The South African Police Service (SAPS) is inviting unemployed South African graduates and students to apply for the Graduate Recruitment Scheme 2025/2026. This internship runs for 12 months and offers valuable workplace experience in line with the National Human Resource Development Strategy and the National Skills Development Strategy.
Closing Dates
- Gauteng Province: 12 September 2025
- All other provinces: 18 September 2025
Internship Locations
Opportunities are available across all provinces:
- Eastern Cape
- Free State
- Gauteng
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Limpopo
- Mpumalanga
- Northern Cape
- North West
- Western Cape
Stipend: Determined by the Divisional Commissioner for Human Resource Development (varies by province).
Who Can Apply
Applicants must meet the following generic requirements:
- South African citizen with a Matric / NSC or NCV Level 4
- No criminal record or pending criminal cases
- Unemployed and never employed in the field of the advertised post
- Not previously part of an internship programme in the relevant field
- Resident of the province where applying
- May apply for up to three posts (submit a separate application for each reference number)
Internship Categories
- Graduate Interns: Must have a completed tertiary qualification (Diploma or Degree, NQF level 6+, recorded on NLRD)
- Student Interns: Require in-service / experiential learning to complete a qualification (letter from institution must not be older than 2 years)
Available Posts by Province
Below is a highlight of available internships in various provinces:
Eastern Cape
- Graduate Interns: Communication, Supply Chain, Organisational Development, CIMAC, Vispol Support, HRM, Sports Management, Social Work, Legal (LLB), Psychology
- Student Interns: HRM, Finance
- Motor Mechanics: Petrol/Diesel
Free State
- Graduate Interns: Social Work, Legal, Electrical Engineering, HRM/HRD, Finance, Supply Chain, Strategic Development, CIMAC
- Student Interns: HRM, Mechanical Services
Gauteng (closing earlier – 12 Sep 2025)
- Graduate Interns: Legal, Motor Mechanics, HRD, CIMAC, Detectives, Social Crime Prevention
- Student Interns: HRM, Librarian
KwaZulu-Natal
- Graduate Interns: Supply Chain, Graphic/Video/Drone Ops, Finance, Sports Management, HRD, Technical roles, Loss Management, Legal, Trades (Plumber/Electrician/Brick Layer)
- Student Interns: Sound Engineering, Library Assistant
- Motor Mechanics: Wentworth/Alexandra Road Garages
Limpopo
- Graduate Interns: CIMAC, Legal, Library Science, Social Work, Psychology, Journalism, Media, Video/Photography, Graphic Design, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, HRM, IT Specialist
- Student Interns: Finance, HRM, Radio Technical
- Motor Mechanics: District garages
Mpumalanga
- Graduate Interns: CIMAC, Forensic Commercial Investigation, Social Work, Legal, Librarian, Youth Desk, Graphic Design, Camera Operator, Finance, HRM, Dietician
- Student Interns: Radio Technical
- Motor Mechanics: Nelspruit, Standerton, Middelburg
Northern Cape
- Graduate Interns: Crime Analysis, Social Work, Psychometry, Legal, Administration
- Student Interns: Technical Management Services, HRM
- Motor Mechanics: Kimberley, De Aar, Kuruman, Springbok
North West
- Graduate Interns: Supply Chain, Budget Management, Detectives, Legal, HRD, Communication, Graphic Design
- Student Interns: Service Complaints
- Motor Mechanics: Provincial garages
Western Cape
- Graduate Interns: Crime Analysis, Supply Chain, Detectives, HRD, Corporate Communication, Social Work, Psychology, Legal
- Student Interns: Food Services
- Motor Mechanics: Maitland, Bellville, Stellenbosch
How to Apply
- Application Form: Download the SAPS Graduate Recruitment Scheme application form from the SAPS Careers page.
- Submission: Post or hand-deliver your application to the correct provincial office (no faxed or emailed applications will be accepted).
- Include:
- Updated CV
- Uncertified copies of SA ID, Matric certificate, and all tertiary qualifications with academic transcripts
- Mark Clearly: Write the reference number and province on each application.
- You may apply for up to three posts, but a separate application is required for each.
Download the advert and references
| Post Description | Closing Date |
| Eastern Cape Province | 2025-09-18 |
| Free State Province | 2025-09-18 |
| Gauteng Province | 2025-09-12 |
| KwaZulu Natal Province | 2025-09-18 |
| Limpopo Province | 2025-09-18 |
| Mpumalanga Province | 2025-09-18 |
| Northern Cape Province | 2025-09-18 |
| North West Province | 2025-09-18 |
| Western Cape Province | 2025-09-18 |
Selection Process & Notes
- Shortlisted candidates may undergo fingerprint screening, vetting, and interviews.
- Only successful candidates will be contacted within 4 months after the closing date.
- Successful applicants must sign a 12-month internship contract.
- Completion of the internship does not guarantee permanent employment in SAPS.
Why Join the SAPS Graduate Scheme?
- Gain hands-on exposure in criminology, social work, psychology, IT, supply chain, and other fields
- Contribute directly to community service and national safety
- Develop practical skills in a large, multi-disciplinary organisation
- Access mentorship and workplace training for career development
Download the Official SAPS Internship Advert
Visit the SAPS Careers page → Graduate Recruitment Scheme to download the application form and the full provincial adverts.