SAPS Police Trainees 2026/2027: 5,500 Posts Available
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is recruiting 5,500 Police Trainees for the 2026/2027 financial year.
The recruitment is aimed at South African citizens who meet the minimum requirements and want to build a career in law enforcement.
The Police Trainee position is advertised under reference number TRA26/27 and is appointed under the South African Police Service Act, 1995 (Act No. 68 of 1995).
Successful trainees will receive a stipend of R5,000 per month during training. The position is advertised nationally on a contract basis.
Applications are submitted online through the official SAPS e-Recruitment system.
SAPS Police Trainee 2026/2027 Quick Overview
| Programme Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | South African Police Service (SAPS) |
| Position | Police Trainee |
| Reference Number | TRA26/27 |
| Number of Posts | 5,500 |
| Financial Year | 2026/2027 |
| Employment Type | Contract |
| Location | National |
| Minimum Qualification | Grade 12 / equivalent |
| Age | 18–35 years |
| Citizenship | South African |
| Training Stipend | R5,000 per month |
| Application Method | Online |
| Closing Date | 13 November 2026 |
The official SAPS e-Recruitment portal confirms the reference number, national recruitment, contract status and R5,000 monthly stipend.
What Is the SAPS Police Trainee Programme?
The SAPS Police Trainee programme is designed to prepare successful candidates for a career as police officials.
Trainees undergo structured police training before they can be considered for appointment as members of SAPS.
The role supports the core objectives of the South African Police Service, including:
- Preventing crime.
- Combating crime.
- Investigating crime.
- Maintaining public order.
- Protecting people and their property.
- Upholding and enforcing the law.
These core functions are specifically listed in the official SAPS vacancy information.
Who Can Apply for SAPS Police Trainees 2026/2027?
Applicants must meet the general requirements before applying.
South African Citizenship
Applicants must be South African citizens and must provide documentary proof of citizenship.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be:
At least 18 years old and not older than 35 years old at the closing date.
Proof of age will be required during the recruitment process.
Grade 12 Is Required
Applicants must have a:
Grade 12 school certificate or equivalent qualification.
Documentary proof must be provided.
Language Requirement
Applicants must be proficient in:
- English, and
- At least one other official South African language.
Language ability is therefore an important part of the minimum requirements.
Additional Requirements
Applicants must also meet several other conditions.
Candidates must:
- Be physically fit.
- Be medically fit.
- Be mentally fit for appointment.
- Undergo psychological assessment.
- Undergo integrity testing.
- Be prepared to take the oath of office.
- Be prepared to undergo SAPS training.
- Be prepared to serve anywhere in South Africa.
- Have no previous criminal convictions.
- Have no pending criminal cases.
- Allow fingerprints and a buccal sample to be taken.
- Allow background checks to be conducted.
- Be prepared to undergo security vetting.
- Meet the required security clearance level.
The official SAPS advert also states that applicants must not have visible tattoo marks when wearing any SAPS uniform and must not have been declared unfit to possess a firearm.
SAPS Police Trainee Preference Requirements
Although Grade 12 is the minimum educational requirement, SAPS states that preference will be given to certain applicants.
Preference includes applicants who have:
A Valid Driver’s Licence
Preference is given to applicants who have a valid driver’s licence for at least a light motor vehicle.
Relevant Three-Year Tertiary Qualification
Preference may be given to applicants with a relevant three-year tertiary qualification at NQF Level 6 or higher.
Examples mentioned in the advert include:
- Criminal Law
- Policing
- Forensic Investigation
Other Three-Year Qualifications
Applicants with other three-year tertiary qualifications at NQF Level 6 or higher may also receive preference.
Strong Grade 12 Academic Results
Preference is also given to applicants who have a Grade 12 certificate with the minimum requirements for admission to a bachelor’s degree.
These are preference criteria, not additional minimum requirements that every applicant must have.
SAPS Police Trainee Selection Process
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee appointment.
Applicants will go through a recruitment, selection and enlistment process.
The official SAPS information states that candidates may undergo:
- Application screening
- Qualification verification
- Driver’s licence verification where applicable
- Citizenship verification
- Residential address verification
- Physical fitness testing
- Psychological assessment
- Integrity testing
- Medical evaluation
- Interview
- Security vetting
- Background checks
- Fingerprint verification
Applicants must successfully meet the applicable stages before they can progress through the recruitment process.
SAPS Police Trainee Fitness and Medical Requirements
TAKE THE FIRST STEP – APPLY ONLINE!
Eligible applicants who have no criminal records or pending criminal cases are encouraged to apply via the official SAPS eRecruitment portal: https://erecruitment.saps.gov.za/
Physical fitness is an important part of the recruitment process.
Applicants must submit themselves to the physical and medical examinations determined by SAPS.
They must be found to be physically, medically and mentally fit for appointment.
Because the Basic Police Development Learning Programme has physical demands, SAPS states that certain health conditions or physical impairments that could interrupt training may affect participation.
Applicants are expected to disclose relevant health conditions during the recruitment process.
Criminal Record and Security Checks
SAPS conducts extensive background checks as part of recruitment.
Applicants must:
- Have no previous criminal convictions.
- Have no pending criminal cases.
- Allow fingerprints to be checked.
- Allow a buccal sample to be taken.
- Allow background enquiries.
- Undergo security vetting.
- Allow relevant social and background information to be assessed.
The purpose is to determine whether applicants meet the integrity and security requirements for appointment as police officials.
How Much Do SAPS Police Trainees Earn?
Successful Police Trainees receive a:
R5,000 monthly stipend
The official SAPS e-Recruitment listing confirms the stipend amount for the trainee position.
Applicants should understand that this is the training stipend and should not confuse it with the remuneration of an appointed Constable after successful completion of the required training.
What Happens After Police Training?
Successful candidates undergo the prescribed police development training.
Those who successfully complete the required training and meet the applicable appointment requirements may progress towards appointment as SAPS members.
Applicants should not assume that simply being selected for training guarantees permanent employment.
The official advert specifically states that being subjected to the selection processes does not guarantee appointment.
Will SAPS Trainees Work Anywhere in South Africa?
Yes.
Applicants must be prepared to serve anywhere in the Republic of South Africa.
This is important because applicants should not assume that successful candidates will necessarily be placed in their home province or municipality.
One Application Only
One of the most important application rules is that candidates can submit only one application.
The SAPS recruitment system is restricted to one application per applicant.
Applicants should therefore carefully check their information before submitting.
Do not submit multiple applications in an attempt to improve your chances.
How to Apply for SAPS Police Trainees 2026/2027
Applications are submitted through the official SAPS e-Recruitment portal.
The SAPS system provides the following general application process:
Step 1: Register an Account
Create an account on the official SAPS e-Recruitment website.
Step 2: Complete Your Profile
Enter your personal information and other required profile details.
Step 3: Find the Police Trainee Vacancy
Search for:
Reference: TRA26/27
Step 4: Read the Requirements
Make sure you meet all the minimum requirements before submitting.
Step 5: Complete the Application
Enter your information accurately.
Applicants make a declaration that the information supplied in the application is true and correct.
Step 6: Submit Only Once
Check your application carefully before submitting because the system only permits one application.
The official SAPS e-Recruitment instructions confirm that applicants register an account, complete their profile, select the vacancy and submit the application through the online system.
SAPS Police Trainee Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, make sure you have:
- South African citizenship
- Proof of citizenship
- Grade 12 certificate or equivalent
- Proof of age
- English language proficiency
- At least one other official South African language
- Valid driver’s licence, if applicable
- Tertiary qualification documents, if applicable
- Correct residential address
- Accurate personal information
- Reference number TRA26/27
- Completed SAPS e-Recruitment profile
- Checked the application carefully before submission
Beware of SAPS Recruitment Scams
SAPS warns applicants about fraudulent recruitment advertisements.
Applicants should not pay anyone to participate in the SAPS recruitment process.
The official vacancy specifically cautions applicants against paying fees to anyone who claims they can secure a position.
Use the official SAPS website and e-Recruitment platform when applying.
Do not send money to individuals who promise:
- A police trainee position.
- A guaranteed interview.
- Faster selection.
- A guaranteed appointment.
- Help with passing recruitment tests.
There is no legitimate reason to pay a person to submit a SAPS application on your behalf.
What Happens If You Are Not Contacted?
SAPS states that correspondence will be conducted with successful applicants only.
If an applicant has not been contacted within three months after the closing date, the application should be regarded as unsuccessful.
Applicants should therefore keep their contact details up to date throughout the recruitment process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many SAPS Police Trainee positions are available?
The 2026/2027 recruitment intake is for 5,500 Police Trainees.
What is the SAPS Police Trainee reference number?
The reference number is:
TRA26/27
What qualification do I need?
The minimum educational requirement is Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification.
How old must I be?
Applicants must be 18 to 35 years old at the closing date.
How much is the SAPS trainee stipend?
The official SAPS vacancy lists a stipend of R5,000 per month during training.
Do I need a driver’s licence?
A driver’s licence is not listed as the basic minimum requirement, but SAPS states that preference will be given to applicants with a valid light motor vehicle driver’s licence.
Can someone with a tertiary qualification apply?
Yes. Applicants with relevant or other three-year tertiary qualifications at NQF Level 6 or higher may receive preference.
Can I apply more than once?
No.
The SAPS system restricts applicants to one application.
Can I choose where I will work?
Applicants must be prepared to serve anywhere in South Africa.
Are there recruitment fees?
No. SAPS cautions applicants not to pay anyone to participate in the recruitment process.
What if I have a criminal record?
The official advert states that applicants must not have previous criminal convictions or pending criminal cases.
What happens if I am not contacted?
If you have not been contacted within three months after the closing date, SAPS states that you should regard your application as unsuccessful.
SAPS Police Trainees 2026/2027 Summary
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | South African Police Service |
| Position | Police Trainee |
| Reference | TRA26/27 |
| Posts | 5,500 |
| Minimum Qualification | Grade 12 / equivalent |
| Age | 18–35 years |
| Citizenship | South African |
| Languages | English + at least one other official language |
| Training Stipend | R5,000 per month |
| Employment Type | Contract |
| Location | National |
| Driver’s Licence | Preference given |
| Tertiary Qualification | Preference may be given |
| Fitness Testing | Required |
| Medical Evaluation | Required |
| Psychological Assessment | Required |
| Integrity Testing | Required |
| Security Vetting | Required |
| Applications | Online |
| Reference | TRA26/27 |
| Closing Date | 13 November 2026 |
Conclusion
The SAPS Police Trainee 2026/2027 recruitment programme provides an opportunity for South Africans who want to pursue a career in law enforcement.
The intake is for 5,500 Police Trainees under reference TRA26/27, with a minimum requirement of Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification. Applicants must also meet the age, citizenship, language, fitness, medical, integrity and security requirements.
Successful trainees receive a R5,000 monthly stipend during training and must be prepared to undergo the required police development programme and serve anywhere in South Africa.
Preference may be given to applicants with a valid light motor vehicle driver’s licence, relevant tertiary qualifications and strong Grade 12 results suitable for bachelor’s-degree admission. However, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection or appointment.
If you meet the requirements, carefully complete your SAPS e-Recruitment profile, search for TRA26/27, and submit only one application. Never pay anyone who promises to secure a SAPS position for you.
