The South African Police Service (SAPS) is recruiting graduates for a 24-month Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL) internship programme funded by the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA).
The programme forms part of South Africa’s national skills development strategy and is designed to help graduates gain workplace experience in the safety and security sector.
Participants will be placed in various SAPS divisions, including social services, psychology support, crime intelligence, auditing and risk management.
Applications close on 13 March 2026.
Programme Overview
The internship programme provides graduates with practical exposure inside the South African Police Service while building professional skills needed for careers in public service and security-related fields.
Programme type: Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL) internship
Duration: 24 months
Funding: SASSETA
Sector: Safety and Security
Stipend: Determined by SASSETA
Participants will work in operational and support divisions across different SAPS offices in South Africa.
General Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements.
- Be a South African citizen
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Have a National Senior Certificate (Matric) or NCV Level 4
- Be unemployed
- Have no criminal record or pending cases
- Have not previously participated in a similar internship programme
- Apply for a maximum of three positions with separate application forms
Available Internship Opportunities
Several internship roles are available within SAPS divisions across the country.
Social Work Intern (16 Posts)
Section: Learner Support
Qualification requirements
BA Degree in Social Work (NQF 6 or higher)
Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions
Locations
Bhisho – 2
Bishop Lavis – 2
Graaff-Reinet – 2
Mthatha – 2
Oudtshoorn – 2
Ulundi – 2
Tshwane – 2
Phillipi – 2
Key duties
- Provide occupational social work services
- Support employee wellbeing programmes
- Implement preventative and restorative social work interventions
Psychologist or Trauma Counsellor Intern (13 Posts)
Qualification requirements
Honours Degree or B.Psych Degree in Psychology
Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa
Locations
Bhisho – 3
Bishop Lavis – 1
Graaff-Reinet – 1
Mthatha – 1
Oudtshoorn – 1
Ulundi – 1
Tshwane – 3
Phillipi – 2
Key responsibilities
- Provide counselling and psychological support
- Facilitate employee wellness programmes
- Conduct organisational mental health interventions
Crime Intelligence Analyst Intern (8 Posts)
Section: Crime Intelligence – Intelligence Analysis and Coordination
Qualification requirements
National Diploma or Degree in
- Sociology
- Criminology
- Political Science
Locations
- Bloemfontein
- Johannesburg
- Durban
- Polokwane
- Nelspruit
- Kimberley
- Potchefstroom
- Bishop Lavis
Key duties
- Assist with intelligence analysis
- Produce risk and threat reports
- Support crime intelligence operations
Internal Audit Intern (9 Posts)
Section: Risk-Based and Compliance Audit
Qualification requirements
Diploma or Degree in
- Internal Audit
- Accounting
- Financial Management
- Commerce
- Information Technology
Locations
- Pretoria
- Polokwane
- Potchefstroom
- Bloemfontein
- Durban
- Cape Town
- Kimberley
- Nelspruit
- East London
Responsibilities
- Assist with risk assessments
- Conduct audit reviews
- Support audit reporting and documentation
Risk Management Practitioner Intern (2 Posts)
Location: Head Office, Pretoria
Qualification requirements
- Risk Management
- Internal Auditing
- Cost and Management Accounting
- Finance
- Business Continuity Management
Responsibilities
- Assist with risk management frameworks
- Support business continuity planning
- Prepare risk management reports
Integrity Management Practitioner Intern (2 Posts)
Location: Head Office, Pretoria
Qualification requirements
- Public Administration
- Public Management
- Human Resource Management
- Internal Audit
- Risk Management
- Forensic Investigation
- Law and Policing
Responsibilities
- Support ethics and integrity investigations
- Analyse corruption and misconduct cases
- Assist with ethics awareness programmes
Documents Required
Applicants must submit the following documents.
- Official SAPS Graduate Recruitment Application Form
- Updated CV
- Uncertified copy of South African ID
- Matric certificate
- Academic qualifications and statement of results
Applications sent by fax or email will not be accepted.
How to Apply
Applicants must download the SAPS Graduate Recruitment Application Form and submit their applications by post or hand delivery to the relevant SAPS offices listed in the official internship advertisement.
DOWNLOAD OFFICIAL ADVERTISEMENT HERE
Applicants may apply for a maximum of three positions, but a separate application form must be submitted for each post.
Important Notes
- Shortlisted candidates will undergo fingerprint screening and vetting.
- Candidates will attend interviews as part of the selection process.
- Successful candidates will sign a 24-month internship contract funded by SASSETA.
- Completion of the programme does not guarantee permanent employment.
Application Deadline
Closing date: 13 March 2026
Applicants who do not receive feedback within three months after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.