2026 NZ Insurance Underwriting Graduate Program
Full job description
Time Type: Full time
Worker Type: Employee
QBE NEW ZEALAND GRADUATE PROGRAM 2026
INSURANCE UNDERWRITING STREAM
PERMANENT ROLE | AUCKLAND | HYBRID WORKING
GRADUATE PROGRAM OVERVIEW
18 months | 3 different teams | 6-month experiences
Our award-winning graduate program has been running in Australia for many years with huge success. Graduates are hired as permanent employees, with the first 18-months spent on the graduate program experiencing three different teams across our business, known as ‘rotations’. In addition to three rotations, graduates progress through a structured learning and development plan, have access to senior leaders, and spend time with their graduate cohort forming meaningful and long-lasting connections.
In 2024, we launched our inaugural New Zealand graduate program as an extension of our Australian program, and we are looking to bring on another two graduates for 2026 based out of our Auckland office. Successful graduates will enjoy two trips to Sydney, Australia for induction week and development activities in their first year.
INSURANCE UNDERWRITING
Insurance underwriting is a highly technical skill set that is critical to our business success. This graduate program stream focuses on business insurance, which can be incredibly complex. Businesses of all sizes across many industries present their own unique risks and you will learn what to consider before we agree to offer insurance protection to a business customer.
You can expect to learn about many types of business insurance including property, motor, liability, financial lines, and more. As a QBE graduate in New Zealand, you do not need any previous insurance experience. We’ll teach you the basics before progressing you into new rotations where you’ll continue to build your knowledge and understanding of insurance and the underwriting process.
The role of an underwriter is unique in that it offers the best of both worlds – a role where you can build strong technical skills through analysis and risk management practices, and advanced communications skills as your success in this role will largely depend on effectively working with many internal and external stakeholders.
Our graduates often discover interests that they didn’t know even existed before joining QBE. The New Zealand graduate program provides a platform to learn insurance from the ground up and it offers the flexibility to explore interests as they develop.
GRADUATE LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT
Your skill and career development are a key focus for the entire graduate program and beyond. Some of the ways you will learn include:
Experiencing our business from three different perspectives across your graduate rotation s
Formal classroom style training, always with a practical application
Digital learning pathways designed for the graduate cohort and your program stream more specifically
Informal learning through cohort activities and initiatives
Unlimited access to digital learning content, many courses with official certifications
Your support network: graduate program lead, graduate buddy, rotation leaders, technical buddies, graduate networks (program stream and wider cohort)
Networking and public speaking opportunities
ABOUT QBE
At QBE, we get to the heart of what matters for our customers. We dig deeper to really get to know our customers, harnessing our deep understanding to provide tailored and responsive solutions. And we do it all with a human touch.
As part of the QBE team, you’ll spend every day working with people who are passionate, talented and kind. And with 13,000+ colleagues across 26 countries, we’re big enough for your ambitions, yet still small enough for you to make a real impact.
It’s an exciting time at QBE. We’re building momentum towards our vision to become the most consistent and innovative risk partner. And we want talented people like you to join us, so you can be part of our success – and we can be part of yours.
Your career. At the heart of it.
www.qbe.com/nz/about-qbe/careers
BENEFITS
We offer a range of benefits to help provide holistic support for your work life, whatever your circumstances. As a QBE employee you will have access to and benefit from:
‘Hybrid Working’ – a mix of working from home and in the office to enhance your work/life balance
Life Leave, supporting the life events we all experience, leaving your annual leave for rest
Free holistic wellbeing coaching, nutritional, confidential counselling, financial and legal advice
A range of discounts on insurance products, car hire, hotels, goods and services
Voluntary super contributions and company matching
Income protection insurance & reimbursed Death and Total Permanent Disability insurance premiums
18 weeks’ gender-equal flexible leave for all new parents, including paid super
REWARDS & RECOGNITION
We value our employee’s experience with us and are proud to have been recognised for the following awards:
Ranked in the top ten in the AAGE Top Graduate Employers 2025 for medium sized program as voted by graduates
2025 Winner of Excellence in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award at the Insurance Business Australia Awards for our Respect@QBE program
2023 Most Inclusive Workplace at the Australian HR Institute (AHRI) Awards
2021 LinkedIn Top Employer & HRD Employer of Choice
2020 Best Workplace Diversity & Inclusion and Excellence Award for Best Health & Wellbeing at the Australian HR Awards
Platinum employer on the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) – the definitive national benchmark on LGBTQI+ workplace inclusion
Family Friendly Workplace accredited employer since 2021
ELIGIBILITY
Our graduate program commences once per year each February. To be eligible for the New Zealand stream of the 202 6 graduate program, you must have:
Completed and passed tertiary education in the 2 years prior to the graduate program start date, graduating from end of 202 3 to end of 202 5
Unrestricted working rights in New Zealand and
Submit a resume and academic transcript with your application. A cover letter is not required.
Whilst some education disciplines align more to the technical nature of insurance underwriting than others, for example, law, economics, business, engineering, we are accepting applications for the insurance underwriting graduate program from any field of study if you have a strong interest. We encourage you to apply now or contact the graduate recruitment team to discuss further if you have questions at graduates@qbe.com .
APPLY NOW
Click APPLY to submit your application. Applications will close on Tuesday 19 A ugust 2025.
Successful applicants will need to complete work rights, police, and employment checks through our online provider as a condition of employment. Please remember to submit your resume and academic transcript with your application.
QBE recognise the value of diverse perspectives and experience. We are committed to an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected for who they are. If we can provide support with access requirements, alternative work arrangements or you would like to connect with one of our networks please contact us at graduates@qbe.com .
Skills:
Application Close Date: 19/08/2025 11:59 PM
How to Apply:
To submit your application, follow the step by step process.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
QBE is an equal opportunity employer and is required to comply with equal employment opportunity legislation in each jurisdiction it operates.