In January 1993, the Institute of Gerontology set up the University of the Third Age (U3E) aimed at providing knowledge for its own sake. The programmes of the U3E are specially planned not only to impart information, but also to be intellectually challenging and to promote exchange of knowledge. By the end of 1997 there were more than 800 registered senior citizens who participated on a regular basis in the educational programmes as well as in the cultural and social activities organised.

In May 1995 the U3E launched a book containing reminiscences about the Second World War. Between 20-26 November 1995, U3E Members organised and hosted an international conference on Education for Older Persons: A Right or an Obligation? The active participation of no less than 153 older members from Australia, Brazil, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Malta and the United Kingdom, was more than encouraging. The proceedings of this conference were published in 1997. In collaboration with the Centre for Education and development, University of Reading, United Kingdom, the U3E carried out a research project titled Images of Older Persons in Malta. This research project which was carried out by the U3E members themselves was to discover how older persons look at themselves and how younger persons look at them. More than a thousand persons were interviewed. The U3E has a quarterly journal edited and organised by the participants themselves.