Government Date Unconfirmed

SAPS Bursary (Basic Police Development Learning Programme)

Provided by: South African Police Service (SAPS)

Status: Date Unconfirmed Closing date: Not confirmed

Note: SAPS does not currently run a standing, publicly advertised external university bursary in the same format as Treasury/DWS/Eskom/Transnet/Armscor. Its primary funded route for prospective students is the Basic Police Development Learning Programme (BPDLP) - a fully funded police trainee programme with a monthly stipend during training. The most recent intake (5,500 trainees) opened via the SAPS e-Recruitment portal and closed 18 July 2025; the 2026/2027 intake window had not been announced on the official SAPS careers site at the time of this research. A separate 'SAPS/Tracker' IT bursary existed for external LLB/forensic/IT students in past years but appears discontinued (last verifiable cycle was 2021-2022).

South African Police Service (SAPS) logo

Overview

SAPS does not offer a conventional tuition bursary for external study; instead, its main funded pathway for young South Africans is the Basic Police Development Learning Programme, a fully paid police trainee training course at a SAPS Academy that leads to appointment as a Constable.

What it covers

Full training costs, accommodation, meals and uniform at a SAPS Academy, plus a monthly training stipend (historically around R4,500/month); successful trainees are appointed as SAPS Constables on completion

Eligibility

South African citizens aged 18-35 with a Senior Certificate (Grade 12/Matric), no criminal record or pending cases, who pass fitness, medical and psychological assessments, are fluent in English plus one other official language, and are willing to be deployed anywhere in South Africa. A valid driver's licence is an advantage.

Required documents

Completed SAPS 15/1 application form, certified ID copy, matric certificate, proof of residence, CV, recent passport photo (province-dependent), any additional qualifications

Who Can Apply

South African citizens aged 18-35 with a Senior Certificate (Grade 12/Matric), no criminal record or pending cases, who pass fitness, medical and psychological assessments, are fluent in English plus one other official language, and are willing to be deployed anywhere in South Africa. A valid driver's licence is an advantage.

Supported Study Fields

Policing / Law Enforcement (Basic Police Development Learning Programme)

What the Bursary Covers

Full training costs, accommodation, meals and uniform at a SAPS Academy, plus a monthly training stipend (historically around R4,500/month); successful trainees are appointed as SAPS Constables on completion

Required Documents

Completed SAPS 15/1 application form, certified ID copy, matric certificate, proof of residence, CV, recent passport photo (province-dependent), any additional qualifications

How to Apply

Applications are submitted directly on the official provider website — SA Education Hub does not process applications.

Go to Official Application Page

SA Education Hub does not award bursaries or process applications. Information is provided for guidance. Always confirm requirements and closing dates on the funder’s official website before applying. Read our full disclaimer.