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), is offering a 24-month Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL) programme. This is a high-impact government internship designed to provide professional experience within various specialized divisions of the national police force.
1. Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Employer | South African Police Service (SAPS) |
| Funder | SASSETA |
| Duration | 24 Months |
| Closing Date | 13 March 2026 (Past Deadline - See Note below) |
| Stipend | Based on SASSETA funding rates |
Note: The official closing date for this intake was 13 March 2026. If you missed this window, keep this information as a guide for the next recruitment cycle, which usually opens annually between February and March.
2. Available Internship Streams
The SAPS/SASSETA partnership focuses on professional support services rather than "boots on the ground" policing.
| Field | Required Qualification |
| Social Work | BA Degree in Social Work + SACSSP Registration |
| Psychology | Honours/BPsych Degree + HPCSA Registration |
| Crime Intelligence | Degree/Diploma in Criminology, Sociology, or Political Science |
| Internal Audit | Degree/Diploma in Internal Audit, Accounting, or IT Audit |
| Risk Management | Degree/Diploma in Risk Management or Business Continuity |
| Integrity/Ethics | Degree/Diploma in Law, Policing, Forensic Investigation, or HR |
3. Minimum Requirements
Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.
Age: Between 18 and 35 years old.
Education: Grade 12 (Matric) plus the relevant tertiary qualification mentioned above.
Status: Must be unemployed and have never participated in a previous internship in the same field.
Vetting: Must have no criminal record or pending cases (Fingerprint screening is mandatory).
4. Key Responsibilities
Psychology/Social Work: Provide trauma counseling and debriefing to SAPS members and their families; facilitate wellness programmes.
Internal Audit: Conduct risk assessments, review internal financial controls, and assist in preparing audit reports.
Crime Intelligence: Analyze crime trends and data to produce risk and threat assessment reports.
Integrity Management: Monitor ethical compliance, process financial disclosures, and support investigations into misconduct.
5. How to Apply (Standard Procedure)
SAPS internships follow a very strict manual application process. Electronic applications are never accepted.
Application Form: Use the official SAPS Graduate Recruitment Scheme Application Form.
Supporting Documents: * Updated CV.
Uncertified copies of ID, Matric Certificate, and Tertiary Qualifications (with statement of results).
Submission: Applications must be hand-delivered or posted to the specific address listed in the advertisement (e.g., Provincial Head Office or National Division).
Reference Numbers: You must clearly indicate the reference number for the specific post (e.g., IA INT 1/2025/26). You may apply for a maximum of three (3) positions.
6. Important Advice
Fingerprint Screening: All shortlisted candidates are required to undergo fingerprint screening to ensure they meet the "No Criminal Record" requirement.
Z83 vs. SAPS Form: While most departments use the Z83, SAPS often requires their own specific application form. Always download the form directly from the
SAPS Careers page Feedback: If you do not hear from the department within 3 months of the closing date, you should consider your application unsuccessful.
7. Why This Programme Matters?
Longer Duration: At 24 months, this offers double the experience of standard 12-month internships, significantly increasing your chances of finding permanent work.
National Security Exposure: Gaining insight into the inner workings of the police service is a unique experience that is highly valued in both public and private security sectors.
Professional Registration: For Social Workers and Psychologists, this programme often provides the clinical hours needed for professional growth.
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