u3a Guide: What It Is, What It Costs and How to Join
Last checked November 2026. Offers and rules change: confirm with the provider before you rely on them.
u3a is a UK-wide network of local, member-run groups where people who are no longer in full-time work meet to learn, share hobbies and make friends. There are no teachers, exams or entry qualifications, and a year's membership usually costs less than a single evening class.
What u3a is
The letters once stood for "University of the Third Age", the third age being the stage of life after full-time work and raising a family. The movement now simply calls itself u3a, because it is not a university in any ordinary sense. There are no lecture halls, no qualifications and no fees for tuition.
According to the national u3a website, there are more than 1,000 local u3as across the UK with over 435,000 members between them (figures at the time of writing, November 2026). Each local u3a is its own independent charity, run entirely by volunteers from among its members. A national charity, the Third Age Trust, supports them. You can read more and find your nearest group at u3a.org.uk.
Who can join
The national body says membership is open to everyone who is not in full-time employment. There is no minimum age, although most members are retired or semi-retired. You do not need any qualifications, and you do not need to have been to university or to have stayed on at school. People join after retiring, after being widowed, after moving to a new area, or simply because a friend took them along.
How the groups work
The heart of every u3a is its interest groups. Each group covers one subject or activity and is led by a member who knows something about it, or who is simply willing to organise. Everyone is both learner and teacher: members take turns to research a topic, lead a session or share a skill.
What is on offer depends on what local members want to run. A typical u3a might have groups for:
- Learning: local history, languages at several levels, family history, science, current affairs, art appreciation, philosophy.
- Making and doing: painting, craft, creative writing, singing, playing an instrument, photography, gardening.
- Keeping active: walking at different paces, table tennis, dancing, tai chi, bowls, cycling.
- Games and social: bridge, chess, quizzes, book groups, lunch clubs, theatre trips.
- Practical: computing and smartphone help, cookery, money matters.
Small groups often meet in a member's home; larger ones use a church hall, library or community centre. Most meet in the daytime, weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Many u3as also hold a monthly general meeting with a visiting speaker, which is a good way to meet people before you choose a group.
If the subject you want is not offered, you are encouraged to start a group yourself. You do not have to be an expert, only willing to book a room and get people together.
What it costs
Each u3a sets its own annual subscription, so there is no single national price. Local u3a websites we looked at in November 2026 showed yearly fees ranging from under £10 to around £20, and some charge a little more. That one payment normally lets you join as many interest groups as you like.
There can be small extras:
- A contribution towards room hire or refreshments at some groups, often a pound or two a session.
Many u3as reduce the fee if you join part-way through the membership year, and membership years start at different times, so check your local group's own page for its current rate.
How to find and join your local u3a
- Go to the national website and use its "find a u3a" search with your town or postcode. If you are not online, ask at your public library, which will usually know the local contact.
- Look at the local u3a's list of groups and its diary of meetings.
- Go along to a monthly meeting or an open day, or contact a group leader to arrange a visit.
- Fill in the membership form, on paper or online, and pay the subscription. Payment is usually by bank transfer, card or cheque.
If you cannot get to meetings
u3a also runs national activities online, including a programme called Interest Groups Online, so members who are housebound, caring for someone or living in a remote area can still take part. You will need a computer, tablet or smartphone and an internet connection. Our video calling guide explains the basics, and tablets for over-60s covers choosing a device. Check the national website for what is currently offered and how to join online.
Is u3a right for you?
It suits people who like company with a purpose and who are happy to take part, not just to be taught. If you would prefer a qualified tutor and a structured course, look at council adult education or the free online courses in our guide to free and cheap courses for over-60s. If you mainly want fresh air and exercise, see walking groups and gentle exercise. Many people do all three.
Getting to meetings is usually easy by bus; see our page on the free bus pass, and ask the group about lift-sharing if transport is a problem. For other low-cost activities, see free things for over-60s.
Common questions
Do I have to be over 60 to join u3a?
No. There is no age limit. The national body describes membership as open to everyone who is no longer in full-time employment.
How much does u3a cost?
Each local u3a sets its own fee. Those we saw in November 2026 ranged from under £10 to around £20 a year, with small extra charges at some groups. Check your local u3a's website for its current rate.
Can I join more than one group?
Yes. One membership normally covers as many interest groups as you have time for, subject to space.