Actuarial graduate programme – life insurance

Not available in 2026

Use your numerical, team-working, communication and interpersonal skills while working on our life, health, pension and investment products. Your role could involve pricing new or existing products, providing actuarial support for company-wide projects, financial risk management and modelling, or reserving and financial reporting.

What will I need to apply?

Please ensure you have the indefinite right to reside and work in the UK before you apply as we are unable to provide sponsorship. You must have resided in the UK for a minimum of three consecutive years at the time of application. 

You’ll also need the following:

• You must have recently achieved (within the last three years) or on track to achieve a minimum 2:1 in a Maths-based subject (e.g. mathematics, statistics, engineering, chemistry and physics) from your bachelors (or equivalent) degree
• A minimum C/4 grade in both English and Maths at GCSE level (or equivalent)
• At least 128 UCAS points in three A-levels including an A in Maths 

What skills will I need?

We’re interested in hiring candidates that we think have great potential. You don't need to have previous experience of actuarial work, finance, or even insurance. You just need the motivation and knowledge that it is the career you wish to follow. The most successful actuaries are those who have an analytical and logical mindset, adapt well to change, enjoy mathematical challenges, and have an eye for detail.

As a Life Actuarial Graduate, you'll build your technical knowledge and understanding of the actuarial profession, through professional qualifications and on-the-job training. To be successful you'll need strong numeracy skills, to be comfortable with a large amount of data, and most importantly, be driven and motivated to pass all the exams required to become a Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. You'll also need to work well in a team, have good communication and time management skills and be able to balance work, study and personal life.

What will I be doing?

Right from the start, you'll be part of an actuarial team, working closely with experienced actuaries. During your time as an actuarial trainee and newly qualified actuary, you'll rotate between teams to gain a great understanding of the wide range of actuarial work and how each team plays a part in providing great customer protection and outcomes.

During your training, you'll learn a range of actuarial skills, including:

• analysing data using actuarial software and programming languages;
• projecting financial results (profit and solvency) using expert actuarial judgements;
• communicating your results to key stakeholders to guide business decisions;
• continuously improving our processes, including use of new technologies such as predictive analytics;
• analysing the business’ exposure to risks.

What support will I receive?

We want to give you the best chance of passing your exams. That's why we offer a generous allowance of paid study days, up to a maximum of 52 a year depending on the exams you choose. We expect you to invest a significant amount of your own time in addition to the paid study days, and make a serious commitment to successfully attaining the qualifications. We understand how important passing your exams is to you, so we make sure you have the time you need for studying, especially around exam time. On top of the paid study days, we also cover all the financial costs you need to qualify. This can include exam fees, study materials, tutorials, mock exams, professional membership, and the travel you need.

We’re committed to investing in our people. Our mentoring scheme is there to guide you through your early experiences, helping you structure your exam and revision time. You’ll also be working alongside qualified actuaries, giving you the best professional experience. We always encourage questions too, because the best students really understand what they are doing and why. 

What can I look forward to?

The study scheme includes structured rotations between teams and salary reviews twice a year to ensure you are rewarded for your exam successes, office performance, and future potential.

Additionally, the Zurich Graduate Scheme will help you develop your non-actuarial skills, such as presenting, communicating, influencing others, and career planning. These skills will make you more well-rounded and set you up for success as an actuary.

Where will I be based?

We operate a hybrid work model, allowing you to take advantage of the benefits of home and office working. Our newly-built Swindon office is just 300 metres from Swindon train station. If you prefer to drive, it’s just a four-mile trip from the M4.