Programs Especially for Seniors

Lifelong learning, especially in the university milieu, can be a path to enrichment and enjoyment in retirement years. Our courses and programs for seniors provide unique learning experiences for retired or soon-to-retire people who enjoy reading, learning and engaging with kindred minds on new ideas and the issues of the day. We offer a variety of learning options for seniors throughout the year, including:

• Courses at Tapestry at Wesbrook Village
• International Scene
• Third Age Partners in Learning
• Ageless Pursuits (Summer Institutes)

Courses at Tapestry at Wesbrook Village

UBC Continuing Studies offers liberal arts courses for seniors in the daytime at Tapestry at Wesbrook Village (view map). Courses are open to the general public and include complimentary tea and coffee. These courses can be applied toward the UBC Certificate in Liberal Studies. Tapestry at Wesbrook Village is an active seniors living community housed in a beautiful facility with a state-of-the-art UBC classroom. View our Courses page.

International Scene: Perspectives on World Events and Politics

For more than 25 years, International Scene has been providing up-to-date perspectives on world events and politics. Join our experts as they offer background and in-depth analysis on a range of current topics in the news. Speakers and topics are chosen close to the start date in order to reflect current and breaking issues. Possible topics include the Middle East, the US presidential election and the world economic crisis. View the upcoming offering.

Third Age Partners in Learning

Third Age Partners in Learning provides a unique learning experience for those 55 years and older in the fall and winter terms. Held on the UBC Point Grey campus and at UBC Robson Square during the daytime in both the fall and winter terms, each seminar topic is introduced by a guest lecturer who provides a reading list on the topic. Seminar participants meet for two hours each week for 12 weeks to discuss the seminar topic in a relaxed and non-competitive atmosphere. Participants also choose sub-topics to research and share with the group of approximately 15 members.

Individual research, life experience, shared perspectives and discussion are all part of the learning experience. The term closes with a free end-of-term lunch for all participants. To register, please call 604.822.1444.

Credit Courses

The University of British Columbia offers senior citizens (those 65 or older) exemption from tuition and application fees for credit courses. For more information and conditions that apply, please visit the UBC Student Services website (see under "Exchange Students" section).