Police Officer (SAPS)
Serve as a member of the South African Police Service after basic training, with promotion routes into detective and specialised units.
What the job involves
- Patrol, respond to complaints and keep public order.
- Take statements, arrest suspects and appear in court.
- Specialise later in detective, forensic or public-order units.
School subjects you need
Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy accepted. Confirm the exact requirement with the institution you apply to.
- English
- A second language
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
- Life Sciences
- Computer Applications Technology
Marks you normally need
- Minimum NSC pass
- National Senior Certificate (Grade 12)
- Indicative APS
- Not applicable — SAPS uses its own recruitment criteria
- Subject percentages institutions look for
- English: pass level
- A valid driver's licence is required for many posts
These are indicative ranges for guidance only. Every university, university of technology and TVET college sets its own admission requirements — check the current prospectus of the institution you are applying to.
Study routes
- SAPS Basic Police Development Learning ProgrammeAbout 12–24 months including field training
Applicants must meet age, fitness, medical, integrity and criminal-record screening requirements.
- Policing diploma3 years
A policing qualification can support promotion but does not replace SAPS recruitment.
What you could earn
- Entry level
- R10 000 – R16 000 per month as a trainee/constable
- Mid-career
- R20 000 – R32 000 per month
- Senior
- R40 000 – R80 000 per month (senior officers)
Indicative gross monthly ranges from public South African salary sources. They vary by employer, province and experience, and are not guarantees. Compare all careers.
Where you can study this
Public institutions that commonly offer this field. Confirm the exact programme, its minimum APS and the closing date on the institution's own admissions page.
- University of KwaZulu-NatalUKZN · Durban and Pietermaritzburg
- University of JohannesburgUJ · Johannesburg
- University of the Western CapeUWC · Bellville, Cape Town
- University of Fort HareUFH · Alice and East London
- University of LimpopoUL · Mankweng, Polokwane
- University of VendaUniven · Thohoyandou
- Walter Sisulu UniversityWSU · Mthatha, East London, Butterworth, Komani
- University of MpumalangaUMP · Mbombela and Siyabuswa
- University of South AfricaUnisa · Distance learning, head office in Pretoria
- Tshwane University of TechnologyTUT · Pretoria and surrounding campuses
Official sources
Questions learners ask
Isifinyezo / Opsomming
isiZulu: Ugcina ukuthula nokuphepha komphakathi ngemva kokuqeqeshwa kwe-SAPS.
Afrikaans: Handhaaf openbare orde ná die SAPD-basiese opleiding.