U3A Toowoomba

The University of the Third Age (U3A) is an international organisation, embodying the principles of life-long education and the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, in an atmosphere of mutual learning and teaching. Each U3A is a learning community, organised by and for people who can best be described as being active in retirement - the so-called Third Age of their lives.

The term "University" is used in the original and medieval sense of an association or community of teachers and scholars, united in the pursuit of knowledge. Third Age refers to the life period of active retirement, which follows the first age of childhood and formal education and the second age of working life, and which precedes the fourth age of dependence.

The concept of U3A was developed in Toulouse in 1974. It spread rapidly through France and throughout Europe. The first Australian U3A was established in 1984, in Melbourne City, and the first courses were offered at the beginning of 1985. The first Queensland U3As were established in 1986.

U3A in Toowoomba Inc. commenced in 1990. It has grown and evolved since commencement and now welcomes over 1350 members who have the opportunity to participate in over 130 classes/activities each week of term.

While there are common objectives shared by all U3As, there are also broad differences of interest patterns, structure and organisation, determined by the particular needs of each U3A and the resources available locally to meet those needs.

U3A in Toowoomba Inc. does not receive any government funding and relies entirely on the membership fees and class fees to meet the cost of managing and running the organisation.