SAPS Trainees – 5 500 Open Spots Nationwide: The South African Police Service (SAPS) has opened applications for 5 500 police trainee positions across the country for the 2025/2026 intake. This is a major opportunity for young, motivated South Africans who want to build a career in law enforcement and serve their communities with integrity.
Position Overview
Post Title: Police Trainee
Reference Number: TRAINEE2025/2026
Training Stipend: R4 500 per month plus applicable benefits
Post-training Salary: R238 629 per year (constable)
Training Act: SAPS Act, 1995 (Act No. 68 of 1995)
Application Deadline: 18 July 2025
SAPS Trainees – 5 500 Open Spots Nationwide – Who Can Apply?
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be 18 to 35 years old on the closing date
- Hold a Grade 12 certificate or an equivalent qualification
- Speak English and at least one other official language
- Have no tattoos visible in uniform
- Be physically, mentally and medically fit
- Have no criminal record or pending cases
- Never have been dismissed for misconduct
- Be willing to serve anywhere in South Africa
- Allow DNA sample collection, fingerprint checks, and social media vetting
2. Meet fitness benchmarks:
- BMI must be 30 or lower
- Waist size must be ≤ 102 cm (males) or ≤ 90 cm (females)
Don’t qualify? Don’t worry, check out our post on Metro Police Learnership Programme 2025
Added Advantage:
Your application will stand out if you:
- Hold a valid driver’s licence
- Have a 3-year tertiary qualification (NQF Level 6 or higher) in Policing, Law, Criminology, Forensics, Law Enforcement, or IT
- Passed Grade 12 with admission to Higher Certificate, Diploma, or Bachelor’s studies
- Applicants with relevant tertiary qualifications may be placed in special units such as the Hawks (DPCI), Crime Intelligence, or Forensics.
SAPS Trainees – 5 500 Open Spots Nationwide -What to Expect During Training:
21-month Basic Police Development Learning Programme conducted at any SAPS training academy in the country.
SAPS provides:
- Free accommodation, meals, training gear, and medical aid while in training
Core Responsibilities After Training
Once appointed as a Constable, you will:
- Prevent and investigate criminal activity
- Maintain peace and public order
- Safeguard communities and their property
- Uphold the law with professionalism
How to Apply:
All applications are done online only. Here’s how:
1. Visit: www.saps.gov.za
2. Click the Careers link on the homepage
3. Register an account
4. Complete your personal profile
5. Locate TRAINEE2025/2026 in the vacancy section
6. Submit your application
Please Note: If you don’t hear from SAPS within three months after the closing date, your application was unfortunately not successful.
With 5 500 positions available, this is one of SAPS’s biggest recruitment drives yet. Step forward, take the oath, and serve your country with pride.
For more updates on government jobs, learnerships and youth opportunities, stay connected with Sasa-vacancies.
