The South African Police Service (SAPS) advertised graduate internship opportunities in several provinces for unemployed South African graduates seeking practical workplace experience. The programme covered fields including social work, psychology, crime intelligence, internal audit, risk management and integrity management.
The advertised programme was a 24-month Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL) internship funded by the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA).
Important update: The application deadline for this intake was 13 March 2026. It has passed, and applicants should not assume that applications are still open. The details below explain the advertised opportunities and where to check for the next recruitment cycle.
SAPS Graduate Internship Programme: Quick Details
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Employer | South African Police Service (SAPS) |
| Funding partner | SASSETA |
| Programme | Graduate Recruitment Scheme / Workplace Integrated Learning |
| Advertised duration | 24 months |
| Locations | Multiple provinces, depending on the post |
| Target applicants | Unemployed South African graduates and qualifying applicants |
| Age requirement | 18–35 for the advertised SASSETA WIL intake |
| Stipend | Determined by SASSETA |
| Advertised closing date | 13 March 2026 — passed |
| Official SAPS careers page | SAPS Careers |
| Official graduate advert | SAPS–SASSETA Graduate Internship Advert |
1. SAPS Graduate Internship Positions Advertised
The programme included several professional and administrative fields. The qualification requirements differed for each position.
Social Work Internships — 16 Posts
These internships were advertised at SAPS academies in the following locations:
- Bhisho, Eastern Cape.
- Bishop Lavis, Western Cape.
- Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape.
- Mthatha, Eastern Cape.
- Oudtshoorn, Western Cape.
- Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal.
- Tshwane, Gauteng.
- Phillipi, Western Cape.
Minimum requirements: A relevant BA Social Work degree at the required NQF level and valid registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP), including the registration requirements stated in the advert.
Interns would assist with occupational social work services, employee wellbeing, preventative interventions and related support programmes under professional supervision.
Psychology and Trauma Counselling Internships — 13 Posts
The advertised positions covered several SAPS academy locations, including Bhisho, Bishop Lavis, Graaff-Reinet, Mthatha, Oudtshoorn, Ulundi, Tshwane and Phillipi.
Minimum requirements: The specified psychology qualification, such as an honours or BPsych qualification, and the relevant Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) registration required by the advert.
The work included counselling and debriefing support, employee wellness activities and psychological services for SAPS members and their families.
Crime Intelligence Analyst Internships — 8 Posts
The programme advertised analyst internships in the following locations:
| Province | Advertised location |
|---|---|
| Free State | Bloemfontein |
| Gauteng | Johannesburg |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Durban |
| Limpopo | Polokwane |
| Mpumalanga | Nelspruit |
| Northern Cape | Kimberley |
| North West | Potchefstroom |
| Western Cape | Bishop Lavis |
Minimum requirements: A relevant three-year National Diploma or degree in Sociology, Criminology, Political Science or another qualification accepted by the advert, at the specified NQF level.
The work involved supporting intelligence analysts, consolidating information, preparing reports and assisting with threat and risk assessments.
Internal Audit Internships — 9 Posts
Internal Audit Intern posts were advertised in:
- Pretoria, Gauteng.
- Polokwane, Limpopo.
- Potchefstroom, North West.
- Bloemfontein, Free State.
- Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
- Cape Town, Western Cape.
- Kimberley, Northern Cape.
- Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.
- East London, Eastern Cape.
Minimum requirements: A relevant three-year National Diploma or degree in Internal Audit, Accounting, Commerce, Financial Management, Information Systems or another field specified in the advert.
Duties included supporting risk assessments, examining controls, collecting audit evidence and preparing working papers and reports.
Risk Management Practitioner Internships — 2 Posts
These posts were advertised at SAPS Head Office in Pretoria.
Relevant qualifications: Risk Management, Internal Auditing, Cost and Management Accounting, Finance or Business Continuity Management.
Interns would assist with risk assessments, risk reporting, business continuity planning and related governance activities.
Integrity Management Practitioner Internships — 2 Posts
These positions were also advertised at SAPS Head Office in Pretoria.
Relevant qualifications: Public Administration, Public Management, Human Resource Management, Internal Audit, Risk Management, Forensic Investigation, Law and Policing, as specified in the advert.
Duties included supporting ethics and compliance activities, processing declarations, maintaining case records and assisting with integrity-management processes.
These are positions from the advertised 2025/2026 intake. Their inclusion here does not mean that they are currently accepting applications.
2. General Requirements for the Advertised Programme
The SAPS–SASSETA WIL advert set out the following general requirements:
- Be a South African citizen aged 18–35.
- Have a National Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification, such as NCV Level 4.
- Have no previous criminal conviction or pending criminal case.
- Be unemployed and meet the advert’s restrictions concerning previous employment in the relevant field.
- Not have previously participated in an internship programme relevant to the advertised field.
- Hold the relevant tertiary qualification for a graduate internship.
- Submit the required statement of results and supporting documents.
Some positions had additional professional registration or qualification requirements. Meeting the general criteria alone did not guarantee eligibility for every post.
3. How Much Is the SAPS Graduate Internship Stipend?
The official advert stated that the stipend would be determined by SASSETA. I could not verify one fixed monthly amount applicable to all positions in this intake.
Applicants should consult the official advert or any future programme announcement for the confirmed stipend, payment conditions and contract details.
4. Documents Required for an Application
The advert required applicants to use the official SAPS Graduate Recruitment Scheme application form. It stated that the previously used Z83 form would not be accepted for this programme.
Documents listed in the recruitment instructions included:
- The prescribed SAPS graduate application form.
- A comprehensive and updated CV.
- A copy of the applicant’s ID.
- A copy of the National Senior Certificate.
- Copies of post-school qualifications and statements of results.
- Relevant proof of experience or other documents required for the specific position.
- Professional registration proof where required.
Always follow the instructions in the particular advert. Different SAPS recruitment processes may use different forms and submission methods.
5. How to Check for the Next SAPS Graduate Intake
Because the March 2026 deadline has passed, applicants should use these official channels to monitor future opportunities.
Step 1: Visit the SAPS careers website
Go to SAPS Careers and Internships.
Step 2: Check graduate recruitment announcements
Look for a new Graduate Recruitment Scheme or WIL internship advert. Confirm the year, duration and funding partner.
Step 3: Review the available fields
Check whether your qualification matches a listed post, such as Information Technology, Social Work, Psychology, Criminology, Accounting, Internal Audit or Risk Management.
Step 4: Download the correct application form
Use the form specified in the new advert. Do not automatically use an old form from a previous intake.
Step 5: Check the submission instructions
Confirm whether applications must be submitted online, delivered by hand or posted. Follow the method and deadline stated in the current advert.
Step 6: Keep a record of your application
Save the reference number, proof of submission and a copy of the advert for your records.
6. Does a SAPS Internship Guarantee Permanent Employment?
No. A graduate internship provides workplace experience, but it does not automatically guarantee permanent employment with SAPS.
Applicants should read the internship contract and understand its duration, responsibilities, stipend arrangements and conditions before accepting an offer.
7. Avoid Fake SAPS Internship Advertisements
SAPS warns applicants about fraudulent websites and advertisements claiming to offer police recruitment or internships.
Protect yourself by following these precautions:
- Check vacancies on the official SAPS website.
- Do not pay anyone who promises to secure an internship or police position.
- Confirm the reference number and deadline in the original advert.
- Do not rely on a WhatsApp message or social media graphic as proof that applications are open.
- Never share banking passwords, PINs or one-time passwords with a recruiter.
SAPS has stated that its recruitment process is free and that no position within the service is for sale.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SAPS graduate internship still open?
The 2025/2026 SASSETA-funded intake advertised in this article closed on 13 March 2026. Check the official SAPS website for any new intake.
Were positions advertised in all nine provinces?
The advertised opportunities covered multiple provinces, but not every type of internship was available in every province. Applicants had to check the locations listed for each position.
Can graduates apply with a diploma?
Some positions accepted a relevant National Diploma, while others required a specific degree or professional registration. Check the requirements for the particular role.
Is the internship paid?
The programme advert stated that SASSETA would determine the stipend. Confirm the amount in the applicable official advert or contract.
Can I apply for more than one position?
The advertised SASSETA WIL programme restricted applicants to a maximum of three positions, with a separate application form for each reference number.
Where can I find official SAPS vacancies?
Visit SAPS Careers or the SAPS eRecruitment portal.
9. Related Opportunities
You can also search for other opportunities in South Africa:
Final Advice for Graduates
The SAPS–SASSETA programme offered workplace experience across several professional fields and provinces, but the advertised application deadline has passed. Do not submit an application using an expired advert unless SAPS has officially reopened the intake.
Keep checking the official SAPS careers page, prepare your CV and qualification documents, and apply only when a new vacancy matches your qualifications and is accepting applications.
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