Photo: Mt Barney, located in the Mt Barney National Park in the Scenic Rim Qld. Sixth highest mountain in Qld.

Welcome to U3A Beaudesert

U3A stands for the University of the Third Age, a worldwide, volunteer-led movement that provides low-cost educational and social opportunities for retired or semi-retired people.

Despite the name "university," it is not a traditional academic institution; there are no entrance requirements, no exams, and no degrees awarded. Instead, it functions as a "self-help" organisation where members share their own skills and life experiences with one another—meaning "teachers learn and learners teach".

Key Features of U3A

The "Third Age": This refers to the stage of active retirement that follows childhood/education (the First Age) and employment/parenting (the Second Age).
Voluntary & Non-Profit: Almost all U3As are run entirely by volunteers. Tutors are typically members themselves who offer their expertise for free.
Diverse Activities: Courses cover a huge range, including languages, history, art, computing, physical fitness (like yoga or walking groups), and social games like Mah Jong or Scrabble.
Affordability: Because it is volunteer-run, membership fees are generally very low (often between $20–$55 AUD per year in Australia), allowing members to attend multiple classes for a single flat fee.
Social Connection: A primary goal is to promote healthy ageing by reducing social isolation and keeping the mind and body active through community engagement.

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 centers 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.

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