South Africa’s fight against unemployment among graduates continues to gain momentum as the South African Police Service (SAPS), in partnership with the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA), has officially announced the Graduate Internship Programme for 2025/2026.
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This programme offers unemployed graduates the opportunity to gain 24 months of Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL) in different fields within SAPS divisions across the country. The initiative forms part of the National Human Resource Development Strategy and the National Skills Development Strategy, both aimed at equipping young South Africans with practical work experience.
For many graduates struggling to secure their first job, this internship programme represents a powerful opportunity to gain real-world experience, build professional networks, and develop career-ready skills in the safety and security sector.
If you are between 18 and 35 years old and hold a relevant qualification, this opportunity could be your gateway into a meaningful career in government service.
Quick Overview
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
Internship Opportunities Available
The programme offers opportunities in several professional fields.
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
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
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
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
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
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
How to Apply
Applicants must use the official SAPS Graduate Recruitment Scheme Application Form available here
The application must include:
- Completed application form
- Updated CV
- ID copy
- Matric certificate
- Academic qualifications
- Statement of results
Important
- 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
How Edupstairs Helps You Prepare
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Recommended Tools:
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- Daily Career Score Tracker
- Learnership and Internship Readiness Quiz
Edupstairs Advice
If you want to improve your chances of being shortlisted:
- Apply as early as possible
- Ensure all documents are attached
- Apply for positions aligned with your qualification
- Double-check reference numbers
- Submit a professional CV
Young graduates often underestimate how competitive government internships are. The difference between success and rejection is often a well-prepared application.
Career Growth Path After This Internship
Completing this internship can open multiple career opportunities, including:
- Permanent positions in SAPS
- Government departmental roles
- Security sector careers
- Intelligence analysis careers
- Social work and psychological services
Even though the programme does not guarantee permanent employment, it significantly strengthens your professional profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the internship paid?
Yes. A monthly stipend will be provided by SASSETA.
- Can I apply for multiple positions?
Yes, but only three positions maximum.
- Is accommodation provided?
No. Interns are responsible for their own accommodation.
- Will I get a permanent job after the internship?
No guarantee is provided, but the experience improves employment prospects.
- Can I email my application?
No. Applications must be posted or hand-delivered.
CLOSING DATE: 13 MARCH 2026
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Disclaimer
Edupstairs shares verified opportunity information to help South African youth access education, internships, and employment programmes. Always verify details through the official SAPS website before applying.
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