SAPS & SASSETA: Graduate Internship Programme 2026
The South African Police Service (SAPS), in partnership with the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA), has opened its Graduate Recruitment scheme for 2026. This is a prestigious 12-month placement designed to provide unemployed graduates with exposure to the administrative and specialized functions of law enforcement.
1. Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Employer | South African Police Service (SAPS) |
| Partner | SASSETA |
| Duration | 12 Months |
| Stipend | R7,000 per month (standard for Graduate Interns) |
| Closing Date | 13 March 2026 |
| Locations | All 9 Provinces (National, Provincial, and District levels) |
2. Fields of Study Needed
SAPS is not just looking for "Officers"; they need specialized skills in the following areas:
Administrative Services: Public Administration, Office Management, or Human Resources.
Financial Services: Accounting, Financial Management, or Supply Chain Management.
Legal Services: LLB or Paralegal qualifications.
Criminology & Social Sciences: Psychology, Social Work, or Criminology.
Information Technology: Computer Science, Network Engineering, or Software Development.
Police Stations (Frontline): Public Management or Social Sciences for victim support units.
3. Minimum Requirements
To be eligible for the SAPS SASSETA 2026 intake, you must:
Status: Be an unemployed South African graduate.
Education: Have a completed Diploma or Degree (NQF 6 or higher) in the relevant field.
Experience: Must never have participated in an internship or a graduate programme before.
Age: Must be between 18 and 35 years old.
Vetting: Must have a clear criminal record (fingerprint checks will be done).
Location: Must apply for a post within your province of residence.
4. How to Apply
The SAPS application process is strictly manual and follows specific government protocols.
The Application Form: You must use the official SAPS Graduate Internship Application Form (not the standard Z83). This is available at any SAPS station or the
Download Application Form Reference Numbers: Each post has a unique reference number (e.g., INT 01/2026). You must write this clearly on the form.
Required Documents:
Updated CV.
Certified copy of your ID.
Certified copies of Qualifications and Academic Transcripts.
Submission: Hand-deliver your application to the Provincial Office or the National Head Office mentioned in the specific advert. Do not email or fax these applications.
5. Important Advice for 2026
Certification Date: Ensure your documents are certified within the last 6 months. If the date is older, your application might be rejected.
Multiple Applications: You can apply for more than one post, but you must submit a separate application form for each reference number.
The "Wait": SAPS receives thousands of applications. If you haven't been contacted within 3 months, consider your application unsuccessful.
No Recruitment Fee: SAPS and SASSETA will never ask you for money. If someone asks for a "placement fee," it is a scam.
6. Why Join this Programme?
Workplace Exposure: Gain experience in a high-security environment that looks excellent on a CV.
Government Benefits: You will receive a standard monthly stipend and a certificate of completion after 12 months.
Networking: Many interns build connections that help them when permanent "Public Service Act" or "Police Act" posts become available later in the year.
Tip: If you have an Academic Transcript showing high marks in specialized subjects (like Auditing for Finance or Cybercrime for IT), highlight these! SAPS values specialized knowledge that can help modernize their systems.
