South African Police Service (SAPS) Team Up with Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) to Announce the New Graduate Internship Programme for Unemployed Graduates,This is 24 months of Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL) to work on Diferents SAP Departments.
Programme Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | South African Police Service (SAPS) |
| Funding Authority | Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) |
| Programme Type | Graduate Internship / Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL) |
| Contract Duration | 24 Months |
| Stipend | Determined by SASSETA |
| Location | Multiple provinces across South Africa |
| Application Method | Post or hand-delivered applications |
| Closing Date | 13 March 2026 |
About the SAPS Internship Programme
The SAPS & SASSETA Graduate Internship Programme 2026 is part of South Africa’s broader effort to support youth employment and skills development.
Through this initiative, graduates are placed in various SAPS divisions where they gain practical exposure, professional mentorship, and industry-related experience.
The programme also helps participants develop skills in areas such as:
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Administration
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Finance and accounting
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Information technology
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Human resource management
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Supply chain management
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Communication and public relations
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Legal and policing support services
This experience can significantly improve graduates’ chances of securing full-time employment in the future.
Internship Opportunities Available
The programme offers opportunities in several professional fields.
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Social Work Internships (16 Posts)
Section: Learner Support
Location: SAPS Academies
Positions Available At:
Bhisho, Eastern Cape – 2 Posts (HRD INT 1/2025/26)
Bishop Lavis, Western Cape – 2 Posts (HRD INT 2/2025/26)
Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape – 2 Posts (HRD INT 3/2025/26)
Mthatha, Eastern Cape – 2 Posts (HRD INT 4/2025/26)
Oudtshoorn, Western Cape – 2 Posts (HRD INT 5/2025/26)
Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal – 2 Posts (HRD INT 6/2025/26)
Tshwane, Gauteng – 2 Posts (HRD INT 7/2025/26)
Phillipi, Western Cape – 2 Posts (HRD INT 8/2025/26)
Minimum Qualification
- BA Social Work Degree (NQF Level 6 or higher)
- Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP)
Key Responsibilities
- Provide occupational social work support
- Conduct employee wellness interventions
- Implement preventative and restorative social work programmes
- Assist with community support services within SAPS
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Psychologist / Trauma Counsellor Internships (13 Posts)
Section: Learner Support
Locations:
Bhisho – 3 Posts (HRD INT 9/2025/26)
Bishop Lavis – 1 Post (HRD INT 10/2025/26)
Graaff-Reinet – 1 Post (HRD INT 11/2025/26)
Mthatha – 1 Post (HRD INT 12/2025/26)
Oudtshoorn – 1 Post (HRD INT 13/2025/26)
Ulundi – 1 Post (HRD INT 14/2025/26)
Tshwane – 3 Posts (HRD INT 15/2025/26)
Phillipi – 2 Posts (HRD INT 16/2025/26)
Requirements
- Honours Degree or BPsych Degree in Psychology
- Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
Responsibilities
- Provide trauma counselling
- Support SAPS employees and families
- Facilitate mental health programmes
- Conduct psychological support interventions
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Crime Intelligence Analyst Internships (8 Posts)
Division: Crime Intelligence
Locations
Bloemfontein – CI/FS 1/2025/26
Johannesburg – CI/GP 2/2025/26
Durban – CI/KZN 3/2025/26
Polokwane – CI/LP 4/2025/26
Nelspruit – CI/MP 5/2025/26
Kimberley – CI/NC 6/2025/26
Potchefstroom – CI/NW 7/2025/26
Bishop Lavis – CI/WC 8/2025/26
Minimum Requirements
- Degree or Diploma in:
- Sociology
- Criminology
- Political Science
Responsibilities
- Analyse crime intelligence data
- Compile threat and risk assessments
- Assist with intelligence reports
- Support SAPS intelligence analysts
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Internal Audit Internships (9 Posts)
Section: Risk-Based and Compliance Audit
Locations
Pretoria – IA INT 01/2025/26
Polokwane – IA INT 02/2025/26
Potchefstroom – IA INT 03/2025/26
Bloemfontein – IA INT 04/2025/26
Durban – IA INT 05/2025/26
Cape Town – IA INT 06/2025/26
Kimberley – IA INT 07/2025/26
Nelspruit – IA INT 08/2025/26
East London – IA INT 09/2025/26
Required Qualifications
- Internal Audit
- BCom Accounting
- Financial Management
- Information Systems
- IT Audit
Responsibilities
- Conduct risk assessments
- Support internal audits
- Evaluate financial control systems
- Assist in preparing audit reports
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Risk Management Practitioner Internships (2 Posts)
Location: SAPS Head Office, Pretoria
Reference Number: RIM INT 01/2025/26
Qualifications
- Risk Management
- Internal Audit
- Finance
- Business Continuity Management
Responsibilities
- Assist with risk assessments
- Support business continuity planning
- Compile risk management reports
- Support SAPS governance structures
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Integrity Management Practitioner Internships (2 Posts)
Location: SAPS Head Office, Pretoria
Reference Number: RIM INT 02/2025/26
Qualifications
- Public Administration
- Public Management
- Human Resource Management
- Law
- Policing
- Risk Management
Responsibilities
- Process financial disclosures
- Investigate ethical misconduct
- Support ethics compliance programmes
- Manage case management systems
General Requirements for All Applicants
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- South African citizen
- Age between 18 and 35
- Grade 12 certificate
- Relevant tertiary qualification
- Must be unemployed
- Must not have participated in a similar internship
- Must not have a criminal record
- Must apply for maximum of three posts only
Applicants will undergo:
- Fingerprint screening
- Personal interviews
- Security vetting
Required Documents on Application
The application must include:
- Completed application form
- Updated CV
- ID copy
- Matric certificate
- Academic qualifications
- Statement of results
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How to ApplyÂ
- Applications must be posted or hand-delivered
- No email or fax applications allowed
- Late applications will not be accepted
Application Addresses
SAPS Academy Bhisho
Private Bag X7450
King Williams Town
5600
Physical Address
R63 Komga Road
Bhisho 5605
Reference Numbers
HRD INT 1/2025/26
HRD INT 9/2025/26
SAPS Academy Tshwane
PO Box 435
Pretoria West
0117
Physical Address
No 1 Rebecca Street
Pretoria West
Reference Numbers
HRD INT 7/2025/26
HRD INT 15/2025/26
SAPS Academy Ulundi
Private Bag X35
Ulundi
3838
Physical Address
No 1 Ingulube Street
Ulundi
Reference Numbers
HRD INT 6/2025/26
HRD INT 14/2025/26
SAPS Academy Bishop Lavis
Private Bag X6
Parow
7499
Physical Address
100 Myrtle Road
Bishop Lavis
Reference Numbers
HRD INT 2/2025/26
HRD INT 10/2025/26
SAPS Academy Phillipi
Private Bag X3
Parow
7499
Physical Address
New Eisleben Road
Phillipi
Reference Numbers
HRD INT 8/2025/26
HRD INT 16/2025/26
SAPS Academy Mthatha
Private Bag X5052
Mthatha
5099
Physical Address
Vukazana Police Camp
Mthatha
Reference Numbers
HRD INT 4/2025/26
HRD INT 12/2025/26
SAPS Academy Oudtshoorn
Private Bag X671
Oudtshoorn
6620
Physical Address
Park Road South 1
Oudtshoorn
Reference Numbers
HRD INT 5/2025/26
HRD INT 13/2025/26
SAPS Academy Graaff-Reinet
22 College Road
Graaff-Reinet
6280
Reference Numbers
HRD INT 3/2025/26
HRD INT 11/2025/26
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the SAPS & SASSETA Graduate Internship Programme 2026?
It is a Workplace Integrated Learning programme that provides unemployed graduates with practical work experience within SAPS departments.
Who is offering this internship programme?
The programme is offered by the South African Police Service in partnership with the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority.
How long does the internship programme last?
The programme runs for 24 months.
Will interns receive a stipend?
Yes, interns will receive a stipend determined and funded by SASSETA.
Where will the internship take place?
The programme will be available across multiple provinces in South Africa.
Who can apply for the internship?
Unemployed graduates in South Africa who meet the programme requirements can apply.
What type of experience will interns gain?
Interns will gain professional workplace experience in administration, finance, IT, HR, and other departments within SAPS.
Is this programme part of workplace training?
Yes, it is structured as a Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL) programme.
Does the internship lead to permanent employment?
While permanent employment is not guaranteed, the experience gained can improve job prospects.
How should applications be submitted?
Applications must be submitted via post or hand-delivered to the relevant SAPS offices.
Is the internship open across South Africa?
Yes, positions are available across multiple provinces.
What sectors does this internship focus on?
The programme focuses on the safety, security, and public administration sectors.
What is the closing date for applications?
The closing date for applications is 13 March 2026.
Why should graduates apply for this programme?
It provides valuable experience, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
Is this programme funded?
Yes, it is funded through the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority.
What skills can participants develop?
Participants will develop administrative, technical, communication, and professional workplace skills.
Is the internship suitable for recent graduates?
Yes, the programme is specifically designed for unemployed graduates.
Can this internship help build a career in government?
Yes, it provides exposure to government operations and public service careers.
Do interns receive mentorship?
Yes, interns will work under experienced supervisors within SAPS.
When should applicants apply?
Applicants should submit their applications before the closing date to be considered.
