The South African Police Service (SAPS) wants 5,500 young South Africans to train as police officers. Applications are free, online only, and close on 13 November 2026.
SAPS recruitment for 2026 is open. On 21 October 2026, SAPS announced on its official Facebook page that it is looking for 5,500 police trainees for the 2026/2027 financial year.
If you are 18 to under 35, fit, and have no criminal record, this could be your way into policing.
Key dates
- Opens: 21 October 2026
- Closes: 13 November 2026
- Posts: 5,500 police trainees
SAPS says to apply early. Don't leave it for the last day.
Who can apply for SAPS police trainee posts?
According to SAPS, you must:
- Be a South African aged 18 to under 35
- Have no criminal record and no pending criminal cases
- Be disciplined, physically fit and ready to serve your community
Applications are open to all racial groups and genders. SAPS also says it will look for suitably qualified young people from underrepresented racial groups.
The full list of requirements is on the SAPS eRecruitment vacancy page. The vacancy page says preference goes to applicants with a valid driver's licence and to those with a three-year tertiary qualification (NQF Level 6 or higher). Read it carefully before you apply.
Got a degree? You could land in a specialised unit
SAPS says graduates in these fields may be considered for specialised units:
- Law, Policing, Criminology, Law Enforcement
- Forensic Investigation
- Natural Sciences, Computer Sciences, Information Technology
These units include the Hawks (Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation), Detective and Forensic Services, and Crime Intelligence.
How to apply for SAPS recruitment 2026
You can only apply online. Here's how, step by step:
- Go to the official portal: erecruitment.saps.gov.za
- Create a profile.
- Check your email for a code and verify your account.
- Follow the steps to apply for the police trainee post.
SAPS will also share a QR code linking to the portal on its official social media pages.
💡 Tip: The vacancy page says only one application per person is allowed. Check every detail before you hit submit.
What happens after you apply?
Everyone goes through a tough selection process. SAPS lists:
- Fitness test
- Psychometric test
- Integrity test
- Medical check
- Interview
The vacancy page adds that SAPS will also do vetting, such as security screening, reference checks and fingerprint checks. Only successful applicants will be contacted.
Training and pay
- With an NQF Level 6+ qualification (a relevant one): 6 months of training at a SAPS academy
- Without one: the standard 9-month training programme
- Stipend: R5,000 a month for all trainees during training
Warning: applying is FREE
SAPS says applications are free and no trainee post is for sale. If anyone asks you for money to "help" you get in, it's a scam. Don't pay.
Expect big competition
In 2025, more than one million people applied for the same number of trainee posts, TimesLIVE reported. Apply early, and make sure you meet every requirement.
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