2026 SA Police, Traffic & Corrections Training: When Intakes Open – Apply Now
SAPS is looking for suitable young people to apply for their Police Trainee opportunities. The closing date for applications is mid‑July 2026.
If you’re dreaming of a career in law enforcement, this is your chance. The training starts in early 2027, so you’ll get paid while you learn the ropes, earn a solid degree of respect, and build a future that pays the bills and gives you a purpose.
What the 2026 SAPS trainee programme looks like
- Who can apply?
- 18‑35 years old, South African citizens, no major criminal record.
- Must pass a basic fitness test and a background check.
- What you’ll do day‑to‑day
- 12‑month intensive training at a police college.
- Classroom theory on law, first aid, and community policing.
- Field work in a local precinct under senior officers.
- Why it’s great for beginners
- You get a fully paid internship; meals, accommodation, and a stipend included.
- You earn a recognized qualification that opens doors to other public service jobs.
- Documents you’ll need
- Valid ID or birth certificate.
- 4‑digit passport photo.
- Medical clearance letter.
- Police clearance certificate.
- Step‑by‑step application
- Check the portal – SAPS Careers updates weekly.
- Fill the online form – keep your documents handy.
- Submit before the mid‑July deadline.
- Prepare for fitness test – start training in May to stay ahead.
- Stipend & perks
- Approximately R5,000 per month during training.
- Free accommodation and meals.
- After graduation, you’re a fully sworn officer with a steady salary.
Apply right here before it closes
Traffic Officer Learnerships (Provincial & Municipal)
Traffic learnerships run in every province and city, so you can target a local office or a big hub like Joburg.
| Window | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | March – August | October – November |
- What you need
- A valid driver’s licence (or at least one that you’re close to getting).
- Good eyesight – 6/12 or better.
- Physical fitness – a quick jog or 20‑minute walk can help.
- Typical day
- Road safety workshops.
- Traffic control training at busy intersections.
- Vehicle inspection and maintenance basics.
- Pay & perks
- Stipend: R3,500–R4,000 per month.
- On‑the‑job training; you earn a certificate that counts toward future jobs.
- How to apply
- Find your province’s portal – often posted on provincial websites.
- Download the application pack – check all required documents.
- Submit online before the end of August (primary) or late November (secondary).
- Show up for a short interview and a fitness test.
Apply right here before it closes
Department of Correctional Services (DCS)
DCS offers fewer spots each year, but it’s a solid career for those who want a disciplined environment and a clear path.
| Window | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | September – November | January – February |
- Eligibility
- 18‑35 years old, South African, no serious criminal record.
- Must pass a psychological assessment and a strict fitness test.
- Day‑to‑day
- Training on inmate management, security protocols, and rehabilitation programs.
- Rotations in different facilities – from low to high security.
- Pay & benefits
- Stipend: R4,200/month during the learnership.
- Full salary post‑graduation: starts at R20,000/month with room for growth.
- Documents
- ID or birth certificate.
- Medical clearance.
- A clean police clearance.
- Proof of residency in the province (if you’re not from Gauteng).
- Steps to apply
- Monitor DCS announcements on DCS Careers.
- Download the form and gather documents in advance.
- Apply online before the November closing date.
Why most applicants miss these windows
| Common mistakes | Quick fix |
|---|---|
| Waiting for ads to drop | Start the checklist in January. |
| No driver’s licence for traffic | Get a provisional licence by March. |
| Poor fitness for police/DCS | Start a simple running routine in May. |
| Missing closing dates | Set calendar reminders in your phone. |
| Ignoring official portals | Bookmark the SAPS, traffic, and DCS pages. |
Recruitment windows last 2–4 weeks, but you’ll spend months preparing. The earlier you start, the better your chances.
Quick preparation checklist
Police
- Fitness – run 5km in 30 minutes.
- Clean record – order your police clearance.
- Documents – get ID, passport photo, medical report.
Traffic
- Licence – apply for a full driver’s licence.
- Eyesight test – visit a clinic.
- Proof of residence – utility bill or school ID.
DCS
- Psychological readiness – practice mindfulness, keep stress under control.
- Discipline record – ensure no disciplinary notices.
- Documents – gather ID, medical, clearance, and residency proof early.
Final 2026 roadmap
| Job | Primary window | Secondary window | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAPS | June – July | Jan–Feb (small ads) | Apply in week 1, stay fit |
| Traffic | Mar – Aug | Oct–Nov | Get licence early, keep eyesight clean |
| DCS | Sep – Nov | Jan–Feb | Prepare psychologically, submit documents early |
Treat this as a living calendar: set your phone to alert you every Sunday when a new window opens. The first week is when the most people apply, so don’t wait until the last minute.
Let’s get you ready
At Edupstairs, we’re not just posting job alerts – we help you win them. Check out our free tools:
- Fitness tracker – a simple app to keep you on target for the police or DCS fitness tests.
- Document checklist – a printable PDF to stay organized.
- Interview coach – tips on how to answer tough questions.
Ready to step into a real career? Grab your documents, set those reminders, and apply before the deadline. Good luck, future officer!
