Universities of the third age: what they are, how they work and the benefits for active ageing
Learning has no expiry date. Even if life did not allow you to study before, there is always time to begin again, at your own pace and with support. The universities of the third age (senior universities) were designed for people over 50 and are welcoming spaces where knowledge is shared, friendships are born and the "bug" for learning is kept alive.
At this age it is important to take part in activities that lift the spirits, strengthen companionship and bring more health, so as to keep older people active and happier.
Key points of the article
- Universities of the third age are non-formal, not-for-profit projects focused on learning, companionship and active ageing
- Simple admission: generally 50+, with no academic prerequisites; enrolment with basic documentation; affordable fees and possible local support
- They offer benefits such as: cognitive stimulation, socialising and mental health, greater autonomy and physical wellbeing
- The subjects are varied, from: languages, arts, IT and sport, as well as clubs, outings and volunteering; a strong focus on digital literacy and online safety
- Flexible formats: in person, hybrid and a Virtual Senior University for those who live far away or have reduced mobility
What are universities of the third age and how did they come about?
According to RUTIS (the Portuguese network of universities of the third age) there are 370 senior universities spread across Portugal (including the islands), with around 65,000 enrolled students and 7,500 teachers. Most of these institutions are not-for-profit and open their doors to relaxed and welcoming learning. They were created to combat isolation at a stage of life when care and company matter even more. Nowadays we live more years and, in many cases, active and full of drive; these universities help keep communication, learning and creativity alive.
For context: these institutions first appeared in the 1970s in France, more precisely at the University of Toulouse, with Professor Pierre Vellas. In Portugal, the first one appeared in 1976, in Lisbon, called the Universidade Internacional da Terceira Idade (UITI, the International University of the Third Age), founded by Dr Herberto Miranda. Since then, they have spread across the country, always keeping the same purpose: to value experience, feed curiosity and create bonds, in a balanced and healthy way.
Aims and principles
Universities of the third age exist so that learning never stops: they stimulate the mind, create bonds and help ward off isolation. They look after physical and emotional wellbeing, while strengthening digital and cultural literacy. All at your own pace and in a calm environment.
They are built on simple, human principles: inclusion and accessibility for all, respect and dignity in every interaction, autonomy in choosing what to learn, companionship that is good for the soul and safety to take part with confidence.
Who can attend and admission requirements
Age, enrolment and documentation requirements
Age: generally 50+
Academic prerequisites: not required; the focus is the desire to learn and to socialise
Enrolment: enrolment form, identity document and, where applicable, proof of residence/passport-style photograph
Calendar: many senior universities run by academic year (autumn–summer) with the possibility of phased entry
Costs, fees and financial support
Monthly fee/enrolment fee: modest amounts set by each institution to cover expenses (rooms, insurance, materials)
Exemptions/local support: some municipalities, parish councils or IPSS (private social solidarity institutions) may partly support the fees/learning materials; check your local Social Services
Extra costs: specific materials, study visits, transport.
| City / Area | Example of a Senior University | Type of cost | Published amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lisbon (Ajuda) | Universidade Sénior da Ajuda | Monthly fee | 9 € / month includes 5 subjects | Enrolment from age 55. |
| Lisbon (SSCML) | Universidade Sénior – Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa | Annual fee |
Member ≤2 subjects: 40 € ≥3 subjects: 80 €
Non-member ≤2 subjects: 80 € ≥3 subjects: 160 €
|
Annual-fee model. 2025/26 academic year. |
| Porto (Gondomar) | Universidade Sénior de Gondomar (USG) | Monthly fee | 11–15 € / month | Parish council; discounts for SBN members. |
| Porto (city) | Universidade Sénior (ABF Familiar) | Price per subject | 12.50 € per subject | 2024/25 price list with several subjects. |
| Braga | Universidade Sénior de Santa Maria de Braga | Monthly fee + enrolment | 25 € / month + annual enrolment: 25 € | Includes theory subjects and extra activities. |
| Coimbra | Universidade Sénior (ApoJovi/Aposénior) | Monthly fee (by number of subjects) |
1 subject: 17 €
2 subjects: 32 €
3 subjects: 45 €
4 subjects: 60 €
5 subjects: 70 €
6+ subjects: 75 €
|
Official table; includes a transport table. |
| Santarém | Universidade Sénior Pedro de Santarém (STAS) | Monthly fee | 10 € / month enrolment fee: 5 € | Symbolic monthly fee; card 1 €. |
| Leiria | "Academia Sénior" Programme (Municipal Swimming Pools) | Monthly fee (physical activity) | 5 € / month 1 class / week | Municipal example centred on physical activity. |
| Évora | Universidade Sénior de Évora (USE) | Monthly fee (RUTIS band) | "> 20 €" / month | RUTIS indicates "more than 20 €". |
| Aveiro (Vale de Cambra) | Universidade Sénior de Vale de Cambra | Monthly fee (RUTIS band) | 0–5 € / month | Example of a symbolic monthly fee in the district. |
Benefits of universities of the third age
Universities of the third age offer several benefits for those who attend them, whether intellectual, social, mental or even in terms of autonomy and wellbeing.
Let us look at these themes a little more closely.
Intellectual and cultural development
Taking part in these institutions promotes lifelong learning, stimulates focus, memory and cognitive functions; in addition, they help older people update their digital, cultural and financial literacy.
Socialising and mental health
Universities of the third age create routines and a sense of belonging, reducing isolation and depression. Because they take place in a group, they reinforce a sense of purpose and self-esteem for this age group.
Autonomy and physical wellbeing
Because they offer subjects involving practical classes, they help with mobility, self-care and everyday safety. The important thing is that older people stay active: "active body, sound mind".
Courses and activities offered
The range of subjects is very varied and there is something for every taste.
Shall we get to know some of them?
Common subjects (arts, languages, IT, sport)
Languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian and German
Arts & Humanities: history, literature, painting, photography, music/choir, embroidery and lacework, architecture and the history of cities, Portuguese culture, journalism and citizenship, cinema, psychology and theatre
Digital skills: from scratch to using email, useful apps, online safety
Health & Movement: walks, stretching, ballroom and social dancing, yoga, senior gymnastics, walking football
Extracurricular activities and volunteering
Clubs and discussion groups: reading, cinema, cooking, gardening.
Study visits and social gatherings: museums, heritage, nature.
Volunteering: community projects, school mentoring, charity collections; many senior universities work together with IPSS/local councils. Turn what you learn into local impact: help libraries, museums, schools, care homes, environmental or neighbourhood projects. Many senior universities build in curricular volunteering; ask how to get involved.
Virtual Senior University and online learning
The Virtual Senior University (USV), run by RUTIS, was created to keep older people active at home with online classes and has been strengthened since the pandemic. It is useful for those with reduced mobility or who live far from a senior university.
Digital literacy and technology skills programmes
Many universities of the third age include an IT and digital literacy option.
At this stage of life, people can end up being more vulnerable, so it is important that they are informed about these topics and have some basic notions of online safety (fraud and privacy).
It is one of RUTIS's most popular subjects, and includes:
- Basics: using a computer/smartphone, email, browsing and file management
- Everyday "digital life": online appointments, public services, banking/MB Way, social media with common sense
- Online safety: passwords, fraud and privacy
- In several areas, there are also online classes through the Virtual Senior University, useful for those with reduced mobility or who live far away.
How to choose and enrol in a Senior University
The closer the senior university is, the lower the risk of dropping out for lack of motivation. It is important that this institution fits the older person's needs so that they feel comfortable and invested.
How to find a Senior University nearby
Through the RUTIS (the Portuguese network of universities of the third age) website, you can see all the universities and choose the institution nearest to you.
Tips for selecting the right programme
Personal goals: socialise, learn a language, improve digital literacy, be more active
Timetable & logistics: check schedules, location, accessibility and transport
Quality and atmosphere: visit a class, talk to coordinators, see the calendar of activities and projects
Costs & insurance: compare fees, materials and cover
Online/hybrid options: useful on rainy days, when health is fragile or for long journeys.
Enrolment checklist
Check whether the senior university you have chosen meets all your requirements
Learning has no age. Universities of the third age are gateways to new friendships, skills and healthy routines; whether in person or in a virtual format, they have a real impact on the mind, body and wellbeing.
The content of this blog is for information purposes. It does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a health professional.
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