2026 SAPS SASSETA Graduate internship for youth to apply

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Organisation and Programme Overview

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is the national law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining law and order, preventing crime, and protecting the citizens of South Africa. SAPS works with communities, government departments, and other organisations to ensure public safety and national security.

SAPS is offering a 24-month Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL) Internship Programme funded by the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA). This internship programme forms part of the National Human Resource Development Strategy and the National Skills Development Strategy, which aim to provide graduates with practical work experience so that they can develop professional skills and improve their chances of employment.

The internships are available in different SAPS divisions and academies across South Africa, including locations such as Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, Bloemfontein, and Polokwane.

Generic Requirements for Applicants

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 equivalent qualification
  • Must not have any criminal record or pending criminal case
  • Must be unemployed
  • Must never have worked in the field related to the advertised internship
  • Must never have participated in a similar internship programme
  • Applicants may apply for a maximum of three positions
  • A separate application form must be completed for each position

Internship Categories and Positions

1. Social Work Intern (16 Posts)

Location

Positions are available at SAPS academies in:

  • Bhisho (Eastern Cape)
  • Bishop Lavis (Western Cape)
  • Graaff-Reinet (Eastern Cape)
  • Mthatha (Eastern Cape)
  • Oudtshoorn (Western Cape)
  • Ulundi (KwaZulu-Natal)
  • Tshwane (Gauteng)
  • Phillipi (Western Cape)

Additional Requirements

  • BA Degree in Social Work (NQF Level 6 or higher)
  • Qualification must be recorded on the National Learner Record Database (NLRD)
  • Must be registered with the South African Council of Social Service Professions (SACSSP)
  • Must have paid-up registration fees for the 2025/2026 financial year
  • Computer literacy (MS Word, MS PowerPoint) is an advantage

Responsibilities

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

2. Psychologist / Trauma Counsellor Intern (13 Posts)

Additional Requirements

  • Honours Degree or BPsych Degree in Psychology
  • Registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
  • Must provide proof of valid registration for 2025/2026

Responsibilities

  • Conduct organisational diagnosis services
  • Present mental health and employee wellness programmes
  • Provide counselling and trauma debriefing
  • Organise psychological support programmes
  • Provide support services to SAPS members and their families

3. Crime Intelligence Analyst Intern (8 Posts)

Locations

  • Bloemfontein
  • Johannesburg
  • Durban
  • Polokwane
  • Nelspruit
  • Kimberley
  • Potchefstroom
  • Bishop Lavis

Requirements

  • National Diploma or Degree in:
    • Sociology
    • Criminology
    • Political Science

Responsibilities

  • Assist with crime intelligence analysis
  • Compile crime reports and threat assessments
  • Analyse crime patterns and stability issues
  • Support analysts in preparing intelligence reports
  • Assist in developing early warning crime reports

4. Internal Audit Intern (9 Posts)

Locations

Available across several provinces including Pretoria, Polokwane, Durban, Cape Town, and others.

Requirements

Diploma or Degree in fields such as:

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

Responsibilities

  • Assist with audit risk assessments
  • Conduct preliminary audit surveys
  • Analyse financial and operational information
  • Prepare audit reports and recommendations
  • Assist with audit documentation and audit programmes

5. Risk Management Practitioner Intern (2 Posts)

Location

Head Office in Pretoria.

Requirements

Degree or Diploma in:

  • Risk Management
  • Internal Auditing
  • Finance
  • Business Continuity Management
  • Cost and Management Accounting

Responsibilities

  • Assist with risk management frameworks
  • Conduct risk assessments
  • Support business continuity planning
  • Monitor risk management systems
  • Prepare risk management reports

6. Integrity Management Practitioner Intern (2 Posts)

Location

Head Office in Pretoria.

Requirements

Degree or Diploma in:

  • Public Administration
  • Public Management
  • Human Resource Management
  • Risk Management
  • Law
  • Policing
  • Forensic Investigation

Responsibilities

  • Process financial disclosure applications
  • Assist with integrity assessments and lifestyle audits
  • Investigate ethical breaches and corruption cases
  • Compile ethics reports and registers
  • Support ethics awareness programmes in SAPS

Internship Stipend

The stipend will be determined by SASSETA. Although the exact amount is not specified, graduate internship stipends in South Africa typically range between:

  • R6 000 – R9 000 per month

The internship lasts 24 months and provides practical work experience.

Application Process

Applicants must:

  • Complete the official SAPS Graduate Recruitment Scheme application form
  • Submit:
    • Updated CV
    • Copy of ID
    • Matric certificate
    • Post-school qualifications
    • Statement of results

Important notes:

  • Applications must be posted or hand delivered
  • No faxed or emailed applications will be accepted
  • Shortlisted candidates will undergo:
    • Fingerprint screening
    • Interviews
    • Security vetting
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