SAPS Learnership 2026
South African Police Service runs 3 major learnership, graduate, and bursary programmes in 2026 across the Government & Public Sector sector. Stipends range Approximately R4,500/month trainee stipend during the BPDLP (plus uniform, meals, accommodation and medical aid). Constable salary on graduation. Note: this is a police trainee programme, not a SETA learnership. Confirm current rate with SAPS as the 2026 circular figure has not been republished.. Apply at saps.gov.za/careers.
SAPS never charges application fees, deposit fees, or "registration" fees for learnerships. Any person or WhatsApp group asking for money to "secure your spot" is running a scam. Apply only via saps.gov.za/careers.
SAPS Learnership & Graduate Programmes Available in 2026
- Basic Police Development Learning Programme (BPDLP): 24-month police trainee
- Legal Aid Learnership: for law graduates in SAPS Legal Services
- Reservist programme: volunteer with stipend for operational days
Requirements
- Minimum qualification: Grade 12 / matric with minimum pass
- Age: 18-30
- On completion: Appointed as permanent Constable (SAPS Act) on successful completion
How to Apply for the SAPS Learnership
- Visit the official portal at saps.gov.za/careers.
- Create a candidate profile and upload your CV, ID, matric certificate, and all relevant qualifications.
- Search for and apply to the specific learnership or graduate programme stream you qualify for.
- Complete any initial online assessments (cognitive, behavioural, or situational judgement).
- Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews, further assessments, and a medical examination.
- Final offer is subject to qualification verification and background checks.
Application window: National recruitment cycle advertised once a year on saps.gov.za/careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a SAPS Learnership in 2026?
Apply online at saps.gov.za/careers - the official SAPS careers portal. Create a profile, upload your CV, ID, matric certificate, and relevant qualifications. Applications outside the official portal (WhatsApp, social media, email) are typically scams. National recruitment cycle advertised once a year on saps.gov.za/careers.
What qualifications do I need for the SAPS Learnership?
Minimum: Grade 12 / matric with minimum pass. Age typically 18-30. Additional requirements (driver's licence, medical fitness, physical test) depend on the specific programme stream you apply for.
How much is the SAPS Learnership stipend?
Approximately R4,500/month trainee stipend during the BPDLP (plus uniform, meals, accommodation and medical aid). Constable salary on graduation. Note: this is a police trainee programme, not a SETA learnership. Confirm current rate with SAPS as the 2026 circular figure has not been republished.. Stipend amounts are reviewed annually and may be supplemented with housing or transport allowances for some programmes.
How long is the SAPS Learnership?
21-24 months (BPDLP) - SAPS has used both 21-month and 24-month structures; confirm with current circular. On successful completion, learners receive appointed as permanent constable (saps act) on successful completion.
Does SAPS guarantee a job after the learnership?
SAPS does not formally guarantee permanent placement, but top-performing learners are regularly appointed to permanent positions on completion. Placement typically depends on your performance ratings, business need, and available vacancies at the end of the programme.
Other 2026 Learnerships in South Africa
This page is a general guide. Always confirm current intakes, requirements, stipends, and application processes with SAPS directly via saps.gov.za/careers. We do not process applications.
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