The South African Police Service has opened applications for the SASSETA-funded Graduate Internship Programme 2026. This opportunity is aimed at unemployed South African graduates who want workplace experience through a 24-month Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL) internship. SAPS says the programme forms part of the National Human Resource Development Strategy and the National Skills Development Strategy.
This internship is a strong option for young graduates who want structured exposure in government, public service, learner support, internal audit, crime intelligence, risk management, and integrity management. The stipend is not stated as a fixed amount in the advert because SASSETA will determine the stipend.
Who can apply for the SAPS SASSETA internship?
According to the official advert, applicants must be South African citizens aged 18 to 35, must have a National Senior Certificate or equivalent (NCV Level 4), must have no criminal conviction or pending criminal case, and must be unemployed. SAPS also states that applicants must never have been employed in the field of the advertised post and must never have participated in an internship programme relevant to the same field.
Another important rule is that each applicant may apply for a maximum of three posts only, and a separate application form must be completed for each reference number. That means you should choose carefully and only apply for positions that match your qualification.
Internship posts available
The advert includes several internship streams across different SAPS divisions.
1) Social Work Interns
SAPS is recruiting 16 Social Work Interns under Learner Support at SAPS Academies in Bhisho, Bishop Lavis, Graaff-Reinet, Mthatha, Oudtshoorn, Ulundi, Tshwane, and Phillipi. Applicants need a BA Social Work degree or a relevant qualification recorded on the NLRD at NQF 6 or higher, plus valid SACSSP registration with fees paid for the 2026 financial year.
2) Psychologist / Trauma Counsellor Interns
There are 13 posts available in Learner Support at SAPS Academies in Bhisho, Bishop Lavis, Graaff-Reinet, Mthatha, Oudtshoorn, Ulundi, Tshwane, and Phillipi. Applicants need an Honours degree or B Psych degree in Psychology and must be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Psychometrist or Registered Counsellor, with valid proof of registration for 2026.
3) Analyst Interns in Crime Intelligence
SAPS is offering 8 Analyst Intern posts in Crime Intelligence: Intelligence Analysis and Coordination. These are based in Bloemfontein, Johannesburg, Durban, Polokwane, Nelspruit, Kimberley, Potchefstroom, and Bishop Lavis. The advert requires a three-year National Diploma or Degree in Sociology, Criminology, or Political Science, or another relevant qualification recorded on the NLRD at NQF 6 or higher.
4) Internal Audit Interns
There are 9 Internal Audit Intern posts at provincial level in Pretoria, Polokwane, Potchefstroom, Bloemfontein, Durban, Cape Town, Kimberley, Nelspruit, and East London. Relevant qualifications include Internal Audit, Commerce, BCom Accounting, Bachelor of Accounting Sciences in Financial Accounting, Financial Management, Cost Management and Accounting, BTech IT, or Information Systems, recorded on the NLRD at NQF 6 or higher.
5) Risk Management Practitioner Interns
SAPS has 2 posts at Head Office, Pretoria for Risk Management Practitioner Interns. The required qualification is a three-year National Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Risk Management, Internal Auditing, Cost and Management Accounting, Finance, or Business Continuity Management.
6) Integrity Management Practitioner Interns
There are also 2 Integrity Management Practitioner Intern posts at Head Office, Pretoria. Required fields include Public Administration, Public Management, Human Resource Management, Internal Audit, Risk Management, Forensic Investigation, Law, and Policing.
What interns will do
The duties depend on the post. Social Work interns will support occupational social work services and employee wellbeing under supervision. Psychology and Trauma Counsellor interns will help with counselling, debriefing, mental health programmes, and employee health and wellness support. Analyst interns will assist with crime and stability intelligence products such as risk assessments, profiles, and early warnings. Internal Audit interns will help with audits, risk assessments, evidence gathering, and audit reporting. Risk and Integrity Management interns will assist with governance, business continuity, integrity systems, ethics monitoring, financial disclosure processes, and related investigations.
Documents you must submit
SAPS states that only the official Application Form for the Graduate Recruitment Scheme will be accepted. You must also attach an updated CV, uncertified copies of your ID, National Senior Certificate, all post-school qualifications, and your statement of results. SAPS also makes it clear that faxed or emailed applications will not be accepted.
How to apply
To apply, download and complete the official SAPS Graduate Recruitment Scheme application form and make sure the post title and reference number are written correctly on the form. Applications must then be posted or hand delivered to the address linked to the specific reference number you are applying for. The advert includes separate delivery details for SAPS Academies, Crime Intelligence offices, Internal Audit, and Risk Management. For example, Academy-related posts go to the academy attached to that reference number, while Risk Management and Integrity Management applications go to SAPS Head Office in Pretoria.
Because the addresses differ by post, applicants should double-check the correct delivery point before submitting. Some examples listed in the advert include Bhisho, Tshwane, Ulundi, Bishop Lavis, Phillipi, Mthatha, Oudtshoorn, and Graaff-Reinet for academy posts, while Crime Intelligence submissions are split by province such as Bloemfontein, Johannesburg, Durban, Polokwane, Nelspruit, Kimberley, Potchefstroom, and Bishop Lavis.
Closing date
The official closing date is 13 March 2026. SAPS says late applications will not be accepted. Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to fingerprint screening, will attend a personal interview, and may also be subjected to vetting. SAPS further notes that the internship is a 24-month contract with SASSETA and does not guarantee permanent employment after completion.
Important reminder before you submit
Before sending your application, make sure you:
- apply for no more than three posts
- use a separate form for each reference number
- attach all required documents
- use the correct delivery address
- submit before 13 March 2026
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