The South African Police Service (SAPS) invites applications for 5,500 Entry-Level Police Trainee positions for the 2026/2027 financial year. The recruitment programme is aimed at young, energetic, intelligent, physically and mentally fit South African citizens who are committed to serving the country and pursuing a career in law enforcement.
Successful applicants will undergo police training and, upon successfully completing the required training, may be considered for permanent appointment as Constables in the SAPS, subject to the applicable requirements and appointment procedures.
The recruitment process is open to eligible applicants from all races and genders who meet the stipulated requirements. Candidates must be prepared to undergo a rigorous selection process, including fitness assessments, medical evaluations, psychometric and integrity testing, interviews and security vetting.
Applications must be submitted online through the official SAPS recruitment system. The application reference number is TRA26/27, and the closing date for applications is 13 November 2026.
Job Details
- Position: Police Trainee
- Reference Number: TRA26/27
- Number of Vacancies: 5,500
- Recruitment Period: 2026/2027 Financial Year
- Appointment Legislation: SAPS Act, 1995 (Act No. 68 of 1995)
- Training Stipend: R5,000 per month, with applicable benefits
- Salary After Successful Training: R248,175 per annum at Constable level
- Application Method: Online
- Closing Date: 13 November 2026
About the SAPS Police Trainee Programme
The SAPS Police Trainee Programme provides successful candidates with the training required to become police officials. The programme prepares recruits to perform essential policing duties, protect communities, prevent criminal activities and uphold the law.
Police trainees must be willing to undergo training at a designated SAPS Training Academy anywhere in South Africa, as determined by the National Commissioner. Candidates must also be prepared to serve in any part of the country following their training.
The training programme is designed to develop the knowledge, discipline, physical fitness and practical skills required for a career in policing. Trainees are expected to demonstrate integrity, respect for the law, commitment to public service and the ability to work under pressure.
During the training period, the SAPS will provide the prescribed training gear, meals and accommodation. Medical aid benefits will also be provided for the duration of the Basic Police Development Learning Programme or Introductory Police Development Learning Programme, as applicable.
Remuneration and Benefits
Successful applicants will receive a monthly stipend of R5,000 during training, together with applicable benefits.
Candidates who successfully complete the Basic Training Phase may be considered for permanent appointment as members of the SAPS at the rank of Constable.
The advertised annual remuneration for a Constable after successful completion of training is R248,175.
The recruitment advertisement also specifies that successful candidates will be appointed under a probation period of 12 months after completing the Basic Training Phase.
The programme offers an opportunity for eligible South African citizens to develop a career in public service while contributing to crime prevention, law enforcement and community safety.
Training Programme and Duration
The training process consists of different phases determined by the SAPS.
1. Induction Phase
- The induction phase will take place over one month at a designated police station.
- During this period, trainees will be introduced to the policing environment and the expectations associated with becoming a police official.
2. Basic Police Development Learning Programme
- Successful candidates will undergo the Basic Police Development Learning Programme or the Introductory Police Development Learning Programme, as applicable.
- Training will take place at an SAPS Training Academy in South Africa, at a location and time determined by the National Commissioner.
- Candidates must be willing to travel to the designated academy and comply with all training requirements.
- The programme will provide the necessary preparation for the duties and responsibilities of a police official.
3. Probation and Appointment
- After successfully completing the Basic Training Phase, trainees may be appointed as members of the SAPS under a probation period of 12 months.
- Permanent appointment as a Constable will be subject to the relevant requirements and procedures.
- Candidates must understand that being selected for training does not automatically guarantee permanent appointment.
Duties and Responsibilities of Police Trainees
Successful candidates will serve as functional police officials and may be required to perform duties that support the objectives of the SAPS.
The core functions include:
- Preventing, combating and investigating crime.
- Maintaining public order.
- Protecting and securing the inhabitants of the Republic of South Africa.
- Protecting people’s property.
- Upholding and enforcing the law.
- Supporting law enforcement operations.
- Assisting in maintaining safety and security within communities.
- Performing policing duties as assigned by the relevant authorities.
- Complying with the rules, regulations and professional standards of the SAPS.
Police officials must demonstrate discipline, honesty, professionalism and respect for the rights of members of the public.
Minimum Requirements for SAPS Police Trainees
- Applicants must meet the prescribed requirements to be considered for the Police Trainee Programme.
Citizenship
- Applicants must be citizens of the Republic of South Africa. Documentary proof of South African citizenship must be provided.
Age Requirement
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old and not older than 35 years old on the closing date specified in the advertisement.
- The age requirement will be assessed as at the closing date of 13 November 2026.
Educational Qualification
- Applicants must possess a Grade 12 school certificate or an equivalent qualification. Documentary proof of the qualification must be provided.
- Although a Grade 12 certificate is the minimum educational requirement, the advertisement indicates that preference will be given to certain applicants with higher qualifications.
Language Proficiency
- Applicants must be proficient in English and at least one other official South African language.
- Effective communication is important because police officials interact with members of the public, colleagues and other law enforcement stakeholders.
Physical and Medical Fitness
- Applicants must submit to a physical and medical examination as determined by the National Commissioner.
- Candidates must be found physically, medically and mentally fit for appointment in the SAPS.
- Applicants must also participate in the required fitness assessments and comply with the programme’s physical requirements.
Psychological and Integrity Assessment
- Applicants must undergo psychological and integrity assessments to determine whether they meet the required profile for a police official.
- Candidates must demonstrate the personal qualities, conduct and integrity expected of members of the SAPS.
Criminal Record and Pending Cases
- Applicants must not have previous criminal convictions or pending criminal cases.
- Fingerprints and other prescribed checks will be used to verify information supplied by applicants and establish whether relevant criminal records or pending matters exist.
Dismissal for Serious Misconduct
- Applicants who were dismissed from previous employment for serious misconduct involving dishonesty, violence, sexual harassment or drug-related conduct will not meet the relevant eligibility requirements.
- Applicants previously employed by a government department who were dismissed because of misconduct will not be considered for appointment, as specified in the advertisement.
Tattoos
- Applicants must not have tattoo marks that will be visible when wearing any SAPS uniform.
Firearm Eligibility
- Applicants must not have been declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Security Vetting
- Applicants must be willing to undergo background checks and security vetting and obtain the level of security clearance determined by the National Commissioner.
Oath of Office
- Successful applicants must be prepared to take the oath of office and comply with the standards expected of police officials.
Training and Deployment
- Applicants must be willing to undergo training at the designated location and serve anywhere in the Republic of South Africa.
Additional Requirements
- Applicants must be willing to provide fingerprints and a buccal sample, which is collected from inside the cheek, for the prescribed verification and forensic DNA procedures.
- Candidates must also permit background enquiries and other verification procedures required by the SAPS.
Preference Given to Applicants With Additional Qualifications
- The advertisement states that preference will be given to applicants who possess a driver’s licence for at least a motor vehicle.
- Preference will also be given to candidates with relevant tertiary qualifications.
The following categories are identified in the recruitment advertisement:
1. Relevant Three-Year Tertiary Qualifications
Applicants with a relevant three-year tertiary qualification at NQF Level 6 or higher may receive preference.
Relevant fields include:
- Criminal Law
- Policing
- Forensic Investigation
- Criminology
- Law Enforcement
- Natural Science
- Accounting Science
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Other relevant fields specified in the advertisement
Applicants with the specified qualifications may be considered for placement in specialised units, subject to the SAPS’s requirements and selection procedures.
2. Other Three-Year Tertiary Qualifications
- Applicants who possess other three-year tertiary qualifications at NQF Level 6 or higher may also receive preference.
- All qualifications must meet the applicable recognition and verification requirements.
3. Grade 12 With Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Applicants who possess a Grade 12 certificate with the minimum requirements for admission to a bachelor’s degree will also receive preference under the stated selection criteria.
- Meeting a preferred qualification category does not guarantee selection or appointment.
Possible Placement in Specialised Units
The advertisement indicates that applicants who possess a relevant three-year National Diploma or degree recorded on the National Learner Record Database (NLRD) at NQF Level 6 or higher may be considered for placement in specialised units.
These include:
- Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).
- Detective and Forensic Services.
- Crime Intelligence.
Relevant qualifications may include those in law, policing, criminology, law enforcement, forensic investigation, information technology, computer science, natural science and accounting science.
Placement will depend on the applicable requirements, operational needs and selection decisions of the SAPS.
Fitness Assessment Requirements
Applicants must undergo a fitness assessment as part of the recruitment and selection process.
The advertisement specifies the following body measurements:
- Body Mass Index (BMI): 30 kg/m² or below.
- Waist circumference for males: 102 cm.
- Waist circumference for females: 90 cm.
These measurements form part of the stated requirements for participating in the fitness assessment.
Candidates must also undergo the prescribed medical evaluation and other assessments to establish whether they are physically and medically fit for police training.
The Basic Police Development Learning Programme is physically demanding. Applicants should be prepared for the physical requirements associated with police training.
The advertisement further indicates that applicants with chronic diseases, physical impairments or other health conditions that may interrupt the training programme may be excluded from participation.
Applicants must disclose relevant health conditions as required during the recruitment process. Failure to disclose a condition may result in withdrawal from the programme if it is subsequently identified.
Selection and Screening Process
The SAPS will conduct a selection process to determine whether applicants meet the requirements for appointment as police trainees.
The process may include the following:
Qualification Verification
- The SAPS will verify the educational qualifications submitted by applicants, including the relevant certificates and tertiary qualifications where applicable.
Driver’s Licence Verification
- Where applicable, the details of a driver’s licence will be verified.
Citizenship and Residential Address Verification
- The SAPS will verify applicants’ citizenship and residential addresses.
Fitness Assessment
Applicants must complete the prescribed fitness assessment and meet the relevant requirements.
Medical Evaluation
- Candidates will undergo medical examinations to determine whether they are fit to participate in the training programme and perform policing duties.
Psychometric and Integrity Testing
- Applicants will be subjected to psychometric and integrity testing to assess their suitability for a career in policing.
Personal Interview
- Shortlisted candidates may be required to attend a personal interview as part of the recruitment process.
Security Screening and Background Checks
The vetting process may include security screening, reference checks, social media checks and fingerprint verification.
These procedures are intended to establish whether applicants meet the required integrity, security and suitability standards.
Criminal Record and Register Checks
Candidates may be vetted in terms of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 2007, and the Children’s Act, 2005.
Applicants whose particulars appear in the National Register for Sex Offenders or Part B of the Child Protection Register will be disqualified from appointment.
Candidates must also disclose whether they are respondents in interim or final protection orders under the Domestic Violence Act, 1998, or the Protection from Harassment Act, 2011. Such circumstances may affect eligibility for appointment.
Important Information About Outside Employment and Business Interests
Applicants should take note of the restrictions relating to outside employment and business interests.
The advertisement states that employees of the SAPS are subject to restrictions on doing business with the State. Applicants who have companies doing business with State organs may be required to deregister the business from the Central Supplier Database or relinquish the relevant directorship within the specified period.
The advertisement also identifies restrictions on remunerative work in certain industries, including the taxi, liquor and security industries, under Chapter 4 of National Instruction 18 of 2019: Integrity Management.
Applicants performing other remunerative work outside the Public Service must apply for authorisation within the first month of entering into the Memorandum of Agreement, where required.
Failure to comply with the applicable rules may result in termination of the Memorandum of Agreement.
Candidates should carefully review these provisions and comply with all applicable SAPS policies.
Applicants should ensure that all information supplied is accurate and truthful. The recruitment advertisement requires applicants to affirm under oath or by solemn declaration that the particulars furnished in the application are correct.
Candidates should follow the instructions on the official recruitment system and retain any application confirmation or reference details provided after submission.
Important Application Rules
Only One Application Is Allowed
Applicants are limited to one application. The recruitment system is restricted and will accept only one application per applicant.
Candidates should carefully review the vacancy details and ensure that the correct application is submitted.
No Payment Is Required
Applicants are cautioned not to pay any person a fee to participate in the SAPS recruitment process.
The recruitment process must be approached through the official SAPS channels. Applicants should be alert to fraudulent advertisements, unofficial intermediaries and individuals who request money in exchange for employment.
Application Does Not Guarantee Appointment
The SAPS has indicated that the availability of posts is limited and that participation in the selection process does not guarantee appointment.
The SAPS is under no obligation to appoint every person who applies.
Communication With Applicants
Correspondence will be conducted with successful applicants only.
Applicants who have not been contacted within three months after the closing date should accept that their applications were unsuccessful.
Social Media and Background Checks
Applicants may be subjected to checks involving their social media presence, references, fingerprints and other relevant background information.
Candidates should ensure that the information provided during the recruitment process is accurate and consistent.
Closing Date for Applications
The closing date for the SAPS Police Trainee Recruitment Programme for the 2026/2027 financial year is 13 November 2026.
Applications should be completed and submitted through the official SAPS recruitment system before the closing date.
Applicants are encouraged to avoid waiting until the last day to complete the online process.
Contact Details and Enquiries
For enquiries about the Police Trainee Recruitment Programme, applicants should consult the contact details provided in the official recruitment advertisement and its attached address list.
Applicants should use official SAPS communication channels for recruitment-related assistance and must not pay recruitment fees to any individual.
Final Summary
The South African Police Service is recruiting 5,500 Police Trainees for the 2026/2027 financial year under reference number TRA26/27.
The minimum educational requirement is a Grade 12 certificate or equivalent qualification. Applicants must be South African citizens aged between 18 and 35 years on the closing date and must meet the prescribed physical, medical, psychological, integrity and security requirements.
The training stipend is R5,000 per month, with applicable benefits. Candidates who successfully complete the required training may be considered for appointment as Constables, with an advertised annual remuneration of R248,175.
Applicants with a driver’s licence and relevant tertiary qualifications may receive preference under the stated selection criteria.
Closing date: 13 November 2026.
All applicants should read the official advertisement carefully, ensure that the eligibility requirements are met and submit only one application through the official SAPS recruitment system.
How to Apply for SAPS Police Trainee Vacancies
Applications must be submitted online through the official South African Police Service website.
- Official application website: https://www.saps.gov.za
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official SAPS website: https://www.saps.gov.za
- Locate the SAPS electronic recruitment system or the relevant vacancy link.
- Register an account on the SAPS recruitment website.
- Enter the required profile details on the Profile User page.
- Log in to the registered account.
- Navigate to the SAPS vacancies page.
- Locate the Police Trainee recruitment advertisement with reference number TRA26/27.
- Select the relevant vacancy.
- Complete the personal details requested in the online application process.
- Provide accurate information and complete all required application steps.
- Submit the application through the online system.
How to Download the SAPS Police Trainee Advert
- Click on the advert or PDF link to open the document.
- Click the Download icon to save the advert to your phone or computer