How do I join the SAPS in South Africa?

  1. Be a South African citizen by birth.
  2. Be at least 25, but under 40 years of age, of which documentary proof must be furnished.
  3. Complete a health questionnaire, at his or her own cost, which is confirmed by a registered medical practitioner.

Saps Application process

Someone who applies to be appointed in terms of the SAPS Act, 1995 must:

  1. fill out the official application form and affirm under oath or by means of a solemn declaration that the information he/she supplied on the application, is true and correct
  2. have permanent residency in the Republic of South Africa (RSA), of which he/she must give documentary proof
  3. be at least 18 years old, but younger than 30 years (documentary proof is needed)
  4. undergo a physical and medical examination as determined by the SAPS, and must be found to be physically and mentally fit to be appointed in the post for which he/she applies
  5. undergo a psychological assessment as determined by the National Commissioner of the SAPS, and must be found to fit the profile of a police official

APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT IN TERMS OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE ACT, 1994 (ACT NO 103 OF 1994)

People who do not want to become police officials but who would like to work for the South African Police Service as civilian employees, may apply for vacant positions.

Civilian members of personnel are appointed in terms of the Public Service Act, 1994. They carry out the following tasks:

  1.            Personnel Administration
  2.            Procurement
  3.            Clerical duties
  4.            Financial administration
  5.            Typing
  6.            Secretarial duties
  7.            Messenger services
  8.            Cleaning services

New positions and vacancies in the South African Police Service are advertised in the media. The job description in an advertisement shows how and where you could be employed. A job advertisement also gives the following information:

  1.            The requirements and key performance areas of the advertised post
  2.            The procedures that should be followed to apply for the post
  3.            The address to which applications must be sent or delivered
  4.            The closing date for applications
  1. have a Senior Certificate (Grade 12) or an equivalent qualification, of which he/she must present documentary proof
  2. be fluent in English and at least one other official language
  3. be prepared to take the oath of office
  4. be prepared to undergo any training as determined by the National Commissioner of the SAPS
  5. not have any visible tattoos that are contrary to the objectives of the SAPS
  6. not have previous criminal convictions
  7. let his/her fingerprints be taken
  8. be prepared to have his/her background checked
  9. be prepared to serve anywhere in South Africa.

Who can apply for a firearm licence?

  • Any person who is 21 years and older
  • A South African citizen or a holder of a permanent South African residence permit.

What should you do to obtain a competency certificate?

  • You must successfully pass the prescribed test to prove your knowledge of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No 60 of 2000), as well as the prescribed training and practical test regarding the safe and efficient handling of a firearm at an accredited training provider.
  • The competency certificate remains valid for the same period of validity as the period determined in the Firearms Control Act, 2000, in respect of the licence to which the competency relates.
  • A competency certificate must specify whether it relates to competency to
    • possess a firearm
    • trade in firearms
    • manufacture firearms
    • conduct business as a gunsmith.

How do I apply for a competency certificate?

  • On receipt of the training certificate from an accredited training provider or the Professional Firearm Training Council (PFTC), you must apply to the SAPS for a competency certificate.
  • You must complete a SAPS 517 form (Application for a competency certificate)
  • Submit the application form and with the following supporting documentation to the designated firearms officer (DFO) at the police station in the area where you ordinarily reside:
  • If an applicant is under the age of 21 years, compelling reasons which require you to obtain a competency certificate must be submitted.
    • conduct a business
    • must be gainfully employed
    • a dedicated hunter
    • a dedicated a sports person
    • a private collector
    • public collector
    • sworn affidavit from parent / guardian
  • Certified copy of your official identification document or passport
  • Certified copy of your permanent residence permit in case of a non- South African citizen
  • Certified copy of your firearm proficiency training certificate issued by an accredited training provider
  • Two passport-size colour photographs (with a neutral background) that are not older than three months
  • Certified proof of residence
  • Any other supporting documents.

Application for a further competency certificate

  • You must complete a SAPS 517 (a) form (Application for further competency certificate)
  • Submit the application form and with the following supporting documentation to the designated firearms officer (DFO) at the police station in the area where you ordinarily reside:
    • Certified copy of your official identification document or passport
    • Certified copy of your permanent residence permit in case of a non- South African citizen
    • Certified copy of your firearm proficiency training certificate issued by an accredited training provider
    • Certified copy of previous competency certificate
    • Two passport-size colour photographs (with a neutral background) that are not older than three months
    • Certified proof of residence
    • Any other supporting documents.

How do I apply for a firearm licence?
After you have obtained a competency certificate, you must complete the relevant sections of the SAPS 271 form form (application for a licence to possess a firearm).

Submit the completed SAPS 271 form and the following documents to the DFO at the police station in the area where you ordinarily reside:

  • Certified copy of your official identification document (certified copy of applicant’s permanent residence permit in case of a non-South African citizen)
  • Your original competency certificate
  • The letter of appointment of the executor, if the firearm was inherited
  • Two passport-size colour photographs (with a neutral background) that are not older than three months
  • You must fully motivate your application and submit documents in support of your application.

The DFO will –

  • take a full set of your fingerprints on the SAPS 91(a) form (only for a competency certificate)
  • issue you with a remittance advice SAPS 523(a) and direct you to the financial office at the police station to pay the prescribed fee. The payment must be made by means of cash or a bank-guaranteed cheque. You will be issued with a receipt (Z263) as proof of payment, which you must submit to the DFO to ensure that the processing of the application will continue. You will receive a signed acknowledgement of receipt (SAPS 523) as proof that you have submitted an application for a licence to possess a firearm.
  • after the successful consideration of your application, ask you to within 14 days, obtain and install a firearm safe that meets the standards set by the South African Bureau of Standards.
  • carry out an inspection of your premises to ascertain that you have met the requirements for a safe.

How long does it take?
On receipt of the successful report about the safe inspection, your licence will be printed and sent to the DFO to be handed to you against a signature on the SAPS 86 Register.

How much does it cost?

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question
  • Competency certificate: R70,00
  • Firearm licence: R140,00

 

Sponsored Guide

Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

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