SAPS Police Trainee Vacancies 2026/2027 (Ref TRA26/27)
SAPS is hiring entry-level Police Trainees for 2026/2027. See the R5 000 stipend, requirements, how to apply and the 13 November 2026 closing date.
This post is an unofficial summary of the SAPS Police Trainee advert for 2026/2027. Always confirm the details and apply only at www.saps.gov.za.
| Job Title | Police Trainee |
| Company | South African Police Service (SAPS) |
| Job Reference | TRA26/27 |
| Category | SAPS |
| Location | Nationwide, South Africa (training at any SAPS Training Academy) |
| Employment Type | Full Time |
| Date Posted | 2026-10-29T20:53 |
| Closing Date | 13 November 2026 |
| Status | Open for Applications |
| Salary | R5 000 per month stipend during training; R248 175 per annum as a Constable |
Police Trainee - Job Description
Introduction
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is recruiting entry-level Police Trainees for the 2026/2027 intake (reference TRA26/27). Applications are open to people of all races and genders who are young, energetic, intelligent, and physically and mentally fit, and who are dedicated to serving their country through a career in policing.
If you are looking for a paid training route into a policing career, this is it. You receive a monthly stipend while you train, free gear, meals and accommodation during basic training, and you are considered for permanent appointment as a Constable once you complete it.
About the Company
The South African Police Service is the national police force of South Africa. Successful candidates serve as functional police officials and are appointed under the SAPS Act, 1995 (Act No 68 of 1995).
Applicants with a three-year National Diploma or degree at NQF level 6 or higher, recorded on the National Learner Record Database (NLRD), in Law, Policing, Criminology, Law Enforcement, Forensic Investigation, IT, Computer Science, Natural Science or Accounting Science may be considered for placement in the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), the Detective and Forensic Service, or Crime Intelligence (CI).
Responsibilities
Successful candidates serve as functional police officials, deployed to:
- Prevent, combat and investigate crime
- Maintain public order
- Protect and secure the people of the Republic and their property
- Uphold and enforce the law
Required Qualifications
These general requirements come from the SAPS Employment Amendment Regulations, 2023, regulation 39(8).
- Be a South African citizen (documentary proof required)
- Be at least 18 and not older than 35 on the closing date of the advert (documentary proof required)
- Hold a Grade 12 certificate or equivalent (documentary proof required)
- Be proficient in English and at least one other official language
- Apply on the form set by the National Commissioner and declare under oath, or by solemn declaration, that your particulars are true and correct
- Pass a physical and medical examination and be found physically, medically and mentally fit for service
- Pass a psychological and integrity assessment and match the profile of a police official
- Be prepared to take the oath of office
- Be prepared to train as, where and when the National Commissioner decides
- Have no tattoos that are visible when wearing any SAPS uniform
- Not have been declared unfit to possess a firearm
- Have no previous criminal convictions and no pending criminal cases
- Not have been dismissed from a previous job for serious misconduct involving dishonesty, violence, sexual harassment or drugs
- Allow a buccal (cheek) sample and your fingerprints to be taken and checked against the criminal record system
- Allow background enquiries
- Be prepared for security vetting and the level of clearance the National Commissioner decides
- Be prepared to serve anywhere in the Republic
Job Benefits and Perks
- Stipend of R5 000 per month during training, with applicable benefits
- Free training gear, meals and accommodation during Basic Training
- Medical aid benefits for the duration of the Basic Police Development Learning Programme
- On successful completion of Basic Training, consideration for permanent appointment as a Constable at R248 175 per annum
Your Training Path
- Induction phase. One month at a designated police station.
- Basic training. The Basic / Introductory Police Development Learning Programme at a SAPS Training Academy. The National Commissioner decides what, where and when.
- Probation. After basic training you are appointed to the Service on probation for 12 months.
- Constable. On successful completion of basic training you are considered for permanent appointment at the rank of Constable.
Selection Process
- A relevant three-year tertiary qualification (NQF 6 or higher), for example Criminal Law, Policing or Forensic Investigation
- Any other three-year tertiary qualification (NQF 6 or higher)
- A Grade 12 certificate meeting the minimum requirements for admission to a bachelor's degree
- Testing and interviews. Fitness, psychometric and integrity testing, a medical evaluation and an interview. SAPS will also verify your qualifications, driver's licence (where applicable), citizenship and residential address.
- Vetting. Security screening, reference checks, a review of your social media presence and fingerprint verification, to check whether any illicit activity has been recorded or is pending.
- Past dismissal. Anyone who previously served in a government department and was dismissed for misconduct will not be considered.
- Health. Basic training is physically demanding. Applicants with chronic diseases, physical impairments or other health conditions that could interrupt training may be excluded. Failing to disclose a health condition can lead to withdrawal from the programme.
- Fitness assessment. To take the assessment you must have a Body Mass Index of 30 kg/m2 or less and a waist circumference of 102 cm or less (men) or 90 cm or less (women). Shortlisted applicants can expect a personal interview.
How to Apply
Apply online only, through the SAPS electronic recruitment system. Go to www.saps.gov.za and use the link or scan the QR code provided on the site, then follow these steps:
- Register an account on the SAPS site
- Enter your details on the Profile User page
- Log in to your account
- On the home page, open the SAPS vacancy page
- Find and select the post: TRA26/27
- Complete the multi-step application with your personal details and submit
Important Notices
- Sexual offences and child protection checks. Shortlisted applicants may be vetted under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 2007 (Act No 32 of 2007) and the Children's Act, 2005 (Act No 38 of 2005). Anyone listed in the National Register for Sex Offenders or Part B of the Child Protection Register is disqualified.
- DNA sample. Under the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Act, 2013 (Act 37 of 2013), everyone appointed to SAPS since 31 January 2015 must give a buccal (inside cheek) sample. The forensic DNA profile is loaded onto the Elimination Index of the National Forensic DNA Database.
- Protection orders. You must disclose if you are a respondent in an interim or final protection order under the Domestic Violence Act, 1998 (Act No 116 of 1998) or the Protection from Harassment Act, 2011 (Act No 17 of 2011). You may be disqualified.
- Business with the State. The Public Administration Management Act, 2014 (section 8) and the Public Service Regulations, 2016 forbid employees from doing business with the State. If you have such a company, you must deregister it from the Central Supplier Database or give up the directorship, either before enlistment or within one month after being enlisted. Failing to do so ends your Memorandum of Agreement with SAPS.
- Outside work. Paid work in industries such as taxi, liquor and security is prohibited under Chapter 4 of National Instruction 18 of 2019: Integrity Management. If you do other paid work outside the Public Service, you must apply for authorisation within the first month of signing the Memorandum of Agreement. Not complying may lead to its termination.
- Response time. SAPS will contact successful applicants only. If you have not heard from SAPS within 3 months after the closing date, treat your application as unsuccessful.
- No guarantee. Only a limited number of posts are available. Going through the selection process does not guarantee appointment, and SAPS is under no obligation to appoint or enlist anyone who applies.
- One application only. The system accepts a single application per applicant.
- No fees. Do not pay any fee to anyone for taking part in SAPS recruitment.
Closing date: 13 November 2026
This vacancy is open to applicants from all provinces: Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Northern Cape. Successful candidates must be prepared to serve anywhere in the Republic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the closing date for the SAPS Police Trainee 2026/2027 intake?
The closing date is 13 November 2026. Apply online through the SAPS recruitment system before then.
How much does a Police Trainee earn?
During training you receive a stipend of R5 000 per month, with applicable benefits. After successfully completing Basic Training, a Constable earns R248 175 per annum.
What is the age limit to apply?
You must be at least 18 and not older than 35 on the closing date of the advert. You will need documentary proof of your age.
What qualification do I need?
A Grade 12 school certificate or an equivalent qualification, with documentary proof. A three-year tertiary qualification at NQF 6 or higher is not compulsory, but it can help: preference is given to those who hold one, and certain fields may be considered for DPCI, Detective and Forensic Service or Crime Intelligence placement.
Do I need a driver's licence?
The advert does not list a driver's licence as a general requirement, but preference will be given to applicants with a valid licence for at least a light motor vehicle.
Where will I train, and what does SAPS cover?
You train at a SAPS Training Academy, as determined by the National Commissioner. During Basic Training SAPS provides free training gear, meals and accommodation, plus medical aid benefits.
Can I apply if I have tattoos?
Not if they would be visible when wearing any SAPS uniform. Tattoos that stay covered by the uniform are not mentioned as a restriction.
Can I apply with a criminal record?
No. You may not have any previous criminal convictions or any pending criminal cases.
Are there health or fitness requirements?
Yes. You must pass a medical examination and a fitness assessment. To take the fitness assessment you need a Body Mass Index of 30 kg/m2 or less and a waist circumference of 102 cm or less (men) or 90 cm or less (women).
Can I submit more than one application?
No. The system accepts only one application per applicant.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. Applicants are cautioned not to pay any fee to any person for taking part in SAPS recruitment.
When will I hear back?
SAPS only contacts successful applicants. If you have not been contacted within 3 months after the closing date, you should accept that your application was unsuccessful.
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