The original concept of U3A started in Toulouse, France in 1972. There are now U3A's all over the world. Generally U3As are not associated with universities in the normal educational system. 'University' is used in the sense of a group of persons devoted to mutual learning, with no distinction between' teacher' and 'taught'. However, like 'real' universities we include group leisure activities.
The U3A in the UK started by the creation of the 'Third Age Trust' in 1982 and is a registered charity No. 288007 and limited company No. 1759471.
The Trust represents all U3As in the UK at a national and international level. It is run by a National Executive Committee democratically elected from the membership and offers a range of services to support and advise local U3As. The Universities of the Third Age are democratic, self-funding, organizations that provide all types of educational and leisure activities for retired or semi-retired people at minimum cost, by making use of the knowledge and skills of their members. The main emphasis is on participation.
There are currently more than 800 local U3As and the number is increasing all the time. Most U3A groups in the UK operate in a similar manner and most have adopted a standard constitution. As autonomous bodies they run their own affairs within their constitution and as members of the Third Age Trust their representatives attend the AGM of the Third Age Trust and help to set policy nationally. U3As collaborate with institutions such as museums, galleries, libraries, in learning partnerships in which both U3As and the institutions themselves may benefit through research, advancement of knowledge and mutual respect for capabilities.
The University of the Third Age (U3A) movement is based on three core principles: the Third Age principle, the self-help learning principle, and the mutual aid principle. These principles guide the operation of U3A, a self-managed learning cooperative for those in their third age (generally retired or no longer in full-time employment).
- The Third Age Principle: This principle defines membership in a U3A as open to all individuals in their third age, which is not based on a specific age but rather on the period of life following full-time employment.
- The Self-help Learning Principle: U3A members form interest groups based on shared hobbies, skills, or academic pursuits. Learning is driven by the members themselves, with no distinction between teachers and learners, and the focus is on enjoyment and personal enrichment, not on qualifications or awards.
- The Mutual Aid Principle: Each local U3A is a self-funded, mutual aid organization. Members contribute to the organization through subscriptions and other activities, and the resources are used to support the learning and social activities of the group.
These principles ensure that U3A remains a vibrant, member-led, and accessible organization focused on lifelong learning and social engagement for those in their third age.
