VerifiedThe South African Police Service (SAPS) recruits thousands of police trainees at a time through its Basic Police Development Learning Programme, one of the most competitive government training programmes in the country. Trainees are paid while they train at a SAPS academy and are appointed as constables when they qualify. Intakes are advertised only every year or two, with short application windows, so it pays to be ready.
About the SAPS police trainee programme
- A training contract of about 21 months: academy training in policing law, criminal procedure, physical defence, firearms and driving, followed by workplace training at a police station.
- Trainees receive a monthly stipend during training and are appointed at constable salary level on completion.
- Recent intakes have reserved posts for graduates in policing, law, forensic investigation, IT and related fields.
SAPS police trainee requirements
- South African citizen with documentary proof of permanent residence in South Africa.
- Aged 18 to 30, extended to 35 for graduates in some intakes.
- A Senior Certificate (Grade 12) or equivalent.
- No criminal record or pending criminal case, and willing to undergo fingerprint and background vetting.
- No visible tattoos contrary to SAPS objectives, and fluent in English and at least one other official language.
- Physically, medically and psychologically fit, and willing to serve anywhere in South Africa. A driver’s licence is an advantage.
How to apply for SAPS police trainee recruitment
- Wait for an official advert. Download the SAPS application form linked in the advert, or collect it from a police station. Do not use forms from unofficial websites.
- Complete the form and attach certified copies of your ID, Senior Certificate, driver’s licence if you have one, other qualifications and a CV.
- Hand-deliver the application to the police station or recruitment office named in the advert before the closing date. SAPS charges no fees at any stage.
- If shortlisted, complete the physical fitness assessment, psychometric tests, vetting, medical examination and interview before placement at an academy.
SAPS recruitment closing date
The last intake closed on 18 July 2025. No 2027 date has been published.
Contact details
- SAPS careers: saps.gov.za/careers
- SAPS head office switchboard: 012 393 1000
- Your nearest police station’s human resources office.
Related routes into law enforcement include the traffic officer learnership and the government internships we track.
FAQs
1. Is SAPS recruiting police trainees for 2027? +
No 2027 intake had been advertised when we checked. The last intake, for 5 500 trainees starting in 2026, closed on 18 July 2025 and drew more than a million applications. SAPS advertises new intakes on saps.gov.za and in the press, usually with a three to four week window.
2. What is the police trainee programme? +
The Basic Police Development Learning Programme, a training contract of about 21 months that starts with academy training in policing law, physical defence, firearms and driving, followed by workplace training at a police station, leading to appointment as a constable.
3. Who qualifies? +
South African citizens aged 18 to 30 (up to 35 for graduates in some intakes) with a Senior Certificate, no criminal record or pending case, no visible tattoos contrary to SAPS objectives, fluent in English and one other official language, physically, medically and psychologically fit, and willing to serve anywhere in the country. A driver's licence is an advantage.
4. Is training paid? +
Yes. Trainees receive a monthly stipend during the programme and are appointed at constable salary level on completion.
5. How do I apply? +
Only when an intake is advertised: complete the official SAPS application form from the advert, attach certified copies of your ID, Senior Certificate, driver's licence and other qualifications, and hand it in at the police station or recruitment office named in the advert. SAPS does not charge fees and does not accept applications outside an advertised window.
6. What happens after applying? +
Shortlisted applicants complete a physical fitness assessment, psychometric tests, fingerprint vetting, a medical examination and an interview before being placed at an academy.
Update note (checked September 2026): the last intake, for 5 500 trainees starting in 2026, closed on 18 July 2025 and drew more than a million applications. No 2027 intake had been advertised when we checked. SAPS announces new intakes on saps.gov.za, at police stations and in the press, usually with a three to four week window. Ignore social media posts and WhatsApp groups offering forms or “registration” outside an official advert.