SAPS: Student Trainee Intake 2027 (X5500 Posts) Available. The South African Police Service (SAPS) invites applications from all races and genders from young, physically and mentally fit individuals dedicated to serving their country by pursuing a career in policing. Available nationally.
Location: South Africa
Category: Government Vacancies
Closing Date: 13/11/2026
Generic Requirements
- Be a citizen of the Republic of South Africa, of which documentary proof must be furnished
- Be in possession of a Grade 12 school certificate or equivalent qualification, of which documentary proof must be furnished
- Be proficient in at least English and one other official language
- Be prepared to take the oath of office
- Not have been declared unfit to possess a firearm
- Not have any previous criminal convictions or any pending criminal cases
- Not have been dismissed for serious misconduct from the employ of a previous employer, where such dismissal relates to any act of dishonesty or violence; sexual harassment or is drug-related
- Allow a buccal sample and his or her fingerprints to be taken and verified against the criminal record system
- Allow background inquiries to be made
- Be prepared to undergo security vetting and obtain the level of security clearance determined by the National Commissioner
- Be prepared to serve anywhere in the Republic
- Applicants in possession of a relevant three (3) years tertiary qualification (NQF 6 or higher), i.e., Criminal Law / Policing / Forensic investigation, etc
- Applicants in possession of other three (3) years tertiary qualification (NQF 6 or higher
- Applicants in possession of Grade 12 school certificate with the minimum requirements for admission to bachelor’s degree
- All applicants will undergo fitness, psychometric, and integrity testing, as well as medical evaluation, and will be interviewed during the recruitment, selection, and enlistment process
- Given the physical demands of the Basic Police Development Learning Program, applicants with chronic diseases, physical impairments, or any other health condition that may interrupt the training program may be excluded from participation. If applicants fail to disclose any health condition, the program may withdraw them.
- Prevent, combat, and investigate crime
- Maintain public order
- Protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and their property
- Uphold and enforce the law
- Correspondence will be conducted with successful applicants only. If an applicant has not been contacted within 3 months after the closing date of this advertisement, it should be accepted that such applicant was unsuccessful in his or her application
- Applicants accept that a limited number of posts are available and that being subjected to the selection processes is not a guarantee of appointment
- Applicants should take note that they are limited to one application. The system is restricted and will only accept one application
- The South African Police Service is under no obligation to appoint any person who applied for appointment/enlistment
- Applicants are cautioned not to pay any fee to any person for participating in the SAPS recruitment processes
How to Apply