SAPS Graduate Internship 2025/26 – 24‑Month WIL, Deadline 13 March 2026
Grab Your Chance to Work Inside South Africa’s Police Service
If you’re a recent graduate and feel stuck looking for a first job, the SAPS Graduate Internship Programme for 2025/2026 is a real chance to start a career in the public sector. It offers 24 months of paid, hands‑on work experience across the country and is part of the national skills‑development push to get young South Africans into meaningful work.
What Is the Programme?
The South African Police Service, together with the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA), has rolled out a 24‑month Graduate Internship Programme. You’ll be placed in various SAPS divisions, from social work and psychological support to crime intelligence and internal audit, gaining the experience you need to launch a career in the security and public service sectors.
Who Should Apply?
- South African citizen
- Age 18 to 35
- Grade 12 certificate
- Relevant tertiary qualification (see each role’s specific degree requirement)
- Unemployed and not previously on a similar internship
- No criminal record
- Maximum of three positions applied for
Applicants will also undergo fingerprint screening, a personal interview, and security vetting. The final deadline is 13 March 2026.
What Will You Gain?
- 24 months of practical, workplace‑integrated learning
- Monthly stipend paid by SASSETA
- Professional networking across the country
- Industry‑ready skills in your chosen field
- Improved chances for a permanent role in SAPS or other government departments (no guarantee, but a strong advantage)
How to Apply – Step by Step
- Download the official SAPS Graduate Recruitment Scheme Application Form here.
- Fill in the form completely and double‑check reference numbers for the positions you want.
- Gather required documents:
- Updated CV
- Copy of ID
- Matric certificate
- Academic qualifications and statement of results
- Print the completed form and all documents.
- Post or hand‑deliver your application to the appropriate SAPS Academy address (see list below). Email or fax is NOT accepted.
- Wait for the screening, interview, and final decision.
Practical Tips to Boost Your Chances
- Apply early – the competition is tight and spots fill quickly.
- Make sure every page is signed and legible.
- Match your application to the job’s qualification requirements.
- Use the exact reference number of the post in your cover letter.
- Prepare a professional CV that highlights any relevant work, projects, or volunteering.
Where to Send Your Application
SAPS Academy Bhisho
Private Bag X7450, King Williams Town 5600
Physical: R63 Komga Road, Bhisho 5605
Reference Numbers: HRD INT 1/2025/26, HRD INT 9/2025/26
SAPS Academy Tshwane
PO Box 435, Pretoria West 0117
Physical: No 1 Rebecca Street, Pretoria West
Reference Numbers: HRD INT 7/2025/26, HRD INT 15/2025/26
SAPS Academy Ulundi
Private Bag X35, Ulundi 3838
Physical: No 1 Ingulube Street, Ulundi
Reference Numbers: HRD INT 6/2025/26, HRD INT 14/2025/26
SAPS Academy Bishop Lavis
Private Bag X6, Parow 7499
Physical: 100 Myrtle Road, Bishop Lavis
Reference Numbers: HRD INT 2/2025/26, HRD INT 10/2025/26
SAPS Academy Phillipi
Private Bag X3, Parow 7499
Physical: New Eisleben Road, Phillipi
Reference Numbers: HRD INT 8/2025/26, HRD INT 16/2025/26
SAPS Academy Mthatha
Private Bag X5052, Mthatha 5099
Physical: Vukazana Police Camp, Mthatha
Reference Numbers: HRD INT 4/2025/26, HRD INT 12/2025/26
SAPS Academy Oudtshoorn
Private Bag X671, Oudtshoorn 6620
Physical: Park Road South 1, Oudtshoorn
Reference Numbers: HRD INT 5/2025/26, HRD INT 13/2025/26
SAPS Academy Graaff-Reinet
22 College Road, Graaff-Reinet 6280
Reference Numbers: HRD INT 3/2025/26, HRD INT 11/2025/26
Internship Posts and Locations
Social Work Internships – 16 Posts
Section: Learner Support – SAPS Academies
- Bhisho, Eastern Cape – 2 posts (HRD INT 1/2025/26)
- Bishop Lavis, Western Cape – 2 posts (HRD INT 2/2025/26)
- Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape – 2 posts (HRD INT 3/2025/26)
- Mthatha, Eastern Cape – 2 posts (HRD INT 4/2025/26)
- Oudtshoorn, Western Cape – 2 posts (HRD INT 5/2025/26)
- Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal – 2 posts (HRD INT 6/2025/26)
- Tshwane, Gauteng – 2 posts (HRD INT 7/2025/26)
- Phillipi, Western Cape – 2 posts (HRD INT 8/2025/26)
Qualifications
BA Social Work (NQF Level 6 or higher) + registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP)Responsibilities
Occupational social work support, employee wellness interventions, preventative and restorative social work programmes, community support services within SAPS.Psychologist / Trauma Counsellor Internships – 13 Posts
Section: Learner Support
- Bhisho – 3 posts (HRD INT 9/2025/26)
- Bishop Lavis – 1 post (HRD INT 10/2025/26)
- Graaff-Reinet – 1 post (HRD INT 11/2025/26)
- Mthatha – 1 post (HRD INT 12/2025/26)
- Oudtshoorn – 1 post (HRD INT 13/2025/26)
- Ulundi – 1 post (HRD INT 14/2025/26)
- Tshwane – 3 posts (HRD INT 15/2025/26)
- Phillipi – 2 posts (HRD INT 16/2025/26)
Requirements
Honours or BPsych in Psychology + registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)Responsibilities
Trauma counselling, support for SAPS staff and families, mental health programmes, psychological interventions.Crime Intelligence Analyst Internships – 8 Posts
Division: Crime Intelligence
- Bloemfontein – CI/FS 1/2025/26
- Johannesburg – CI/GP 2/2025/26
- Durban – CI/KZN 3/2025/26
- Polokwane – CI/LP 4/2025/26
- Nelspruit – CI/MP 5/2025/26
- Kimberley – CI/NC 6/2025/26
- Potchefstroom – CI/NW 7/2025/26
- Bishop Lavis – CI/WC 8/2025/26
Minimum Requirements
Degree or Diploma in Sociology, Criminology, or Political ScienceResponsibilities
Analyse crime intelligence data, compile threat and risk assessments, assist with intelligence reports, support SAPS intelligence analysts.Internal Audit Internships – 9 Posts
Section: Risk-Based and Compliance Audit
- Pratiora – IA INT 01/2025/26
- Polokwane – IA INT 02/2025/26
- Potchefstroom – IA INT 03/2025/26
- Bloemfontein – IA INT 04/2025/26
- Durban – IA INT 05/2025/26
- Cape Town – IA INT 06/2025/26
- Kimberley – IA INT 07/2025/26
- Nelspruit – IA INT 08/2025/26
- East London – IA INT 09/2025/26
Required Qualifications
Internal Audit, BCom Accounting, Financial Management, Information Systems, IT AuditResponsibilities
Conduct risk assessments, support internal audits, evaluate financial control systems, assist in preparing audit reports.Risk Management Practitioner Internships – 2 Posts
Location: SAPS Head Office, Pretoria
Reference Number: RIM INT 01/2025/26Qualifications
Risk Management, Internal Audit, Finance, Business Continuity ManagementResponsibilities
Assist with risk assessments, support business continuity planning, compile risk management reports, support SAPS governance structures.Integrity Management Practitioner Internships – 2 Posts
Location: SAPS Head Office, Pretoria
Reference Number: RIM INT 02/2025/26Qualifications
Public Administration, Public Management, Human Resource Management, Law, Policing, Risk ManagementResponsibilities
Process financial disclosures, investigate ethical misconduct, support ethics compliance programmes, manage case management systems.
Additional Information
Stipend amounts are set by SASSETA and are paid monthly. Accommodation is not provided – you’ll need to arrange your own living space. The programme does not promise a permanent job, but the experience and networking can be a powerful springboard into government or security roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will I get a permanent job after the internship? No guarantee, but the experience strongly improves your future prospects.
- Can I apply for more than one position? Yes, but only up to three.
- Is accommodation provided? No, you’re responsible for your own housing.
- Can I send my application by email? No – you must post or hand‑deliver it.
Final Thoughts
Many applicants feel overwhelmed by the application process, but the key is to prepare early, follow the checklist, and send a tidy, complete application to the correct address. If you’re a young South African ready to start a career that makes a difference, the SAPS Graduate Internship Programme could be your first step. Don’t wait – the deadline is 13 March 2026. Submit your application and take the first stride toward a rewarding career in public service.
