Liberty Life: Actuarial Science Bursary Programme For 2026. The Liberty Life Actuarial Science Bursary Programme for 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for students who aspire to build a career in Actuarial Science while receiving financial support and practical exposure. Liberty Life, a leading financial services provider in South Africa, is committed to nurturing young talent that demonstrates excellence, innovation, and a passion for people. This bursary programme is designed not only to support students financially but also to give them real-world experience through vacation work and mentorship.
In this article, we provide a complete guide on eligibility criteria, application process, bursary benefits, academic requirements, and other crucial details to help students successfully secure this prestigious bursary.
Liberty Life Actuarial Science Bursary Programme
The Liberty Life Actuarial Science Bursary is targeted at students who wish to pursue full-time studies in Actuarial Science at accredited tertiary institutions in South Africa. The programme is merit-based, ensuring that only high-performing students receive financial support. However, Liberty Life gives preference to applicants from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, including Black African, Coloured, and Indian students, to promote inclusivity and diversity in the actuarial profession.
Successful bursars are expected to undergo vacation work at Liberty Life’s Head Office in Braamfontein, Johannesburg during the June and December holidays. This provides practical exposure to actuarial operations, enhancing the learning experience beyond academic studies.
Key Features of the Liberty Life Actuarial Science Bursary
The bursary programme covers various aspects of a student’s academic and living expenses. Below are the key features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Covered annually, with renewal based on academic performance |
| Residence Fees | Paid for shared accommodation at a university residence |
| Subsistence Allowance | Provided monthly for students not living in university residences |
| Book Allowance | Annual allowance for purchasing textbooks |
| Calculator Allowance | Provided to first-year students to support their studies |
| Vacation Work | Minimum participation during June and December holidays at Liberty Life Head Office, Johannesburg |
| Bursary Renewal | Reviewed after each examination based on academic performance |
These benefits ensure that bursars can focus on their studies without financial constraints while gaining valuable work experience during university holidays.
Academic Requirements and Eligibility Criteria
The Liberty Life Actuarial Science Bursary maintains a high academic standard, ensuring that only students with strong potential succeed in the programme. The eligibility requirements are as follows:
- High School Performance
- Applicants must demonstrate excellent overall results in their final school examinations.
- A distinction in Higher Grade Mathematics is mandatory.
- If Higher Grade Physical Science is included in the student’s subjects, a minimum of two distinctions (including mathematics) is required.
- If Physical Science is not part of the subjects, a minimum of four distinctions, including mathematics, is needed.
- Tertiary Academic Performance
- Students must maintain consistent academic excellence at the university level in all subjects.
- Annual bursary renewal depends on satisfactory performance in examinations.
- Leadership and Extracurricular Activities
- Demonstrated leadership qualities and active participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, debating societies, chess clubs, Olympiads, and similar competitions provide an added advantage.
By ensuring high academic standards, Liberty Life aims to nurture students capable of excelling in a demanding field like actuarial science.
Application Process for 2026
The Liberty Life Actuarial Science Bursary application process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. Applications for the 2026 intake closed on 31 August 2025, so aspiring students need to prepare early for the following cycle.
Here is a step-by-step guide for applying:
- Visit the Official Website
- Access Liberty Life’s bursary portal to download the application form.
- Complete the Application Form
- Fill in personal details such as name, ID number, and contact information.
- Provide academic history, including final high school results and current university performance (if applicable).
- Upload Required Documents
- Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates.
- Proof of residence and identity documents.
- Any additional certificates or awards highlighting leadership and extracurricular involvement.
- Submit the Application
- Ensure all sections are completed correctly.
- Submit the application online before the closing date.
- Confirmation and Follow-up
- Applicants receive confirmation via email or SMS.
- Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interviews or assessments.
Costs Covered Under the Bursary
The Liberty Life Actuarial Science Bursary is comprehensive and designed to remove financial barriers for high-performing students. The main costs covered include:
| Cost Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Paid annually for the full duration of study, subject to performance review |
| Residence Fees/Subsistence Allowance | Supports students living in shared university residences |
| Monthly Allowance | Provided to students who choose private accommodation outside university residences |
| Books and Study Materials | Annual allowance for textbooks and study-related expenses |
| Calculator Allowance | Given to first-year students to aid their academic work |
| Vacation Work Support | Provides practical exposure at Liberty Life offices during university breaks |
This structure ensures that bursars can dedicate their time to studies and skill development without worrying about day-to-day expenses.
Vacation Work at Liberty Life
A unique feature of the bursary programme is the requirement for bursars to undertake vacation work during the June and December holidays at Liberty Life’s Head Office in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. This practical experience allows students to:
- Apply theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to real-life scenarios.
- Develop professional skills essential for a career in Actuarial Science.
- Build a network of contacts within the financial services industry.
- Gain insight into the operations of a leading financial services provider.
This blend of practical exposure and academic learning ensures bursars graduate with both knowledge and experience, making them highly employable.
Benefits of the Liberty Life Actuarial Science Bursary
The bursary programme offers multiple benefits beyond financial support:
- Financial Stability
- Students are relieved from tuition and living costs, allowing them to focus on academics.
- Practical Experience
- Vacation work enhances employability and provides industry insight.
- Skill Development
- Leadership and extracurricular activities are encouraged to foster well-rounded individuals.
- Networking Opportunities
- Interaction with experienced professionals at Liberty Life can lead to mentorship and career opportunities.
- Merit-Based Recognition
- Annual review ensures that bursars maintain high standards and are rewarded for consistent excellence.
Who Should Apply?
This bursary is ideal for:
- Students passionate about Actuarial Science and the financial services sector.
- High achievers with strong academic records in mathematics and science subjects.
- Individuals with leadership skills and active participation in extracurricular activities.
- Students seeking a fully-funded bursary with opportunities for practical experience.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
To increase your chances of being awarded the bursary, consider the following tips:
- Maintain excellent academic performance consistently.
- Engage in leadership roles in school or community activities.
- Participate in competitions such as Olympiads, debating, and sports tournaments.
- Highlight innovative thinking and problem-solving abilities in your application.
- Ensure all required documents are uploaded accurately and on time.
Conclusion
The Liberty Life Actuarial Science Bursary Programme for 2026 represents a golden opportunity for aspiring actuaries to achieve academic excellence without financial strain while gaining invaluable practical experience. By maintaining high academic standards, demonstrating leadership, and actively participating in extracurricular activities, students can secure this prestigious bursary.
