Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UC Irvine
OLLI at UC Irvine is a community of passionate lifelong learners, engaging our minds and enriching our lives through education.
Fall registration opens August 26.
Classes begin September 15.



About OLLI
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) sets the world standard for excellence in lifelong learning, and OLLI at UC Irvine is no exception. We embrace the educational and social experiences OLLI delivers every semester!
No tests. No grades. Learn for the fun of it! Stay Curious!

What You’ll Need
To be a lifelong learner who wants to continue enhancing your life through education.
Enrollment Periods
As a member, you are eligible to register for an unlimited number of courses, based upon space availability, for our Fall and Spring semesters, plus a short Summer Session.
Benefits
- Mental stimulation is fundamental to your personal growth and feeling of well-being.
- Intellectual exploration is a workout for the brain — it sharpens and strengthens our memory.
- Social connection within our learning community creates new friends, develops shared interests, and enhances our joy of living.
Courses & Events
Our course topics explore a variety of different subject areas from the arts and literature to science, history and technology. Special events like wine tastings, theater performances, museum tours and other cultural excursions round out the experience. And with no homework or tests, you enjoy an educational environment where you learn for the pure joy of it.

Donate
Because of donors, OLLI at UC Irvine has grown into a vibrant community of over 500 members. We are more than a place to take classes; we are a defense against social isolation and a hub for cognitive vitality. We are keeping brilliant minds sharp, connected, and engaged with the world. Your investment ensures that this “gym for the mind” remains accessible and robust. You are helping us build a model for what retirement should look like—active, curious, and deeply connected.
DonateVolunteer
IT’S YOUR OLLI! OLLI is powered by our dedicated member-volunteers. Our courses and events are created, shaped, and led by members like you, reflecting the talents, interests, and passions of our community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Courses run year-round across three terms: Summer, Fall, and Spring. Registration for an upcoming term opens during the final two weeks of the current term.
Membership Type
- Annual Membership ($250): Access to courses from July 1 – June 30. (Available for purchase during Summer and Fall terms)
- Fall Membership ($175): Access to courses from September 1 – January 30. (Available during Fall term only)
- Spring Membership ($175): Access to courses from February 1 – June 30. (Available during Spring term only)
- Summer Membership ($35): Access to courses from July 1 – August 31. (Available during Summer term only)
What Your Membership Includes
- Enroll in as many courses as you like during your active membership period. Note: Course access expires when your term ends, so be sure to take advantage of live classes while your membership is active!
- On-Demand Library: Enjoy viewing access to 600+ previously recorded class lectures throughout your active membership.
- Vibrant Social Community: Connect with fellow lifelong learners through dedicated social activities, including:
- Special Interest Groups (SIGs): Join member-led clubs focused on food, movies, or Mah Jongg
- Access to the UC Irvine Libraries
- Discounted tickets to select Barclay Theatre Shows during the Fall and Spring
Learn more about membership and enrollment.
We would love to have you as a guest for one of our upcoming classes. You can look at our classes on the Courses & Events page. As a guest, you can only attend Format B/C courses (if they aren’t full/waitlisted).
Click on the details button to learn more about that specific class (you can find the format type under the title of the class). After selecting a class you are interested in attending, email the OLLI office at olli@uci.edu so they can confirm your guest pass.
*Guest passes are valid for one class session and may not be used for day trips/special events.
OLLI is powered by its members. From courses and special interest groups to events and classroom support, everything is created and led by dedicated member-volunteers.
Learn more about volunteering through our volunteer opportunities page, call the OLLI office at (949) 451-1403, or email olli@uci.edu.
New members will receive a welcome email, which includes a link to the ORLC and a membership ID number. As a new member, you will need to create an account to access the ORLC. Your membership ID number is required when making an ORLC account.
- Returning members can go to the OLLI Remote Learning Center.
- For more information, please view the Remote Learning Center page.
Would you or someone you know like to share your expertise and experience? Do you want to inspire others to learn and explore, engage with peers, and share interests? OLLI is always interested in adding new presenters. As a presenter, you will be rewarded with extensive positive feedback and generous “aha!” moments.
Interested in giving a presentation? Send us an email at olli@uci.edu.
OLLI Extras are special interest groups created and led by members. Non-members are also welcome to join any OLLI Extra.
- Gastronomers Club: Life is all about food, dining out, cooking, and wine. Tickle your tastebuds with monthly ventures into unknown epicurean delights! Learn more by visiting OLLI Gastronomers.
- Screen Talk: Cinephiles, TV watchers, video viewers, and theater-goers are invited to Screen Talk the second Saturday of each month from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Be prepared for a lively discussion about what everyone’s seen on their screens lately. For questions, contact Janine Lehrer at janinelehrer68@gmail.com.
- Mah Jongg: There are a dozen or more beginning (OLLI) Mah Jongg players ready to branch out and expand our playing circle and experience. If you’d like to be included in our upcoming playing schedule on a part-time, full-time, or drop-in basis, please contact diongray@cox.net or janinashary@hotmail.com.
View the Registration FAQs for information about enrolling, creating accounts, refunds, and more. Contact DCE Student Services at (949) 824-1010, Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm, if you need additional assistance.
Yes, OLLI is partnered with Collette Travel to help provide exciting excursions to different locations globally. Please see the current catalog to see where we are planning to go!
Order a Catalog
Fill out the form below to receive your free OLLI catalog.