Lifelong learners might have diverse reasons for studying. Little research is yet to be found that categorizes these lifelong learners according to their reasons for seeking university qualifications, especially from a comparative European perspective. The following article will close this research gap and examines the motives for studying for various types of lifelong learners at two Nordic and one German university, which all three have innovative models of lifelong learning programmes. The motives for studying were used to develop a typology of lifelong learners. Cluster analysis identified three groups – the careerists, the degree orientated and the educational aspirants.