutor or as a presenter of a specialised subject, talk to your local U3A group who would welcome your contribution.

All Queensland U3As are currently closed for face to face classes until further notice due to the coronavirus crisis
Keep up to date with the latest information on coronavirus. Watch the ABC Coronacast podcast (updated daily)
Click on the image
How to keep learning and in contact during self-isolation

Download Zoom

With face to face classes now suspended in every U3A in Queensland and beyond, we must find new ways to keep in contact. With this in mind, we would encourage all members to download a video conferencing program to allow you to still enjoy classes or perhaps just talk to friends face to face, while we are all in self isolation.
Many U3As have already converted a number of their classes to this form of communication and the most popular of these programs is ZOOM. 
To assist in this process, just click on the ZOOM logo below and follow the instruction on the website.
It is quick, easy and free to install and very easy to use so, why not give it a try?
Join U3A Online
Alternatively, you can continue to learn with U3A Online which offers many courses in a virtual University of the Third Age. Their monthly magazine GEMS also has many fascinating articles to help fill in your time in self-isolation.
Click on the U3A Online logo and check out the cost of membership and the courses available.
A message to all Queensland U3As from Gail Bonser 
President of U3A Network Queensland
SIMPLE PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID19)


1. Wash hands regularly with appropriate sanitisers or soap and water. Carry a personal sanitiser pack, and avoid touching your face if possible.
2. Members who have travelled recently from ANY overseas location should self-isolate at home for two weeks on their return to Australia.
3. People with upper respiratory symptoms - fever, cough, sneezing, sore throat - should avoid classes until the nature of their illness is clear and they no longer have such symptoms.   Please also read these advisory documents:
Novel coronavirus (2019-nCov), Qld Government
Coronavirus (COVID-19), Australian Government
Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
U3A is a self-help community, and individuals do need to be self-reliant, take personal responsibility and keep informed. Members need to be conscious of the potential spread of the infection in the community, and take precautions in all interactions with others, including when on public transport.
The global situation is still evolving and we will update this advice as circumstances warrant.

YOU RETIRE FROM WORK NOT LIFE!

Our Story
What is U3A?
Each U3A is a community organisation which promotes healthy ageing by sharing educational, creative, leisure activities provided by their own members. We ask for no qualifications for membership and we award no degrees or diplomas.
 U3A Network Queensland Inc.
U3A Network Queensland was established in 2009. It is a state wide voice for the U3A movement in Queensland. We became incorporated on 6 August 2009 (IA37380). View our constitution on the ABOUT page.
The Network represents 34 U3A groups throughout the state, including U3A Online.
 State Bodies and National
​At state level U3A groups have formed Networks which provide many benefits to their constituents. Networks have been established in Victoria in 1988, New South Wales 1995, South Australia 2006, Queensland 2009 and Western Australia in 2012.
U3A Australian Alliance fosters closer co-operation between U3As across Australia; coordinating where necessary a national standpoint on issues of mutual interest.

The Adventure Begins

History of U3A

The U3A movement had its beginnings in Toulouse, France in 1973. A successful summer school run by the University for retired people, led to the very first Université du Troisième Age. The concept quickly spread throughout France and other European countries and North America. The French model centres around universities, relying heavily on their facilities and tuition, although there are no exams and costs are kept to a minimum.

The first Australian U3A was established in Melbourne in 1984 and quickly caught on in other communities in Australia. In Queensland the first U3As to be formed were Sunshine Coast and Brisbane in 1986.

Australia follows the British model which had been established two years earlier in Cambridge. Rather than relying on traditional universities to provide courses and tutors, members themselves volunteer their skills, knowledge and life experiences to provide classes for other members.

U3As in Australia are autonomous, managed by the members themselves and the only restriction to the curriculum is the expertise available within the community.

Learn Laugh Live