SAPS Police Trainees 2026/2027

Who can apply: the full eligibility checklist

Applications are open to South African citizens from all races and genders who meet the enlistment conditions. The official vacancy sets the age range at 18 to 35, measured on the closing date. You must be able to provide documentary proof of your citizenship, age and qualification.

• Hold a Grade 12 school certificate or an equivalent qualification.
• Be proficient in English and at least one other official South African language.
• Be physically, medically and mentally fit for police service, as established through the prescribed examinations.
• Meet the police-official profile in the psychological and integrity assessments.
• Have no previous criminal convictions and no pending criminal cases.
• Have no tattoos that would be visible while wearing any SAPS uniform.
• Never have been declared unfit to possess a firearm.
• Have no dismissal for serious misconduct involving dishonesty, violence, sexual harassment or drugs.
• Consent to fingerprint checks and a buccal sample being checked against the criminal-record system.
• Allow background enquiries and security vetting, and obtain the required security clearance.
• Be willing to take the oath of office, attend training wherever and whenever SAPS determines, and serve anywhere in South Africa.
• Use the prescribed application process and affirm, under oath or solemn declaration, that the information you provide is true and correct.

Qualifications and a driving licence: who gets preference

A valid driving licence for at least a light motor vehicle strengthens an application. SAPS also identifies the following qualification preferences. These preferences sit alongside the basic Grade 12 requirement; they should not be read as a promise of selection.

• A relevant three-year tertiary qualification at NQF level 6 or above, including Criminal Law, Policing or Forensic Investigation.
• Another three-year tertiary qualification at NQF level 6 or above.
• A Grade 12 certificate that meets the minimum admission requirements for a bachelor’s degree.

Training stipend, remuneration and support

Police trainees receive a stipend of R5,000 per month during training, with applicable benefits. This is the training payment, rather than a Constable’s annual salary.

After successful basic training and subject to appointment as a Constable, the advertised remuneration is R248,175 per annum. Completing an assessment or entering the selection process does not guarantee appointment.

Training gear, meals and accommodation are provided during the specified basic training programme. Follow your SAPS training instructions for the applicable arrangements and benefits.

Where and how long you will train

Successful applicants must attend a SAPS training academy as directed by the National Commissioner. You must be willing to train away from home and to serve anywhere in the country.

The government recruitment announcement distinguishes six months of academy training for recruits with a relevant qualification at NQF level 6 or above from the standard nine-month programme for recruits without such qualifications. These academy periods should not be treated as a guarantee of permanent appointment or the full duration of every employment phase.

What police officers do

Successful candidates will work as functional police officials. The core responsibilities cover public safety, law enforcement and protecting communities.

• Prevent crime, respond to crime and investigate offences.
• Maintain public order.
• Protect people living in South Africa and secure their property.
• Uphold and enforce the law.

Selection, assessments and background checks

Applicants face fitness, psychometric and integrity tests, a medical evaluation and an interview. Prepare for the physical demands of police training as well as the assessment of judgement, suitability and integrity.

SAPS verifies qualifications, citizenship and residential addresses. Driving licences are checked where applicable. Vetting also covers references, social-media presence, security screening and fingerprints to identify recorded or pending illicit activity.

A previous dismissal from a government department for misconduct excludes an applicant from consideration under the conditions on this vacancy. Taking part in selection does not create a right to a post.

Medical conditions and truthful disclosure

The Basic Police Development Learning Programme is physically demanding. A chronic illness, physical impairment or another health condition that could interrupt training may result in exclusion from the programme.

Disclose relevant health conditions honestly. If a condition is discovered after it was withheld, SAPS may withdraw the applicant from training. The prescribed medical and fitness assessments determine suitability.

Documents and information to prepare

Have the evidence for the information you enter ready before starting. Follow the live application’s upload instructions for the required files, format, size and certification.

• Proof of South African citizenship and age.
• Your Grade 12 certificate or proof of an equivalent qualification.
• Your tertiary qualification details, if applicable.
• Your valid driving licence, if applicable.
• Accurate residential address, personal details and contact information.
• An email address you can access for registration, verification and application correspondence.

How to apply online for reference TRA26/27

Use the Apply online control above to open the official SAPS eRecruitment portal. The vacancy is listed as STUDENT - TRA26/27 and carries 5,500 openings. Submit your application by 13 November 2026.

1. Open the official SAPS eRecruitment portal and find the SAPS Vacancies page.
2. Locate STUDENT - TRA26/27, open the vacancy and read the requirements before choosing Apply.
3. Register an account if you are a first-time applicant, or sign in to your existing account. Complete the email verification requested during registration.
4. Complete your user profile, including personal information, contact details, education and qualifications. Save your updates.
5. Return to the vacancy and complete each application section with accurate information.
6. Upload the supporting documents requested by the live system and review every section before submission.
7. Submit one application and keep your confirmation and application reference. Use My Applications to check the application you submitted.

Only one application is allowed

SAPS restricts each applicant to one application for this recruitment process. The electronic system accepts one application; do not create duplicate submissions in an attempt to improve your chances.

This intake uses the official electronic recruitment process. Follow the trainee vacancy instructions rather than substituting a general Z83 form or sending an application to an unrelated address.

Closing date, feedback and unsuccessful applications

Applications close on 13 November 2026. Apply early enough to complete your profile, upload documents and finish submission before the deadline.

SAPS corresponds with successful applicants. If you have not been contacted within three months after the closing date, treat the application as unsuccessful. There are a limited number of places, and SAPS is not obliged to appoint everyone who applies or is assessed.

Apply for free and avoid recruitment scams

SAPS does not charge a fee to participate in recruitment. Do not pay anyone who offers to secure a trainee position, speed up selection or influence the outcome.

Submit through the official SAPS eRecruitment portal and use its Contact us page if you need technical help. GovNet publishes vacancy information; applications and selection are handled by SAPS.

Frequently asked questions

How many SAPS police trainee places are available?

The 2026/2027 intake lists 5,500 national opportunities under reference TRA26/27.

What is the closing date?

Applications close on 13 November 2026.

What is the age requirement?

The official vacancy requires applicants to be at least 18 and no older than 35 on the closing date, with documentary proof.

Do I need a degree or a driving licence?

Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification is the basic educational requirement. A valid light motor vehicle licence and the specified tertiary or bachelor-admission qualifications receive preference.

How much is the training stipend?

The training stipend is R5,000 per month, with applicable benefits.

Can I submit more than one application?

No. SAPS limits each applicant to one application in this process.

Can I train and work only in my home province?

Applicants must be willing to attend training as directed by SAPS and serve anywhere in South Africa.

Does applying or passing an assessment guarantee a job?

No. Available posts are limited, and participating in selection does not guarantee appointment.