What are Universities of the Third Age?

U3A stands for University of the Third Age. The word university is used in its earliest sense – a community of scholars who get together to help each other in a learning/social experience.

U3A is a learning cooperative of older people which encourages healthy ageing by enabling members to share educational, creative and leisure activities.All classes are led by volunteer tutors or co-ordinators, and administrative tasks for the organisation are carried out by voluntary committee members and the general membership.

The principles of self-help and mutual support are the cornerstone of the U3A movement.

ORIGINS
The first U3A was formed in 1972 in France, and it has spread to become a world wide movement.
It began in Australia in 1982, and there are now 104 U3As in Victoria, with over 30,000 members.

When did the U3A Ballarat Begin?
U3A Ballarat commenced activities early 1987 in the School of Mines complex in Lydiard Street and in private homes. Our 25th Anniversary was celebrated during 2012.

We have grown to a membership of over 900 and now have over 100 activities.