SAPS Police Trainee 2026/2027 Applications Now Open: How to Apply for TRA26/27

Update, 21 October 2026: the official SAPS advert for the Police Trainee 2026/2027 intake (reference TRA26/27) is now live on the SAPS e-Recruitment portal. You can apply online now. Read the requirements and who gets preference first, because you can apply only once. The official link is in the "How to apply, step by step" section below.

The official advert confirms the reference TRA26/27, a contract trainee post, a stipend of R5,000 and the full list of requirements below. Recruitment reports published on 20 October 2026 also say there are 5,500 posts and that applications close on 13 November 2026. The portal page we checked did not show these two details, so confirm them on the advert before you apply. Do not leave it to the last week.

Key details at a glance

• Employer: South African Police Service (SAPS)
• Post: Entry-level Police Trainee (student)
• Reference: TRA26/27 (official)
• Appointed under: SAPS Act, 1995 (Act No. 68 of 1995) (official)
• Type: contract, national, open to external applicants (official)
• Stipend during training: R5,000 per month (official)
• Number of trainees: 5,500 (reported)
• Closing date: 13 November 2026 (reported)
• Salary after training: about R248,175 a year as a Constable (reported)
• How to apply: online only, on the SAPS e-Recruitment portal (steps and official link below). You can apply only once, because the system accepts one application per person.

Who can apply (from the official advert)

• South African citizen, with documentary proof
• Aged 18 to 35 on the closing date
• Grade 12 (matric) or an equivalent qualification
• Proficient in English and at least one other official language
• Physically, medically and mentally fit, and willing to pass physical, medical, psychological and integrity assessments
• No tattoos visible when wearing any SAPS uniform
• No previous criminal convictions and no pending criminal cases
• Not declared unfit to possess a firearm
• Not dismissed by a previous employer for dishonesty, violence, sexual harassment or drug-related misconduct
• Willing to give fingerprints and a buccal (cheek swab) sample, and to undergo background checks and security vetting
• Willing to take the oath of office, train where SAPS decides and serve anywhere in South Africa

Who gets preference

The advert says preference goes to applicants with a valid driver's licence (at least light motor vehicle) and one of the following:

• A relevant three-year qualification at NQF 6 or higher, such as Criminal Law, Policing or Forensic Investigation
• Another three-year qualification at NQF 6 or higher
• A matric certificate that meets the minimum requirements for bachelor's degree admission

If you have only an ordinary matric and no licence, you can still apply. You will simply be competing with candidates who have more.

What the job involves

According to the advert, a police official's core functions are to:

• Prevent, combat and investigate crime
• Maintain public order
• Protect and secure the people of South Africa and their property
• Uphold and enforce the law

Selection steps

The advert says every applicant faces fitness, psychometric and integrity tests, a medical evaluation and an interview. SAPS also checks your qualifications, driver's licence, citizenship and home address, and runs vetting. Vetting includes security screening, reference checks, fingerprint checks and a look at your social media presence.

• Health: people with chronic diseases, physical impairments or health conditions that could interrupt training may be excluded. If you don't disclose a condition, you can be withdrawn from the programme later.
• Who hears back: SAPS contacts successful applicants only. If you hear nothing within three months after the closing date, take it that you were not selected.
• No guarantee: passing the selection steps does not guarantee a post.

What the training looks like

Successful applicants go through the Basic Police Development Learning Programme at a SAPS academy. They learn policing law, criminal procedure, fitness, self-defence, firearms and driving. Those who pass are appointed as Constables on probation.

How to apply, step by step

• Step 1: Check the requirements and preference list above, then open the SAPS Police Trainee 2026/2027 job page on FirstJobly. Tap Apply there to go to the official SAPS e-Recruitment portal, then sign in or register.
• Step 2: Read the full advert and check that you meet every requirement.
• Step 3: Have your ID, matric certificate, any tertiary qualification and your driver's licence (if you have one) ready to upload.
• Step 4: Fill in the form carefully. You declare under oath that your details are true, and you can submit only once.
• Step 5: Keep your phone and email working, and start training for the fitness test now.

A clear one-page CV helps you get your details straight. Use the free FirstJobly CV Maker.

Beware of fake SAPS adverts

SAPS says applicants must not pay any fee to anyone for the recruitment process. Apply only through the official portal at erecruitment.saps.gov.za, reached from saps.gov.za. Never send your ID or documents to a WhatsApp number, a Gmail address or any other website. Report anyone asking for money to your nearest police station.

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