The South African Police Service (SAPS) has 5,500 entry-level Police Trainee positions for its 2026/2027 recruitment intake. The official advert states a training stipend of R5,000 per month with applicable benefits and a closing date of 13 November 2026.
These police training opportunities are intended for eligible South Africans interested in a career in policing. Applicants must meet the recruitment requirements and complete the prescribed selection assessments.
Key Details
| Item | Details |
| Institution | South African Police Service |
| Position | Police Trainee |
| Portal vacancy title | Student — TRA26/27 |
| Reference | TRA26/27 |
| Positions | 5,500 |
| Location | National |
| Age requirement | 18–35 at the closing date |
| Minimum qualification | Grade 12 or equivalent |
| Training stipend | R5,000 per month with applicable benefits |
| Application method | Online through SAPS e-Recruitment |
| Advertised closing date | 13 November 2026 |
Who Should Apply?
This recruitment intake is intended for applicants interested in serving communities through policing.
Candidates should be prepared to undergo demanding training, complete the required assessments and serve wherever SAPS assigns them within South Africa.
Salary/Stipend
Stipend of R5,000 per month with applicable benefits.
About SAPS
SAPS is South Africa’s national police service. Its responsibilities include preventing and investigating crime, maintaining public order, protecting people and property and enforcing the law.
Police trainees enter the Basic Police Development Learning Programme as part of their preparation for policing duties.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Be aged 18–35 at the advertised closing date.
- Hold Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification.
- Be proficient in English and another official language.
- Meet the prescribed physical, medical and psychological standards.
- Have no previous criminal convictions or pending criminal cases.
- Meet the remaining conduct, vetting and enlistment conditions in the official advert.
A valid light motor vehicle driver’s licence is listed as a preference.
Candidates must read the complete official requirements before applying.
Duties and Responsibilities
The policing functions associated with the positions include:
- Preventing, combating and investigating crime.
- Maintaining public order.
- Protecting people and their property.
- Upholding and enforcing the law.
Trainees must complete the training and assessments prescribed by SAPS before progressing through the programme.
Skills Gained
The programme prepares trainees for policing responsibilities. Areas of development relate to crime prevention, public safety, law enforcement and professional conduct.
The complete training curriculum and total programme duration still require confirmation from the full advert.
Required Documents
Applicants must provide documentary proof of citizenship, age and qualifications.
Follow the live application form for the exact upload checklist, certification requirements and any additional documents requested. Do not assume that a general government vacancy document checklist applies to this intake.
Useful Career27 Links
How to Apply
Applications are directed through the official SAPS online recruitment system.
- Open the SAPS Police Trainee vacancy page.
- Confirm that the vacancy displays reference TRA26/27.
- Check whether the portal is accepting applications.
- Follow the registration, application and document-upload instructions displayed.
- Review your information and submit if the application function is available.
SAPS limits applicants to one application. Its recruitment process does not require an application fee.
Closing Date
13 November 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Matric required?
Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification is required.
What is the age limit?
Applicants must be aged 18–35 at the closing date.
How much is the training stipend?
The official advert states R5,000 per month with applicable benefits.
Is a driver’s licence compulsory?
Valid light motor vehicle licence as a preference.
Are applications currently being accepted?
The official deadline is 13 November 2026,
Sources and References
- SAPS Police Trainee Advert 2026/2027
- SAPS e-Recruitment — TRA26/27
- SAPS Police Trainee recruitment FAQ
Disclaimer
Career27 shares vacancy information and does not recruit on behalf of SAPS. Recruitment decisions and application availability remain the responsibility of SAPS.
