If you’ve ever thought about wearing a police uniform, this is your chance. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has opened recruitment for 5,500 police trainees, and applications close on 13 November. The posts cover the 2026 and 2027 financial years, and the SAPS application window opened on Wednesday, 21 October.
Police trainees receive a R5,000 monthly stipend while they train, and the whole application is done online. Below, we walk you through the process step by step, so you know what to do before the deadline.
What SAPS is offering
Colonel Amanda van Wyk, the SAPS national spokesperson, announced the drive. Her message to young South Africans was to step forward and take up the challenge.
SAPS wants people who are disciplined, physically fit and committed to serving their communities. Van Wyk also spoke about turning a passion for making a difference into a meaningful career in policing.
These are entry-level posts for people who are just starting out. SAPS is looking for young people with knowledge, skills and fresh ideas, but policing is a demanding career, and applicants will be tested carefully before they are selected.
SAPS application form 2027: what is the opening date?
Many people are searching for the SAPS application form 2027 opening date. The posts in this drive cover both the 2026 and 2027 financial years, so the window that opened on 21 October is the one to use. Applications close on 13 November. The announcement does not mention a separate 2027 intake, so don’t wait for one. If SAPS announces further police trainee intakes or other vacancies, check the official SAPS channels for updates.
Who can apply for SAPS police trainee posts
SAPS is calling on:
- South Africans aged 18 to under 35
- People with no criminal record and no pending criminal case
- Applicants who are disciplined, physically fit and committed to serving their communities
SAPS urges applicants to make sure they meet all the prescribed requirements before applying. The announcement doesn’t list every requirement, so read the full notice on the official SAPS website before you start.
As part of its targeted recruitment, SAPS also wants to identify suitably qualified young people from underrepresented racial groups who meet the prescribed requirements.
How to apply: the SAPS application process
Applications go through the official SAPS eRecruitment portal. SAPS introduced the online system in 2025 to make applying easier for young people from all walks of life.
Step 1: Get ready before you start. Check that you meet the age and criminal record requirements. Make sure you have an email address you can open right now, because the portal will send a verification code there.
Step 2: Find the official portal. SAPS says it will share a QR code on its official social media platforms that gives direct access to the portal. Only use links and codes from official SAPS channels. Don’t trust a link sent to you on WhatsApp or by a stranger.
Step 3: Create your profile. This is where your application begins. Enter your details carefully.
Step 4: Verify your account. SAPS sends a verification code to your email address. Enter it to verify your account. If it doesn’t arrive straight away, wait a minute and check your inbox again.
Step 5: Complete the application. Once your account is verified, the portal guides you through the application for the available police trainee posts. Read each screen and check that your details are correct before moving on. A small typing error can cause problems later.
Step 6: Apply early. The window runs from 21 October to 13 November. Websites can get busy close to a deadline, so don’t leave it until the last day.
Applications are free of charge. You should never pay anyone to apply. Set a reminder on your phone today so you don’t miss the closing date.
Training length and stipend
How long you train depends on your qualification.
| Your qualification | Training period | Monthly stipend |
|---|---|---|
| Relevant NQF Level 6 or higher | Six months at a SAPS training academy | R5,000 |
| No such qualification | Standard nine-month programme | R5,000 |
Either way, every police trainee receives the R5,000 stipend during training.
Graduates may be considered for specialised units
SAPS will also look for suitably qualified applicants with specific skills for specialised policing areas. Graduates in Law, Policing, Criminology, Law Enforcement, Forensic Investigation and Information Technology may be considered for placement in:
- The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks
- Detective and Forensic Services
- Crime Intelligence
Placement is not guaranteed, but if you hold one of these qualifications, make sure it is clearly stated in your application.
What the selection process involves
Every applicant goes through a tough selection process that includes fitness testing, psychometric testing, integrity testing, a medical evaluation and an interview.
SAPS says these checks confirm that recruits have the physical fitness, mental strength, discipline and integrity needed to serve and protect the people of South Africa. Passing is not easy, so start preparing now. Regular exercise is a good place to begin.
Beware of recruitment scams
SAPS has made it clear that no police trainee post is for sale. The service warned applicants to watch out for fraudsters who ask for money in exchange for a job, or who promise to influence the recruitment process.
If someone asks you for money, walk away. Stick to the official SAPS portal and official SAPS channels. The South African government website is another reliable place to find official information.
Why this recruitment drive matters now
The drive comes at a difficult time for the police service. The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is investigating allegations of corruption, the shielding of criminal syndicates and networks in the police and justice system, and political interference in the judiciary.
President Cyril Ramaphosa set up the commission after explosive claims made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in a media briefing in July 2025. It is chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, with Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC and Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC assisting. Testimony before the commission has implicated several senior police officers in political interference, syndicate activities, tender irregularities and corruption.
Staffing is also in the spotlight. Recent reports said National Treasury pointed to 8,023 funded SAPS posts that were vacant, which was partly why the service underspent its budget. This helps explain why calls for more recruitment have grown.
Public trust matters, and the trainees chosen through this process will be the next generation of police officers.
Frequently asked questions
When do SAPS recruitment applications close?
Applications close on 13 November. They opened on 21 October.
How many police trainee posts are available?
SAPS is recruiting 5,500 entry-level police trainees for the 2026 and 2027 financial years.
How much do SAPS police trainees earn?
Trainees receive a monthly stipend of R5,000 during training.
Where do I submit my SAPS application?
Through the official SAPS eRecruitment portal. Only use links and QR codes shared on official SAPS channels.
Does it cost anything to apply?
No. Applications are free, and no police trainee post is for sale.
Quick recap
- Posts: 5,500 entry-level police trainee positions
- Opened: Wednesday, 21 October
- Closes: 13 November
- Age: 18 to under 35
- Stipend: R5,000 a month during training
- Where to apply: SAPS eRecruitment portal
- Cost: Free
If you meet the requirements, apply early, double-check your details and stay away from anyone who asks for money.
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