Last updated: 10 October 2026
Thousands of South Africans search for SAPS vacancies every month, and for good reason. The South African Police Service (SAPS) is one of the country’s largest employers, offering a structured training programme, a permanent post as a constable after training, and long-term career growth. But SAPS recruitment is also one of the most targeted topics for fake job adverts.
This guide explains which SAPS vacancies are available, the latest police trainee intake updates, the minimum requirements, how to apply on the official SAPS website, what happens during selection, and how to protect yourself from scams.
SAPS Vacancies: Latest Update (October 2026)
The most recent police trainee recruitment drive, for the group now in training in 2026, opened on 30 June 2025 and closed on 18 July 2025. According to the government news agency SAnews, SAPS received more than one million applications for 5,500 police trainee posts, with training starting in 2026. Selection ran in stages: psychometric and integrity testing, physical fitness evaluation, vetting and medical examinations.
What about the 2027 intake? At the time of writing, SAPS has not officially announced the next police trainee intake. Any post on Facebook or WhatsApp claiming that “SAPS 2027 applications are open” should be treated with caution until it appears on the official SAPS website, www.saps.gov.za, under Careers. We will update this page as soon as an official announcement is made.
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Types of SAPS Vacancies
SAPS hires through two main routes, and it is important to know the difference:
| Type of Vacancy | Who It Is For | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Police Trainee (BPDLP) | Young South Africans with Matric who want to become police officers | Large intakes advertised periodically. Successful applicants complete the 24-month Basic Police Development Learning Programme. |
| SAPS Act posts (specialised) | Experienced or qualified applicants | Posts in specialised units such as forensic services, detective services, crime intelligence and tactical units, advertised when available. |
| Public Service Act posts (civilian) | Administrative, technical and support staff | Jobs such as admin clerks, cleaners, drivers, IT staff and finance officers. These are usually applied for with a Z83 form and CV. |
SAPS Police Trainee Requirements
Requirements can change with each advert, so always read the official advert carefully. Based on recent SAPS recruitment, applicants generally need to:
- Be a South African citizen with a valid South African ID
- Fall within the age limit stated in the advert (recent trainee adverts used 18 to 35 years)
- Have a Senior Certificate (Matric/Grade 12) or equivalent qualification
- Be fluent in English and at least one other official language
- Have no criminal record and no pending criminal or departmental cases
- Be physically and mentally fit and pass the SAPS medical and fitness assessments
- Pass the prescribed psychometric and integrity assessments
- Agree to fingerprinting and background screening
- Comply with SAPS rules on tattoos (no tattoos that would be visible in uniform)
- Be willing to take the oath of office and serve anywhere in South Africa
Advantage: In its most recent recruitment drive (for the 2026 training intake), SAPS said preference would go to applicants with a tertiary qualification at NQF level 6 or higher and those with a valid driver’s licence. If you are preparing for the next intake, getting a driver’s licence is one of the most useful steps you can take now.
How to Apply for SAPS Vacancies Online (Step-by-Step)
SAPS police trainee applications are submitted online only. Hand-delivered and posted applications have not been accepted in recent intakes.
- Go to the official website: Visit www.saps.gov.za and open the Careers section. Never apply through a link shared on social media.
- Read the advert: Check the closing date, age limit, requirements and the documents you need.
- Register and complete the online application: Create a profile with your ID number and contact details, then fill in your personal information, qualifications and any work experience.
- Upload your documents: Usually your ID, Matric certificate, any tertiary qualifications and your driver’s licence (if you have one).
- Submit before the closing date: Late applications are not considered. Save or screenshot your confirmation.
- Wait to be contacted: SAPS contacts shortlisted applicants for assessments. With hundreds of thousands of applicants, this can take several months.
Applying for Civilian (Public Service Act) Posts
For administrative and support jobs, SAPS adverts usually ask for a completed and signed Z83 application form, a detailed CV, and copies of your ID and qualifications. Each advert lists its own reference number, closing date and submission method, so follow the instructions on that specific advert exactly. Incomplete applications are normally disqualified.
The SAPS Selection Process
If your application is shortlisted, you can expect the following stages:
- Psychometric and integrity testing
- Physical fitness evaluation (for example running, push-ups and sit-ups)
- Medical examination
- Fingerprinting, vetting and background checks
- Interviews (where applicable)
- Enlistment and placement at a SAPS academy
Tip: Start training for the fitness test early. Many applicants who meet every paper requirement fail at the fitness stage.
SAPS Training: The Basic Police Development Learning Programme
Successful police trainees complete the Basic Police Development Learning Programme (BPDLP), which runs for 24 months. It combines academy training (covering law, human rights, policing theory, self-defence, fitness and firearm handling) with supervised workplace experience at a police station. Trainees who complete the programme and are found competent can be permanently appointed as constables. Trainees receive a stipend during training.
SAPS Salary and Benefits
Once appointed, police officers are paid according to the official SAPS salary scales, which increase with rank and years of service. In addition to a monthly salary, permanent SAPS members can qualify for benefits such as a pension fund (GEPF), medical aid assistance through the government scheme, and housing allowance. Exact amounts change with annual wage agreements, so check the figures in the official advert or the latest public service wage agreement.
How to Avoid Fake SAPS Job Adverts
SAPS has repeatedly warned the public about bogus recruitment adverts. Protect yourself by remembering these rules:
- SAPS never charges a fee to apply, to be shortlisted or to be placed in training.
- Nobody can “guarantee” you a place in police training for money. Anyone who offers this is committing fraud.
- Only apply through www.saps.gov.za. Ignore links on Facebook, WhatsApp and TikTok.
- Be suspicious of posts that ask you to comment “YES”, send your ID on WhatsApp, or pay for “forms” or “training materials”.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Get a driver’s licence before the next intake opens.
- Consider further study. A qualification at NQF level 6 or higher was a stated advantage in 2025.
- Prepare your documents now: certified ID, Matric certificate and qualifications.
- Train for fitness regularly, especially running and upper-body strength.
- Keep your phone number and email active and check them often after applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are SAPS applications open for 2027?
Not yet officially. As of October 2026, SAPS has not announced the next police trainee intake. Check the Careers section of www.saps.gov.za regularly and ignore unofficial posts.
What is the age limit for SAPS police trainees?
The age limit is set in each advert. Recent police trainee adverts accepted applicants aged 18 to 35, but always confirm the limit in the current official advert.
Can I apply for SAPS without Matric?
No. Police trainee applicants need a Senior Certificate (Matric) or equivalent. Some civilian support posts may have different requirements, which are listed in each advert.
How long does the SAPS selection process take?
It can take several months. In 2025, applications closed in July and selection was still underway in October because SAPS received more than one million applications.
Do SAPS trainees get paid?
Yes. Trainees receive a stipend during the Basic Police Development Learning Programme, and those who complete it successfully can be appointed as constables on the SAPS salary scale.
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Conclusion
A career in the South African Police Service starts with preparation. Meet the minimum requirements, get your documents and driver’s licence ready, train for the fitness test and apply only through the official SAPS website when the next intake opens. Bookmark this page, because we update it whenever new SAPS vacancies are announced.