The South African Police Service (SAPS) invites young, energetic, intelligent, physically and mentally fit South Africans to apply for the Police Trainee Programme 2027.
Police Trainee Application Closing Date: 13 November 2026
Programme Location: Various locations across South Africa
Reference Number: TRA26/27
Remuneration During Training: R5 000 per month
Act of Appointment: SAPS Act, 1995 (Act No. 68 of 1995)
About the SAPS Police Trainee Programme 2027
The South African Police Service is recruiting entry-level Police Trainees from across South Africa.
The programme is aimed at young South Africans who want to pursue a career in policing and are prepared to undergo the required SAPS training and selection processes.
Applications are invited from candidates of all races and genders who meet the prescribed requirements.
Remuneration
Police Trainees will receive:
R5 000 per month during training
Main Responsibilities
Successful candidates will be trained to perform the core functions of the South African Police Service, including:
- Preventing, combating and investigating crime.
- Maintaining public order.
- Protecting and securing the inhabitants of South Africa and their property.
- Upholding and enforcing the law.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must:
- 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.
Additional Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must also be prepared to:
- 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.
Qualifications That May Receive Preference
Preference may be given to applicants who have a valid driver’s licence for at least a light motor vehicle.
Preference may also be given to applicants with the following qualifications:
- 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.
Physical and Medical Requirements
Applicants must be prepared to undergo physical and medical examinations determined by the SAPS National Commissioner.
Candidates must be found:
- Physically fit.
- Medically fit.
- Mentally fit.
Applicants should therefore be prepared for a comprehensive recruitment and assessment process.
Psychological and Integrity Assessments
Applicants will be required to undergo psychological and integrity assessments.
Candidates must be found suitable according to the required profile of a police official before appointment can be considered.
Security Vetting
Successful candidates must be prepared to undergo security vetting and obtain the level of security clearance determined by the National Commissioner.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official SAPS e-Recruitment portal.
Click here to apply for SAPS Police Trainee Programme 2027
Reference Number: TRA26/27
Applicants should complete the online application accurately and ensure that all required information and supporting documentation are provided.
Important: Only One Application Allowed
Applicants should note that the SAPS recruitment system is restricted to one application per applicant.
Candidates should therefore carefully check their information before submitting the application.
SAPS Recruitment Website
Due to the large number of applicants, the SAPS recruitment website may sometimes be slow or temporarily unavailable.
Applicants experiencing technical difficulties should try accessing the recruitment portal again later and are encouraged not to leave their application until the closing date.
Important Application Information
Applicants should note that:
- Only successful applicants will receive further correspondence.
- Being invited to participate in the selection process does not guarantee appointment.
- A limited number of Police Trainee positions are available.
- SAPS is under no obligation to appoint every person who applies.
- Candidates must be prepared to serve anywhere in South Africa.
Applicants who have not been contacted within three months after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Do Not Pay for SAPS Recruitment
Applicants are warned that they should not pay any person or organisation to participate in the SAPS recruitment process.
The SAPS recruitment process does not require applicants to pay individuals for appointment or consideration.
Closing Date
13 November 2026
Applicants who meet the requirements are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.