South African Navy Military Skills Development System (MSDS) 2026: Apply Now

Are you a young South African looking for an exciting opportunity to serve your country while developing valuable skills? The South African Navy (SAN) is calling on motivated and qualified individuals to apply for the Military Skills Development System (MSDS) intake for 2026. This prestigious program offers a two-year contract where recruits receive military and functional training, preparing them for dynamic roles within the Navy.

Closing Date: 28 March 2025

About the Military Skills Development System (MSDS)

The South African Navy’s MSDS is designed to give young South Africans the opportunity to serve in uniform while acquiring valuable military and functional skills. The program runs for two years:

• Year One: Recruits undergo intensive military training followed by specialized functional training.
• Year Two: Recruits are deployed where needed, allowing them to apply their knowledge and further develop their skills.

General Requirements

To be eligible for the South African Navy MSDS 2026 intake, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen (No dual citizenship).
• Age Requirements:
  • 18 — 22 years with Grade 12.
  • 18 — 26 years with a 3-year Tertiary Qualification or N6 certificate.
• Educational Requirements:
  • Successfully completed Grade 12.
  • Admission Point Score (APS) of 17 or above, excluding Life Orientation (LO).
• Additional Requirements:
  • No criminal record or pending cases.
  • Must meet medical fitness requirements.
  • No visible tattoos on legs, lower arms, neck, or face.

Other Screening Requirements

Applicants will undergo:

• Drug testing
• Psychometric and medical evaluations
• Verification of criminal record
• Pre-screening and verification of qualifications

Fields of Interest

The South African Navy MSDS intake is open for applications in the following categories:

1. Combat

• Age Requirement: 18 – 22 years.
• Educational Requirements:
  • Completed Grade 12 with Mathematics and Physical Sciences at Level 4 or higher (No Mathematical Literacy).
  • Life Orientation (LO) is excluded.

2. Engineering and Technical

• Age Requirement: 18 – 22 years.
• Educational Requirements:
  • Completed Grade 12 with Mathematics and Physical Sciences at Level 4 or higher, excluding LO.
  • Relevant qualifications in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering with N6 and Trade Test.

3. Support

• Age Requirement: 18 – 22 years.
• Educational Requirements:
  • Completed Grade 12.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Certified copies of:
  • ID
  • Matric Certificate (Only Statement of Results for 2023 will be accepted)
  • Tertiary Qualifications (if applicable)

Application Submission Options:

1. Hand Delivery: Submit at the nearest recruitment center.
2. Postal Address:
   SA Navy Recruitment Centre
   Department of Defence,
   Private Bag X104,
   Pretoria, 0001

Contact Information

For related enquiries, contact:

• Tel: 012 339 4421 / 4252 / 4256
• Website: www.navy.mil.za

Download the Application Form

Download the South African Navy (SAN) Application Form Here

Important Dates

• Closing Date for Applications: 28 March 2025
• Notification of Outcome: If you haven’t been contacted by 31 December 2025, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Why Join the South African Navy?

The South African Navy offers an exceptional opportunity to serve your nation while gaining unparalleled experience and skills. Whether you’re interested in combat, engineering, technical, or support roles, the MSDS program provides a platform for growth, leadership, and adventure.

Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Apply now and kickstart your career with the South African Navy.

For the latest updates and more details, visit the South African Navy website.