The Benefits of Membership
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UC Berkeley celebrates the insatiable curiosity of adults 50+ and their ongoing quest to learn about, engage with, and contribute to the world around them. No Cal affiliation required. Just a love of learning. All are welcome!
As an OLLI @Berkeley member, you gain exclusive access to:
- Revelatory courses — about 100 per year — in history, politics, science, literature, music, film and more taught by Cal faculty and other scholars
- Speaker events and Town Halls featuring leading thinkers on campus and in their fields discussing some of the most pressing issues of our time
- Intergenerational dialogues with Berkeley undergraduates focused on topics of critical importance to all
- Field trips and socials led and organized by members
- Vital Aging, a monthly gathering that explores issues of special significance to older adults, often featuring guest speakers
Membership Types
Choose the membership that's right for you. Course fees are separate, and are based on your membership type, course type (lecture, discussion, workshop or Best of OLLI) and delivery method (in person or hybrid.) We offer four academic terms per year: fall, winter, spring and summer.
Single Term
$75
Valid: 1 term
Course Fees:
Lecture: Starts at $90
Discussion: $205
Workshop: $245
Best of OLLI: not available
- A great way to sample OLLI
- Makes sense if you take courses for one term only and not again within a year
Annual
$100
Valid: 4 consecutive terms
Course Fees:
Lecture: Starts at $90
Discussion: $205
Workshop: $245
Best of OLLI: not available
- Our most popular option!
- A smart choice if you take courses during two or more terms — many members do!
Annual Plus
$110
Valid: 4 consecutive terms
Course Fees:
Lecture: Starts at $90
Discussion: $205
Workshop: $245
Best of OLLI: $75
- Enjoy all the benefits of an Annual membership
- PLUS access to Best of OLLI — a curated archive of popular pre-recorded courses
- 10–12 new Best of OLLI courses available per term
Premium
$950
Valid: 4 consecutive terms
Course Fees:
Lecture: $0
Discussion: $40
Workshop: $80
Best of OLLI: not available
- Big savings for lifelong learners!
- Most cost effective option if you take 2+ courses a term or 6+ courses per year
- Pay no fees for lecture courses (50+ offered per year)
- Enjoy steep discounts on workshops and discussion groups
Premium Plus
$960
Valid: 4 consecutive terms
Course Fees:
Lecture: $0
Discussion: $40
Workshop: $80
Best of OLLI: $75
- Enjoy all the benefits of a Premium membership
- PLUS access to Best of OLLI — a curated archive of popular pre-recorded courses
- 10–12 new Best of OLLI courses available per term
Best of OLLI
$25
Valid: 4 consecutive terms
Course Fees:
Lecture: not available
Discussion: not available
Workshop: not available
Best of OLLI: $75
- Enjoy access to Best of OLLI — a curated archive of popular pre-recorded courses — for one full year
- Learn any time, anywhere!
- Member-only benefits such as Town Halls, speaker events, and Vital Aging Forums available for a fee
Upgrade Membership
For only $10, current Annual and Premium members can upgrade membership to Annual Plus and Premium Plus to gain access to Best of OLLI, a curated archive of popular, pre-recorded courses. Each course is $75. You must be logged into your OLLI account to upgrade.
Special Offer for New Members
New members can receive $25 off a Single-Term membership! Please contact the office for the special code.
"OLLI for All" Fee Assistance Program
We welcome everyone with a passion for learning! With fee assistance, you'll enjoy all the benefits of membership, plus:
- Waived Annual Plus membership dues (a $110 value!) — includes access to Best of OLLI Subscription Series
- 70% off all individual course fees
Gift Memberships
An OLLI @Berkeley membership makes a great gift! It fits everyone perfectly and never goes out of style.
Course Types, Explained
- Lecture: A large, presentation-style class with varying amounts of Q&A. Many of our courses are lectures.
- Discussion: A medium-sized class with 40 or fewer participants. A mix of lecture and robust discussion.
- Workshop: Small, hands-on classes with 24 or fewer participants. Typically writing- or art-focused.
- Best of OLLI: A curated archive of our most popular pre-recorded courses. 12 new offerings per term.
Discounts on Membership
Members of the following groups receive a $10 discount on all types of memberships. One discount per member. Course fees cannot be discounted. Fee Assistance memberships are not eligible for additional discounts.
- Cal Alumni Association
- Current or retired faculty and staff at UC Berkeley, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, or UC Office of the President
Campus & Community Discounts
Cal Alumni Association (CAA)
$10 off membership
OLLI members will receive a $10 discount on a $60 Senior Citizen annual membership at the Cal Alumni Association (CAA). CAA members receive many benefits of interest to OLLI members, such as library access at all UC campuses and discounts on performance tickets at many Bay Area venues.
UC Botanical Garden
$15 off membership
OLLI members can join the UC Botanical Garden as Cal Affiliates (see Cal Affiliate Membership) and save $15 on an individual or family membership.