The South African Police Service (SAPS) is inviting unemployed graduates to apply for the SASSETA-funded Graduate Internship Programme 2026. This opportunity is designed to help young graduates gain practical work experience within the safety and security sector.
The programme forms part of South Africa’s Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL) initiative under the National Skills Development Strategy, which focuses on equipping graduates with real workplace skills.
📅 Closing Date: 13 March 2026
Internship Programme Details
- Programme: Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL) Internship
- Duration: 24 months
- Funding: Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA)
- Sector: Safety and Security
- Stipend: Paid according to SASSETA guidelines
Selected interns will gain hands-on experience in various SAPS divisions including social services, psychological support, crime intelligence, auditing, and risk management.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the internship programme, applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Have a National Senior Certificate (Matric) or NCV Level 4
- Be currently unemployed
- Have no criminal record or pending criminal cases
- Not have previously participated in a similar internship programme
- Apply for no more than three positions (each requiring a separate application form)
Available Internship Opportunities
1. Social Work Intern (16 Positions)
Section: Learner Support
Qualification Requirements
- BA Degree in Social Work (NQF Level 6 or higher)
- Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions
Internship Locations
- Bhisho (Eastern Cape) – 2
- Bishop Lavis (Western Cape) – 2
- Graaff-Reinet (Eastern Cape) – 2
- Mthatha (Eastern Cape) – 2
- Oudtshoorn (Western Cape) – 2
- Ulundi (KwaZulu-Natal) – 2
- Tshwane (Gauteng) – 2
- Phillipi (Western Cape) – 2
Key Responsibilities
- Provide occupational social work services
- Support employee wellness initiatives
- Implement preventative and restorative social work programmes
2. Psychologist / Trauma Counsellor Intern (13 Positions)
Qualification Requirements
- Honours Degree or B.Psych Degree in Psychology
- Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
Main Responsibilities
- Offer counselling and psychological support
- Facilitate employee wellness programmes
- Conduct mental health interventions within the organisation
Locations
- Bhisho – 3
- Bishop Lavis – 1
- Graaff-Reinet – 1
- Mthatha – 1
- Oudtshoorn – 1
- Ulundi – 1
- Tshwane – 3
- Phillipi – 2
3. Crime Intelligence Analyst Intern (8 Positions)
Section: Crime Intelligence – Intelligence Analysis & Coordination
Qualification Requirements
A National Diploma or Degree in one of the following:
- Sociology
- Criminology
- Political Science
Locations
- Bloemfontein
- Johannesburg
- Durban
- Polokwane
- Nelspruit
- Kimberley
- Potchefstroom
- Bishop Lavis
Duties
- Assist with intelligence analysis
- Compile threat and risk assessment reports
- Support crime intelligence operations
4. Internal Audit Intern (9 Positions)
Section: Risk-Based and Compliance Audit
Qualification Requirements
A 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
- Support internal audit reviews
- Prepare audit reports and documentation
5. Risk Management Practitioner Intern (2 Positions)
📍 Location: Head Office, Pretoria
Qualification Requirements
A qualification in:
- Risk Management
- Internal Auditing
- Cost and Management Accounting
- Finance
- Business Continuity Management
Key Duties
- Assist with risk management frameworks
- Support business continuity planning
- Prepare risk management reports
6. Integrity Management Practitioner Intern (2 Positions)
📍 Location: Head Office, Pretoria
Qualification Requirements
A qualification in:
- Public Administration
- Public Management
- Human Resource Management
- Internal Audit
- Risk Management
- Forensic Investigation
- Law or Policing
Responsibilities
- Assist with ethics and integrity investigations
- Analyse corruption and misconduct cases
- Support ethics awareness programmes
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Official SAPS Graduate Recruitment Application Form
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Uncertified copy of ID
- Matric certificate
- Academic qualifications and statement of results
⚠️ Important: Applications sent by fax or email will not be accepted.
Applications must be posted or hand-delivered to the relevant SAPS offices indicated in the official advertisement.
How to Apply
- Download the SAPS Graduate Recruitment Application Form.
- Complete the form carefully.
- Submit the required documents along with the application.
For reference numbers, position names, and submission addresses, applicants should consult the official document below:
📄 SASSETA Graduate Internship Programme PDF
Important Information
- Shortlisted applicants will undergo fingerprint screening and security vetting.
- Candidates will be invited to attend interviews.
- Successful applicants will sign a 24-month internship contract with SASSETA.
- Completing 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.