What is the Third Age?

How does it run?

Who can join?

What's on offer?

What is a typical class experience?

More questions?

Childhood is our first age.  The second age is that of career and parental responsibility.  What follows thus becomes our third age - the age of active retirement.

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Each U3A is governed by a management committee.  Sydney U3A is  sub-divided into seven regions, based on postcodes of areas of Sydney and suburbs. If you click on Sydney U3A Regions on the website menu, you'll see what they are.  Our primary purpose is to develop and participate in courses which interest us.  We do that by drawing on the skills of one another.  Like-minded members from all walks of life will form study groups and share their knowledge with fellow members.  Thus, a tutor for one class will become a student in another.  All of this is done on a voluntary basis.

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If you are no longer working full time then you are eligible.  Strictly speaking, there is no minimum age and there is certainly no maximum.  Many members continue their active involvement well in to their eighties and nineties.  There is no requirement for prior qualifications.

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Like most U3As, Sydney U3A offers a programme of weekly and fortnightly courses conducted in daylight hours.  In addition, some regions will also offer one-off lectures and presentations as well as outings and even tours to places of interest.  We have two semesters each year – February to June, July to November.  Currently, we have over 300 courses running.  The topics cover a wide range and reflect both the interests of members and the availability of suitable course leaders.  Check our current Course List by clicking Our Courses on the main website menu.

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Of course no two classes are the same.  But generally, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.  Classes usually comprise no more than about ten or a dozen students plus the course leader.  Lectures can accommodate a much larger audience with the venue being the principal limiting factor.  There is ample opportunity to mingle and meet your fellow attendees during a tea/coffee break and after the meeting.  The pace of learning is gentle and, best of all, there are no examinations.

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We're happy to answer them.  Send an email by going to the Contact Us section on the website.  Alternatively, give us a call on (02) 9252 2033.  Our office is manned (by volunteers) from 10:00am to 1:00pm Monday - Friday.

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