SAPS SASSETA Graduate Internship 2026 eligibility requirements

Are you a recent graduate looking to gain critical work experience in South Africa’s safety and security sector? The South African Police Service (SAPS), in partnership with the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA), is offering a valuable 24-month Graduate Internship Programme for 2026.

This Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunity is designed to bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice, providing a stipend and hands-on experience in a dynamic environment. Below, we break down everything you need to know to apply.

Programme Overview

• Programme Type: Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL) Internship
• Duration: 24 months
• Funding: Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA)
• Sector: Safety and Security
• Stipend: Determined by SASSETA

Read also: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Internships 2026 (Full List)

General Eligibility Requirements

Before diving into the specific roles, ensure you meet these mandatory criteria:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be between 18 and 35 years old.
• Possess a National Senior Certificate (Matric) or NCV Level 4.
• Be unemployed at the time of application.
• Have no criminal record or pending criminal cases.
• Have never participated in a similar internship programme before.
• You may apply for a maximum of three positions, but a separate application form must be submitted for each post.

Available Internship Opportunities for 2026

The programme offers diverse roles across various locations. Here’s a snapshot of what’s available:

1. Social Work Intern (16 Posts)

• Section: Learner Support
• Qualification Required: BA Degree in Social Work (NQF 6 or higher) and registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions.
• Locations: Bhisho, Bishop Lavis, Graaff-Reinet, Mthatha, Oudtshoorn, Ulundi, Tshwane, Philippi (2 posts each).
• Key Duties: Providing occupational social work services, supporting employee wellbeing programmes, and implementing preventative and restorative interventions.

2. Psychologist / Trauma Counsellor Intern (13 Posts)

• Qualification Required: Honours Degree or B.Psych Degree in Psychology and 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), Philippi (2).
• Key Responsibilities: Providing counselling and psychological support, facilitating employee wellness programmes, and conducting organisational mental health interventions.

3. Crime Intelligence Analyst Intern (8 Posts)

• Section: Crime Intelligence – Intelligence Analysis & Coordination
• Qualification Required: National Diploma or Degree in Sociology, Criminology, or Political Science.
• Locations: Bloemfontein, Johannesburg, Durban, Polokwane, Nelspruit, Kimberley, Potchefstroom, Bishop Lavis.
• Key Duties: Assisting with intelligence analysis, producing risk and threat reports, and supporting crime intelligence operations.

4. Internal Audit Intern (9 Posts)

• Section: Risk-Based and Compliance Audit
• Qualification Required: Diploma or Degree in Internal Audit, Accounting, Financial Management, Commerce, or Information Technology.
• Locations: Pretoria, Polokwane, Potchefstroom, Bloemfontein, Durban, Cape Town, Kimberley, Nelspruit, East London.
• Responsibilities: Assisting with risk assessments, conducting audit reviews, and supporting audit reporting and documentation.

5. Risk Management Practitioner Intern (2 Posts)

• Location: Head Office, Pretoria
• Qualification Required: Qualification in Risk Management, Internal Auditing, Cost and Management Accounting, Finance, or Business Continuity Management.
• Responsibilities: Assisting with risk management frameworks, supporting business continuity planning, and preparing risk management reports.

6. Integrity Management Practitioner Intern (2 Posts)

• Location: Head Office, Pretoria
• Qualification Required: Qualification in Public Administration, Public Management, Human Resource Management, Internal Audit, Risk Management, Forensic Investigation, Law, or Policing.
• Responsibilities: Supporting ethics and integrity investigations, analysing corruption and misconduct cases, and assisting with ethics awareness programmes.

Application Requirements

Your application will only be considered if you submit the following documents:

1. Official SAPS Graduate Recruitment Application Form (Z83 form).
2. Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
3. Uncertified copy of your South African ID.
4. Matric certificate.
5. Academic qualifications and statement of results (uncertified copies).

How to apply

Download Application Form

NB. For Position names, Reference Numbers and information on How to Apply, click the link given below

SASSETA Graduate Internship Programme

Important Application Notes:

• Fax or email applications will NOT be accepted.
• Applications must be posted or hand-delivered to the relevant SAPS offices as listed in the official advertisement.
• Ensure you use the correct application form and submit a separate form for each post you apply for (maximum of three).

Application Deadline

Closing Date: 13 March 2026

Mark this date on your calendar! Late applications will not be considered.

Feedback Timeline: If you do not receive any feedback within 3 months after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Final Thoughts

The SAPS SASSETA Graduate Internship is a golden opportunity to launch your career in a meaningful and impactful sector. With roles ranging from social work and psychology to crime intelligence and audit, there’s a niche for various academic backgrounds.

Take the time to prepare your documents carefully, choose the roles that best match your qualifications, and submit well before the deadline. This 24-month programme could be the first major step toward a rewarding career in service to South Africa.

Good luck, future graduates! Your journey starts here.