When Will Police Training Start in 2026?

If you are among the thousands of South Africans applying to join the South African Police Service (SAPS) in 2025, one of the most important questions you’re likely asking is: “When will police training start in 2026?” 

The start of training marks the beginning of your journey from civilian to law enforcement officer, and knowing when it will begin allows you to plan ahead, stay motivated, and prepare both physically and mentally.

Expected Training Start Date for 2026

SAPS training for the 2026 intake is expected to start between January and February 2026. SAPS follows a structured yearly timeline where applications open around mid-year (June or July), with recruitment and selection processes concluding by the end of the year. Once final selections are made, the new intake of police trainees usually report to various training academies at the start of the following year.

The exact start date can vary slightly depending on the number of applicants, the speed of background checks, medical and fitness assessments, and internal SAPS decisions.

Why the Training Date May Be Delayed

While SAPS aims to keep a consistent training calendar, several factors can influence the exact start date:

• Delays in vetting and verification: If there are thousands of applicants, background and criminal record checks can take time.
• Budget and administrative approvals: Training new officers requires funding for stipends, accommodation, meals, and uniforms.
• Operational changes or national events: General elections, natural disasters, or government budget reviews can affect timelines.

As a result, some intakes may see their training pushed to March or April instead of January.

How You’ll Know Your Training Date

If you are selected, SAPS will notify you via SMS, email, or an official letter. This communication will include:

• The official training start date
• The name and address of the SAPS training academy you’ll attend
• A list of items to bring (e.g., clothes, documents, toiletries)
• Instructions for reporting

Make sure that the contact information you provided during your application is accurate and that you regularly check your messages and emails.

Final Word

To summarise, police training in 2026 is expected to begin in the first quarter of the year, most likely between January and April. While SAPS strives for a consistent recruitment calendar, some variations are possible.

 If you’ve applied, continue monitoring the SAPS website and social media platforms for official announcements, and make sure you're physically and mentally prepared to report for training once the call comes.