By Andre Atallah, CEO of EP Advisory
Actuarial Services graduate · UK · September 2027 start
Rolling · last checked 15 October 2026This year’s ads have closedCheck each ad for its closing date
Short answer: Actuarial is rolling, with no fixed closing date. Five offices were open when we checked on 15 October 2026.This year’s ads with an actuarial route have closed. PwC filled roles on a rolling basis.Check each ad for its closing date. We last checked on 15 October 2026. There is no separate Actuarial ad. You apply once to PwC’s Audit, Accounting, Tax and Finance programme for one office and put Actuarial Services first. Then come SHL tests, a video interview, a virtual assessment centre and a senior leader interview. You train for the IFoA exams. PwC does not sponsor visas for this role.
Where are you now?
Independent guide. EP Advisory is not affiliated with PwC.
PwC’s Actuarial graduate scheme trains you towards Fellowship of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA), for a September 2027 start.
For nearly 10 years, we’ve helped more than 5,000 professionals get hired. Want to know if your CV will pass screening in the UK? Check your CV for free: a score in 30 seconds, then a fix for each problem.
01/10
Your route to an offer
Pick your stage and tick each step when done. Rules and dates are PwC’s, checked on 15 October 2026. Prep times are our suggestions.
1. Apply: open and rolling1. Apply (this year’s ads have closed)1. Apply: check each ad’s closing date
One online form for one office, with Actuarial Services as your first choice. Prep 1 to 2 days.
2. Online tests: usually 7 days per invite
A values activity, a behavioural test and a reasoning test, all on SHL. Prep 1 to 2 weeks.
3. Video and assessment centre: usually 7 days per invite
A recorded video interview, then a virtual assessment centre. Prep 1 to 2 weeks.
4. Final interview: in person, in your office
Matching, a recruiter call, then an interview with a senior leader. Prep about 1 week. An outcome can take up to a month.
Your ticks save on this device.
02/10
The programme at a glance
A job in Actuarial Services that trains you for the IFoA exams. Where PwC is silent, we say so.
RollingClosedCheck ads
No fixed closing dateThis year’s adsFor each office’s closing date
Sep 2027
Start date
5 offices
With an open actuarial route, checked 15 Oct 2026Had an actuarial route this cycleWith an actuarial route, checked 15 Oct 2026
IFoA
Exams that lead to Fellow
Any subject
Degree, passed or on track
No
Visa sponsorship
Where these facts come from
- The programme. PwC’s programme page, checked on 15 October 2026. You’ll learn “how to analyse and manage financial risks for clients through statistical modelling and data analysis”. Once you complete the exams, “you’ll then be fully qualified and a Fellow of the IFoA”.
- Length. PwC does not say how many years the exams take.
- Office time. “A minimum of three days each week in the office or on client site.”
- Grade and pay. The ads list the grade as “Associate”. Salary is not published, so ask your recruiter (PwC FAQs).
Your exams: the IFoA route
The IFoA sets the exams in four levels. PwC gives you “first class tuition from our chosen provider” and a Study Mentor.
1
Core Principles
CS1, CS2, CM1, CM2, CB1 to CB3
2
Core Practices
CP1 to CP3
3
Specialist Principles
SP1, SP2, SP4 to SP9
4
Specialist Advanced
SA1 to SA4, SA7
From the IFoA curriculum. CS is statistics, CM is maths and CB is business. Your Study Mentor helps you “agree the path and pace” through them.
When exams run, and how to start early
- Two sittings a year. “There are 2 opportunities to sit exams each year, in April and September” (IFoA). See the key dates.
- 2027 dates. Exams run 12 to 21 April and 13 to 22 September 2027. Exam entry closes at midday on 5 February and 23 July. Student membership deadlines are 18 January and 5 July.
- Your first sitting. PwC does not say which sitting you start with. Ask your Study Mentor.
- Membership first. You become an IFoA student member before your exams, except on the non-member route for CS1 or CM1. Student membership has “no academic admissions criteria”.
- Exemptions. An IFoA-accredited university course may earn exam exemptions.
- See the exams. The IFoA’s past paper dashboard opens CM1 and CS1 papers to guests.
03/10
What PwC looks for in Actuarial
PwC asks for any degree. The IFoA describes a maths-based start. Know both before you apply.
What PwC asks
A degree in any subject, passed or on track, judged on your last completed year. The actuarial ads name no maths A level and no degree class.
What the IFoA says
“Most people start with a maths-based degree at 2:1 or above.” It recommends A level Maths or equivalent “as a minimum”.
From each actuarial ad and the IFoA’s route page. No maths background? The IFoA suggests a non-member exam, CS1 or CM1, first.
PwC scores six behaviours at every stage. It calls them the PwC Professional. Your stories should show each one.
Inspire
“I understand my impact and people want to work with me.”
Empower
“I coach and work side by side with others.”
Evolve
“I grow as a person and guide us into the future.”
Champion
“I commit to quality, integrity and inclusive behaviour.”
Build
“I apply a business mindset to my work to increase PwC’s success.”
Deliver
“I collaborate across PwC to deliver quality and distinctive client experiences.”
What the actuarial ads ask for, in PwC’s words
- Numbers. You are “comfortable and enjoy working with numbers and technology”.
- People. You build strong relationships in a team.
- Curiosity. You are curious about financial management.
- The qualification. You “have a good appreciation of the professional qualifications aligned to your preferences”. For Actuarial, that is the IFoA route.
- The teams. PwC’s Actuarial page names Life Insurance, General Insurance, Banking, Pensions, and Reward and Employment. It does not say which teams take graduates.
04/10Stage 1 · Apply
How to apply
Apply now: there is no separate Actuarial ad. You apply to PwC’s Audit, Accounting, Tax and Finance programme for one office. Then you put Actuarial Services first.
1
Pick an office
One of five with an actuarial route
2
Put Actuarial first
Your first choice of business area
3
Fill the form
Exact grades, no AI help
4
Online tests
Invite usually open 7 days
PwC: “If Actuarial is your preference, you’ll need to put this as your first choice when completing your application in order to be considered for a role within this business area.”
Offices with an actuarial route
| Office | Actuarial route | Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | Yes | No |
| Bristol | Yes | No |
| Edinburgh | Yes | No |
| Leeds | Yes | No |
| Manchester | Yes | No |
| London | Not visible on PwC’s job site when we checked on 15 October 2026 | No |
When we checked on 15 October 2026, each of these five ads listed “Actuarial Services – IFoA” as a route and said no visa sponsorship. Other offices’ ads, including Reading and Glasgow, had no actuarial route. PwC may close roles early, so check PwC’s job site before you apply.This year’s ads have since closed. Watch PwC’s job site for the next round.Check PwC’s job site for each ad’s closing date.
More on the form and the one-application rule
- One application. PwC says: “We’ll only consider one application for our 2027 programmes.”
- Grades. Do not convert overseas grades. Do not “be vague or lie about your results”, because PwC checks them later.
- AI. No AI tools, “unless explicitly authorised by PwC”. Ask for adjustments when you apply.
Your CV: do and don’t
Do
“Built a spreadsheet model of 400 members’ fees that found £900 of missed payments”
Show numbers, data and a result. Give each role one.
Don’t
“Strong analytical skills”
A claim with no proof. Show what you did instead.
Our CV achievement examples show how to write those lines. Getting ready to apply for jobs in the UK? Check your CV for free: see it the way a recruiter does, then fix each problem.
Save PwC and over 2,000 other UK schemes to one free calendar. See what closes next and what you have applied to.
Track my schemes freeFree account, no card.
Not this year, or not for you? Your other routes
- 2028 programmes. If you are unsuccessful or withdraw, wait for 2028. PwC had not published a date when we checked on 15 October 2026, so watch its job search.If you are unsuccessful or withdraw, wait for 2028. See PwC’s job search for the opening date.If you are unsuccessful or withdraw, you can apply for a 2028 start. PwC’s 2028 programmes were open when we checked on 15 October 2026. See its job search.PwC’s 2028 applications have closed. Watch its job search for the next round.
- Summer Internship 2027. Paid, 4 to 8 weeks, for students “graduating in 2028”. Actuarial runs in Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, London and Manchester. It can lead to a graduate offer (PwC).
- Diversity in Business. Paid three-day placements for students “graduating in 2029” (PwC). Actuarial streams: Advancing Social Mobility in Bristol. Black Talent in Business in Birmingham, Edinburgh, London and Manchester. Women in Business in Bristol, Edinburgh, London and Manchester.
- Other employers. The IFoA says graduate actuarial roles are often advertised “in October or November for the following year” (IFoA).
- PwC Audit. Our PwC Audit playbook covers the audit route.
05/10Stage 2 · Online tests
The PwC online tests
PwC’s online stage runs on SHL, in three parts. Only the last part is timed. Actuarial has no extra test.
Not assessed
1. Values activity
Untimed
2. Behavioural test
Timed
3. Reasoning test
From PwC’s selection page. The timed test is “an ability test including numerical, inductive and deductive reasoning”. PwC uses no situational judgement test and names no verbal test.
Likely, not named by PwC: SHL Verify Interactive G+. SHL’s factsheet describes one timed test of the same three abilities, with 36 minutes and up to 24 questions. PwC publishes no timing, so check your invite.
Step through each test
Behavioural: untimed
You take this first. PwC’s practice asks “Which statement best describes you?” and shows three statements. You pick one. One from PwC’s practice: “I do not reveal other people’s private information”.
PwC’s advice is “Go with your instincts”.
Your moves
- Answer as you are, not as you think PwC wants.
- Take your time, since there is no timer.
Numerical: timed
Build the chart
Read the facts on the left, then drag each bar to the right height or type the total under it. Employers set their own version, so yours may differ.
Split the pie
Work out each share of the budget, then drag the handles round the pie or type the percentages.
Sort into order
Work out a value for each row of the table, then drag the items into order from highest to lowest.
The classic version
SHL also offers a multiple-choice version. Read the table and chart, then pick one of five answers.
Your moves
- Drill percentage change, ratios and totals from tables.
- Keep paper and a pen for working, as PwC’s practice suggests.
Inductive: timed
Fill the next grid
Spot how the pattern moves from grid to grid, then click squares in the big grid to draw the one that comes next. Employers set their own version, so yours may differ.
Join the points
Each step adds a line. Find the rule, then drag from point to point to draw the lines that finish the sequence.
The classic version
In the multiple-choice version you see a row of figures and pick the one that comes next from five options.
Your moves
- Track one change at a time: shape, position, then count.
- Say the rule in words before you answer.
Deductive: timed
PwC publishes no deductive example. SHL’s sample gives you facts and asks which statement must be true.
Your moves
- Write each rule as a short note.
- Start with the item that has the most rules.
- Check every rule again before you move on.
Our own simplified drawings of SHL’s screens, not screenshots. Numbers on them are examples. PwC’s version may differ.
For more on reasoning items, see our tips for psychometric tests.
The rules: allowed and banned
Allowed
- Practice tests sent with your invite
- Adjustments, if you ask when you apply
- A laptop or tablet, as PwC recommends
- A calculator in PwC’s practice. Check your invite for the real test.
Banned
- AI tools, unless PwC authorises them
- Help from anyone else
- Duplicate accounts
- Copied answers
From PwC’s selection page. PwC checks for “highly similar responses” and signs of AI-assisted support, and withdraws applications it flags.
On the day: practice and deadline
- Practice. PwC says you can “take some practice tests before you start”. Its own guide warns its samples are “slightly different to the actual tests that we use”.
- Deadline. Usually seven days from the invite.
Go further: the best outside help
Our own picks, checked on 15 October 2026. We are not linked to any of these sites and earn nothing from them.
From PwC
- PwC’s own guide to the online testsPwC Careers · up to 45 min · no account neededPwC’s practice questions for each test, with its own tips.Free
Practise
- SHL’s free practice testsSHL, the test maker · free SHL account neededThe test maker’s own practice. PwC links to it.Free
- SHL’s example questionsSHL · no account neededSee the formats before you sign up. Skip verbal and SJT.Free
Watch
- 15 SHL reasoning questions solved, step by stepAptitude-Test-Prep on YouTube · Mar 2025 · 54 min · the host is a JobTestPrep affiliateInteractive numerical, inductive and deductive items, worked through.Free
Skip leaked PwC questions and AI helpers. PwC checks for copied answers and AI help, and withdraws applications it flags.
Next: build your speed on numbers and logic with our guide to psychometric and logic tests.
06/10Stage 3 · Interviews
The video interview and assessment centre
Two stages: a recorded video interview, then a virtual assessment centre. Both test the six behaviours. PwC publishes no extra interview for Actuarial.
Video interviewSHL, on demand
Questions on screen · Recorded · Reviewed by PwC
Assessment centreVirtual
Human and technical skills · Exercises not published
PwC says: “we do not use AI to assess candidate performance”.
PwC: “The questions will focus on how you typically approach your work, for example at school, university or any prior work experience you may have” (programme page). PwC does not publish the questions or timings.
The assessment centre
- The centre. PwC calls it “a virtual immersive assessment centre”. It does not publish the exercises, their order or their length.
How to answer: PwC’s STAR method
PwC’s interview guide recommends STAR. Build each story in four parts:
Situation
Set the scene in one or two lines.
Task
What you had to achieve.
Action
What you did, not the team.
Result
What changed, with a number.
Follow-ups to rehearse
What would you do differently?Which PwC behaviour does this show?Why actuarial?
PwC’s tip: “you can use notes as prompts, but don’t read from them”. The follow-ups are ours.
See our guides on how to pass a job interview and the toughest interview questions.
Practise: one question at a time
Motivation questions
The first two come from PwC. The rest, and all answers, are ours.
Motivation
“Why do you want to join your preferred employer?”
PwC’s own practice question, with two minutes to answer
Show a strong answer
- Give one reason about actuarial work, one about PwC and one about you. Record it, then watch it back.
Why PwC
Why are you interested in joining PwC?
PwC says its final interview covers this
Show a strong answer
- Name something specific: a PwC behaviour that fits you, or how actuaries there work with Tax, Accounting and Deals teams.
Why actuarial
Why actuarial work?
What they’re testing: that you know what actuaries do.
Show a strong answer
- Use PwC’s words: measuring “the probability and risk of future events”. Link it to a time you used numbers to answer a real question. Name one team, such as Pensions or General Insurance.
IFoA exams
How will you handle professional exams alongside client work?
What they’re testing: commitment, since PwC says it takes “dedication and commitment”.
Show a strong answer
- Name a time you kept up hard study alongside other work. Show you know the route: student membership, sittings in April and September, and a Study Mentor.
Behaviour questions
These prompts and answers are ours, one per behaviour.
Inspire
Tell me about a time people chose to follow your lead.
What they’re testing: influence.
Show a strong answer
- A role you earned, how you earned it, and what the group achieved.
Empower
Tell me about a time you explained something hard to someone else.
What they’re testing: coaching.
Show a strong answer
- Who needed help, how you made a number or idea simple, and what they could do afterwards.
Evolve
Tell me about a time you learned a new tool or skill fast.
What they’re testing: whether you grow.
Show a strong answer
- Why you needed it, how you learned it, and what you did with it next.
Champion
Tell me about a time you kept to the rules when a shortcut was easier.
What they’re testing: quality and integrity.
Show a strong answer
- The pressure, the shortcut you refused, and what checking the detail saved.
Build
Tell me about a time you saved someone money or time.
What they’re testing: a business mindset.
Show a strong answer
- The old way, your change, and the saving in numbers.
Deliver
Tell me about a time you worked across groups to finish something.
What they’re testing: teamwork.
Show a strong answer
- Who was involved, how you kept them aligned, and what the end user got.
Your story bank: a worksheet to print or copy
Two STAR stories per behaviour, plus your actuarial answers.
| Behaviour | Story 1 | Story 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Inspire | ||
| Empower | ||
| Evolve | ||
| Champion | ||
| Build | ||
| Deliver | ||
| Why actuarial and the IFoA exams |
Go further: the best outside help
Our own picks, checked on 15 October 2026. We are not linked to any of these sites and earn nothing from them.
From PwC
- The six behaviours PwC scoresPwC Careers · no account neededMatch one story to each behaviour.Free
- PwC’s interview guide, with a 2-minute practicePwC Careers · no account neededFilm a two-minute answer, then review it with PwC’s checklist.Free
- PwC’s guide to assessment centresPwC Careers · no account neededCommon exercises and tips for a virtual centre.Free
- The Actuarial teams you could joinPwC Careers · no account neededPick one team, such as Pensions or General Insurance, and say why it interests you.Free
From the IFoA
- How the actuarial exams workInstitute and Faculty of Actuaries · no account neededPwC links to this page. Learn the route so you can talk about it.Free
Watch
- PwC recruiters answer the top questionsPwC UK Careers on YouTube · Oct 2026 · 5 minAnswers on AI, one application and practice tests.Free
07/10Stage 4 · Final
Matching and the final interview
The final interview is in person, with a senior leader from your matched business area.
Matching
After the assessment centre, PwC matches you to a business area and office. Preferences “are considered but not guaranteed”.
Recruiter call
You book a call with a recruiter. It includes a recap of your feedback so far.
Senior leader interview
In person, in your matched office. PwC wants to hear “why you are interested in joining PwC”.
Outcome
The PwC UK Careers team gives you feedback and the result. It could take up to a month.
Offer checks and joining
- Checks. Fit and Proper and Independence assessments, background and criminal record checks, and Right to Work. PwC also checks “your grades and job history”.
- Travel. Travel from outside the UK to the in-person offer holder event “won’t be reimbursed without prior agreement and only includes economy fares”.
- No deferrals. PwC does not offer deferred starts.
Key dates: September 2027 intake
14 and 16 Sep 2026
Actuarial ads posted
17 Sep 2026
Applications opened
15 October 2026
Open and rolling. Apply now
By 15 October 2026
This year’s ads closed
15 October 2026
Our last check. See each ad for its closing date
Each stage
Invite usually open 7 days
Each stage
Invite usually open 7 days
Sep 2027
You start, and begin the IFoA routeThe programme started, with the IFoA route
08/10
Visa sponsorship
PwC does not sponsor visas for Actuarial Services. You need your own right to work.
No
Sponsorship on the five ads we checked
Not listed
On PwC’s October 2026 visa list
18 months
Graduate visa, if you apply from 2027
On a Graduate visa? PwC says your right to work must cover “the full duration of the position”. A Graduate visa you apply for from 1 January 2027 lasts 18 months and cannot be extended (GOV.UK). So ask PwC before you apply.
More on PwC’s visa rules
- PwC’s list. PwC’s immigration page, “correct as of October 2026”, names sponsored graduate roles in Audit, Tax, Deals and consulting. Actuarial Services is not on it.
- Graduate visa in 2026. If you apply on or before 31 December 2026, it lasts 2 years. It still cannot be extended.
- Not sponsored. Internships, Women in Business and Black Talent in Business.
See our guides to staying in the UK after studying and UK companies that sponsor visas. This is general information, so check GOV.UK.
09/10
Key takeaways
Before you apply
- Actuarial is rolling, so apply early. Five offices were open when we checked on 15 October 2026.This year’s ads have closed. PwC fills roles on a rolling basis, so apply early next time.Check each ad for its closing date. PwC may close early on high volume.
- There is no separate ad. Apply to PwC’s Audit, Accounting, Tax and Finance programme and put Actuarial Services first.
- PwC considers one application for all its 2027 programmes.
- PwC accepts any degree subject. The IFoA says most trainees start with a maths-based degree.
- The SHL tests are an untimed behavioural test and a timed reasoning test.
- You train for the IFoA exams, held each April and September, with a Study Mentor.
- PwC does not sponsor visas for Actuarial, so you need your own right to work.
When a scheme gives a close date, we email you a few days before it closes. Save PwC once and the reminder is set.
Set my reminders freeFree account, no card.
10/10
Frequently asked questions
Is the PwC actuarial graduate scheme open now?
Yes. Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds and Manchester had an open actuarial route for the September 2027 intake when we checked on 15 October 2026. There is no fixed closing date. PwC may close early on high volume, so apply early.No. This year’s ads for the September 2027 intake have closed. PwC filled roles on an ongoing basis. Use this guide to prepare for the next round.Check each ad with an actuarial route for its closing date. We last checked on 15 October 2026. PwC may close early on high volume, so apply early.
Can I apply to PwC Actuarial directly?
No. There is no separate Actuarial ad. You apply to PwC’s Audit, Accounting, Tax and Finance programme for one office and put Actuarial Services as your first choice. If it is not your first choice, PwC will not consider you for Actuarial.
Is London open for PwC Actuarial?
London’s graduate ad was not visible on PwC’s job site when we checked on 15 October 2026. PwC does not say why. Check PwC’s job site before you apply.This year’s ads have since closed.
Do I need a maths degree for the PwC actuarial graduate scheme?
PwC accepts a degree in any subject, passed or on track. Its actuarial ads name no maths A level or degree class. The IFoA says most people start with a maths-based degree at 2:1 or above.
What online tests does PwC use for actuarial graduates?
The tests run on SHL. You start with a values activity that is not assessed. Then you take an untimed behavioural test and a timed test with numerical, inductive and deductive reasoning. PwC publishes no extra actuarial test.
Does PwC sponsor visas for the actuarial graduate scheme?
No. All five actuarial ads said no sponsorship when we checked on 15 October 2026. PwC’s October 2026 visa list leaves Actuarial out. You need your own right to work for the whole programme.
