SAPS Graduate Internships 2026/2027

Are you an unemployed graduate looking to gain meaningful workplace experience in the public sector? The SAPS Graduate Internships 2026/2027 programme offers a fully funded 24-month Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunity through the South African Police Service (SAPS), funded by the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA).

This internship forms part of South Africa’s National Human Resource Development Strategy and National Skills Development Strategy, aimed at empowering graduates with practical skills and improving employability.

If you meet the requirements, this could be your chance to build a rewarding career in policing support services, crime intelligence, risk management, internal audit, social work, or psychology.

SAPS Graduate Internship Programme Overview

• Programme: Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL) Internship
• Duration: 24 Months
• Funding: SASSETA
• Stipend: Determined by SASSETA

Please note: The SAPS Graduate Recruitment Scheme does not guarantee permanent employment after completion.

Generic Requirements for SAPS Internships

To qualify for the SAPS Graduate Internship Programme, applicants must:

• Be a South African citizen aged 18–35 years
• Have a National Senior Certificate (Matric) or NCV Level 4
• Have no criminal convictions or pending cases
• Be unemployed and never previously employed in the relevant field
• Have never participated in a similar internship programme
• Apply for a maximum of three (3) positions (separate application form per reference number)

Available SAPS Graduate Internship Posts 2026/2027

Below are the advertised internship categories and requirements.

 Social Work Intern (16 Posts)

Section: Learner Support
Location: Various SAPS Academies
Reference Numbers: HRD INT 1–8/2025/26

Locations Include:

• Bhisho (EC)
• Bishop Lavis (WC)
• Graaff-Reinet (EC)
• Mthatha (EC)
• Oudtshoorn (WC)
• Ulundi (KZN)
• Tshwane (GP)
• Phillipi (WC)

Minimum Requirements:

• BA Social Work Degree (NQF Level 6 or higher)
• Qualification recorded on NLRD
• Valid registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP)
• Paid-up 2025/2026 registration fees
• Computer literacy (MS Word, PowerPoint advantageous)

Responsibilities:

• Provide occupational social work services
• Implement preventative and restorative interventions
• Support employee wellbeing programmes
• Work under supervision of a qualified social worker

 Psychologist / Trauma Counsellor Intern (13 Posts)

Section: Learner Support
Reference Numbers: HRD INT 9–16/2025/26

Minimum Requirements:

• Honours Degree or BPsych in Psychology
• Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
• Valid 2025/2026 professional registration

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide mental health and Employee Health & Wellness services
• Offer counselling and trauma debriefing
• Facilitate psychological services projects
• Support SAPS members and their families

Crime Intelligence Analyst Intern (8 Posts)

Section: Crime Intelligence – Intelligence Analysis & Coordination

Locations:

• Bloemfontein (FS)
• Johannesburg (GP)
• Durban (KZN)
• Polokwane (LP)
• Nelspruit (MP)
• Kimberley (NC)
• Potchefstroom (NW)
• Bishop Lavis (WC)

Minimum Requirements:

• 3-year National Diploma/Degree in: Sociology, Criminology or Political Science
• Qualification at NQF Level 6 or higher

Core Functions:

• Assist in analysing crime intelligence data
• Develop threat and risk assessments
• Compile intelligence reports and profiles
• Support proactive and reactive intelligence operations

Internal Audit Intern (9 Posts)

Section: Risk-Based & Compliance Audit

Locations:

• Pretoria
• Polokwane
• Potchefstroom
• Bloemfontein
• Durban
• Cape Town
• Kimberley
• Nelspruit
• East London

Required Qualifications:

National Diploma/Degree in:

• Internal Audit
• BCom Accounting
• Financial Management
• Cost & Management Accounting
• Information Technology
• Information Systems

Key Duties:

• Conduct risk assessments
• Assist in audit planning and execution
• Develop audit findings and recommendations
• Maintain client relations
• Use TeamMate audit management system

Risk Management Practitioner Intern (2 Posts)

Location: Head Office, Pretoria
Reference: RIM INT 01/2025/26

Qualification Required:

Diploma/Degree in:

• Risk Management
• Internal Auditing
• Finance
• Business Continuity Management

Responsibilities:

• Assist with risk management framework implementation
• Support business continuity planning
• Facilitate risk assessments
• Compile quarterly risk reports

Integrity Management Practitioner Intern (2 Posts)

Location: Head Office, Pretoria
Reference: RIM INT 02/2025/26

Required Qualification:

Diploma/Degree in:

• Public Administration
• Public Management
• HR Management
• Internal Audit
• Risk Management
• Law
• Forensic Investigation

Responsibilities:

• Administer financial disclosures
• Assist with lifestyle audits
• Support ethics investigations
• Manage case documentation
• Promote ethical awareness in SAPS

How to Apply for SAPS Graduate Internships 2026

Apply here online for SAPS Graduate Internships 2026

Closing date: 13 March 2026