The South African Police Service (SAPS) has opened applications for its Graduate Recruitment Scheme 2025/2026, inviting unemployed graduates and students across the country to apply for 12-month internship opportunities. This initiative forms part of SAPS’ commitment to skills development, youth empowerment, and creating pathways into the world of work.
Internship Duration and Stipend
- Duration: 12 months
- Closing Dates:
- Gauteng Province: 12 September 2025
- All other provinces: 18 September 2025
- Stipend: Determined by the Divisional Commissioner: Human Resource Development (varies per province).
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following basic requirements:
- Be a South African citizen with a valid Matric/NSC or NCV Level 4 certificate.
- Have no criminal record or pending cases.
- Be unemployed and have never previously participated in a similar internship.
- Reside in the province where the post is advertised.
- Submit a separate application for each post reference (maximum of three applications allowed).
Internship Categories
There are two main streams of internships available:
- Graduate Internships – For those who have already completed a diploma or degree (NQF 6 and above), recorded on the NLRD.
- Student Internships – For students who require in-service training or experiential learning in order to complete their qualifications (must submit a letter from their institution, issued within the past two years).
Available Opportunities by Province
The programme is open nationwide, covering all nine provinces with a wide range of study fields.
- Eastern Cape: Communication, Supply Chain, Social Work, Legal, Psychology, HRM, Motor Mechanics, Sports Management, and more.
- Free State: Social Work, Legal, Electrical Engineering, Finance, Organisational Development, HRM, Supply Chain.
- Gauteng: Legal, HRM, Detectives, Crime Prevention, Motor Mechanics, Librarianship. (Note: earlier closing date 12 September 2025)
- KwaZulu-Natal: Finance, Graphic/Video Production, Radio Technical, Sports Management, Loss Management, Engineering, HRM.
- Limpopo: Law, Journalism, Psychology, IT, Finance, Supply Chain, Communication, Social Work, Motor Mechanics.
- Mpumalanga: Forensics, Social Work, Detectives, HRM, Graphic Design, Finance, Supply Chain, Dietetics.
- Northern Cape: Social Work, Legal, HRM, Crime Analysis, Administration, Motor Mechanics.
- North West: Legal, Finance, Supply Chain, Communication, Detectives, Policing, HRM, Graphic Design.
- Western Cape: Crime Analysis, HRD, Legal, Social Work, Psychology, Food Services, Motor Mechanics.
Each province has its own application address and enquiry contacts, which are listed in the official SAPS advert.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the SAPS Graduate Recruitment Scheme application form, available on the official SAPS Careers page.
Steps:
- Download and complete the application form.
- Attach the following:
- A comprehensive CV.
- Uncertified copies of your SA ID, Matric certificate, academic transcripts, and qualifications.
- Clearly indicate the post reference number and province on each application.
- Submit applications either by post or hand delivery to the relevant provincial office (faxed or emailed applications will not be accepted).
Important Notes
- Shortlisted candidates will undergo fingerprint screening, vetting, and interviews.
- Only successful applicants will be contacted within four months of the closing date.
- Successful candidates will sign a 12-month internship contract with SAPS.
- Participation in the programme does not guarantee permanent employment.
Why Consider the SAPS Internship Programme?
Joining the SAPS Graduate Recruitment Scheme is an opportunity to:
- Gain practical experience in fields such as criminology, law, IT, social sciences, HR, and engineering.
- Contribute meaningfully to community safety and development.
- Build marketable skills in a large and structured national organisation.
Quick Access
- Download the application form: Visit the [SAPS Careers Page → Graduate Recruitment Scheme]
- Closing Dates:
- Gauteng: 12 September 2025
- All Other Provinces: 18 September 2025
This programme gives young South Africans a chance to grow their careers while playing an active role in serving and protecting communities.
