SAPS Police Trainee Programme 2027: Applications Now Open

Who can apply

• Be citizens of the Republic of South Africa and provide documentary proof.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Not be older than 35 years on the closing date of the application.
• Have a Grade 12 / Matric certificate or equivalent qualification.
• Be proficient in English and at least one other official South African language.
• Be prepared to take the oath of office.
• Be prepared to undergo training as determined by the National Commissioner.
• Not have tattoos that will be visible while wearing an SAPS uniform.
• Not have been declared unfit to possess a firearm.
• Have no previous criminal convictions.
• Have no pending criminal cases.
• Be prepared to undergo security vetting.
• Be willing to serve anywhere in South Africa.
• Have fingerprints taken and verified against the criminal record system.
• Provide a buccal sample where required.
• Undergo background investigations.
• Undergo physical and medical examinations.
• Be found physically, medically and mentally fit for appointment.
• Undergo psychological assessments.
• Undergo integrity assessments.
• Meet the profile requirements of a police official.
• Obtain the required level of security clearance.
• Applicants must not have been dismissed by a previous employer for serious misconduct relating to matters such as dishonesty, violence, sexual harassment or drug-related misconduct.
• Preference may be given to applicants who have a valid driver’s licence for at least a light motor vehicle.
• A relevant three-year tertiary qualification at NQF Level 6 or higher in fields such as: Criminal Law Policing Forensic Investigation Related fields
• Other three-year tertiary qualifications at NQF Level 6 or higher.
• Grade 12 with the minimum requirements for admission to a Bachelor’s Degree.
• Criminal Law
• Policing
• Forensic Investigation
• Related fields
• Applicants must be prepared to undergo physical and medical examinations determined by the SAPS National Commissioner.
• Physically fit.
• Medically fit.
• Mentally fit.
• Applicants should therefore be prepared for a comprehensive recruitment and assessment process.

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to SAPS Police - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is looking for young, energetic, intelligent South Africans who are physically and mentally fit to apply for the Police Trainee Programme 2027.

Applications close on 13 November 2026.

The programme takes place at various locations across South Africa.

Reference number: TRA26/27

You will earn R5 000 per month while you train.

Act of appointment: SAPS Act, 1995 (Act No. 68 of 1995)

About the SAPS Police Trainee Programme 2027

SAPS is recruiting entry-level Police Trainees from all over South Africa.

The programme is for young South Africans who want a career in policing and are ready to go through SAPS training and selection.

SAPS invites applications from candidates of all races and genders who meet the set requirements.

Pay

Police Trainees will receive:

R5 000 per month during training

What you will do

Successful candidates will be trained to do the core work of the South African Police Service, including:

• Preventing, fighting and investigating crime.
• Keeping public order.
• Protecting and securing the people of South Africa and their property.
• Upholding and enforcing the law.

Minimum requirements

You must:

• Be a citizen of the Republic of South Africa and show proof of this.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Not be older than 35 years on the closing date of the application.
• Have a Grade 12 / Matric certificate or an equivalent qualification.
• Speak English well and at least one other official South African language.
• Be willing to take the oath of office.
• Be willing to do the training set by the National Commissioner.
• Not have tattoos that can be seen while wearing an SAPS uniform.
• Not have been declared unfit to possess a firearm.
• Have no previous criminal convictions.
• Have no pending criminal cases.
• Be willing to go through security vetting.
• Be willing to serve anywhere in South Africa.

Other things you must agree to

You must also be ready to:

• Have your fingerprints taken and checked against the criminal record system.
• Give a buccal sample where needed.
• Go through background checks.
• Have physical and medical exams.
• Be found physically, medically and mentally fit for appointment.
• Complete psychological assessments.
• Complete integrity assessments.
• Meet the profile required of a police official.
• Get the security clearance level that is required.

You cannot apply if a previous employer dismissed you for serious misconduct, such as dishonesty, violence, sexual harassment or drug-related misconduct.

Qualifications that may help you get selected

Applicants with a valid driver licence for at least a light motor vehicle may be given preference.

Applicants with these qualifications may also be given preference:

• A relevant three-year tertiary qualification at NQF Level 6 or higher, in fields such as: Criminal Law, Policing, Forensic Investigation or related fields.
• Other three-year tertiary qualifications at NQF Level 6 or higher.
• Grade 12 with the minimum marks needed to enter a Bachelor's Degree.

Physical and medical requirements

You must be ready to have physical and medical exams set by the SAPS National Commissioner.

Candidates must be found:

So be ready for a thorough recruitment and assessment process.

Psychological and integrity assessments

You will need to complete psychological and integrity assessments.

You must be found suitable for the profile of a police official before you can be appointed.

Security vetting

Successful candidates must go through security vetting and get the security clearance level set by the National Commissioner.

How to apply

Apply online through the official SAPS e-Recruitment portal.

Find the SAPS Police Trainee Programme 2027 on the portal to start your application.

Reference number: TRA26/27

Fill in the online form carefully and make sure you include all the information and supporting documents.

Important: you can only apply once

The SAPS recruitment system allows only one application per person.

Check your information carefully before you submit.

SAPS recruitment website

Because many people apply, the SAPS recruitment website may be slow or sometimes unavailable.

If you have trouble, try the portal again later. Do not leave your application until the last day.

Important application information

Please note that:

• Only successful applicants will receive further correspondence.
• Being invited to the selection process does not guarantee appointment.
• Only a limited number of Police Trainee positions are available.
• SAPS does not have to appoint everyone who applies.
• Candidates must be willing to serve anywhere in South Africa.

If you have not been contacted within three months after the closing date, treat your application as unsuccessful.

Do not pay for SAPS recruitment

Do not pay any person or organisation to take part in the SAPS recruitment process.

SAPS does not ask applicants to pay anyone for appointment or consideration.

Closing date

13 November 2026

If you meet the requirements, submit your application before the deadline.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

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