Liberty Life

About Liberty

Liberty is one of South Africa's best-known life insurance and investment businesses. Donald Gordon founded it in 1957 to challenge the established insurers of the time. Over the years it introduced several firsts to the local market, including early retirement annuity and unit-trust-linked products. Standard Bank took control in 1999, and Liberty became a fully owned Standard Bank Group subsidiary in 2022. The head office is in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.

An insurer of this size depends on people who can price risk and manage long-term promises. That is the work of actuaries, and South Africa has too few of them. Liberty therefore invests in students early.

How Liberty supports students

The Liberty bursary is an actuarial science programme. It supports full-time students from their second year of study. Studies are normally at universities that offer accredited actuarial degrees. The bursary has been described as covering full tuition, accommodation, meals and a travel allowance where relevant. It also includes academic support and networking opportunities.

Bursars also do paid vacation work. This practical exposure lets them see how actuaries work in a large financial group before they graduate. In addition, the company says bursary holders are guaranteed employment at Liberty once they finish their studies. That makes this a clear route into the profession for strong students.

Actuarial science is demanding. Students work through heavy mathematics, statistics and finance subjects, and the profession's exams are tough. For that reason, steady support during the degree can make a big difference. Money for fees and living costs lets a bursar focus on the work instead of worrying about how to pay for it.

What to know before applying

Published requirements are specific. You must be a South African citizen. You should study actuarial science full-time, in a bachelor's degree or advanced diploma, and be moving into your second year or later. Marks matter: an overall average above 60% is expected, with 65% or more in mathematics and actuarial modules. Liberty also looks for leadership and involvement in activities outside class, such as sport, debating societies, chess clubs or olympiads.

Liberty applies its employment equity plan and gives preference to candidates from designated groups. Applications go through the Liberty careers portal. You should attach certified copies of your ID and academic records.

The programme normally opens in the second half of the year, with a closing date around the end of August in the most recent cycle seen. However, dates and benefits can change. Check the official careers page for the current call, the exact funding terms and any service conditions before you apply.