The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is recruiting for its Aspirant Prosecutor Training Programme 2027/2028, a paid 12-month programme that turns LLB graduates into court-ready prosecutors. Successful candidates earn between R262,968 and R304,299 per year while training at one of 17 centres across South Africa. Final-year LLB students may also apply. Applications close on 27 July 2026, which leaves very little time, so act now.
About the Programme
The NPA is the constitutional body responsible for criminal prosecutions in South Africa, running the country’s prosecution service in every magisterial district and High Court division. Its Aspirant Prosecutor Programme is a long-running internship programme that provides in-service training to law graduates, giving them practical prosecutorial experience over twelve months. Competent candidates who complete the programme can be considered for appointment to entry-level prosecutor positions in the NPA.
The 2027/2028 intake was advertised in DPSA Circular 24 of 2026 and is expected to start on 1 March 2027. Training centres include Johannesburg, Randburg, Protea, Benoni, Evander, Madadeni, Welkom, Bloemfontein, Kimberley, Bellville, George, Klerksdorp, Mahwelereng, Polokwane, Makhado, Port Elizabeth and Mthatha, each with its own reference number. For young law graduates who cannot afford articles or pupillage, this programme is one of the most direct routes into legal practice in the country.
What You Will Learn
- Criminal law and criminal procedure in daily practice
- Courtroom practice, trial preparation and advocacy
- Drafting charge sheets and legal documents
- Case analysis and evidence management
- Prosecutorial ethics and professional conduct
- A salary of R262,968 to R304,299 per annum (levels LP-1 to LP-2) while you train
Who Can Apply
- South African citizens only
- Holders of an LLB degree, or a foreign equivalent recognised by SAQA with an evaluation report
- Final-year LLB students who will complete their degree before the programme starts on 1 March 2027
- Candidates able to work independently and demonstrate professionalism, accountability, credibility and integrity
- Candidates willing to be placed anywhere in South Africa after training and available for the full 12 months
Required Documents
- Fully completed and signed new Z83 application form (the old form leads to disqualification)
- Comprehensive CV
- Certified copy of your South African ID (when requested for shortlisting)
- Certified copy of your LLB degree or latest academic record for final-year students
- SAQA evaluation report for foreign qualifications, where applicable
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How to Apply
- Download and complete the latest Z83 form and prepare your CV.
- Choose ONE training centre only – applying to more than one centre will disqualify you.
- Quote the correct reference number for your chosen centre, for example APTJHB27 for Johannesburg or APTPLK27 for Polokwane.
- Email your application to the official recruitment email address listed for that centre in the advert in DPSA Circular 24 of 2026. Password-protected or ZIP attachments are not accepted.
- Prepare for the compulsory entry examination – the study guide is available on the NPA website.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU: Z83 Form 2026 PDF Download – New Editable Form & Completion Guide
Apply at the National Prosecuting Authority page.
Closing Date
The closing date for the NPA Aspirant Prosecutor Training Programme 2027/2028 is 27 July 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
Why It Matters
Thousands of LLB graduates leave South African universities every year into a legal job market with too few articles, pupillages and candidate attorney posts. Many end up working outside law entirely. The Aspirant Prosecutor Programme is different: it pays a proper salary from day one, provides structured courtroom training that private firms cannot match, and feeds directly into the NPA’s pipeline of permanent prosecutors. Beyond your own career, prosecutors play a critical role in fighting crime and gender-based violence and restoring public confidence in the justice system. If you hold an LLB and want your work to count, this is one of the most meaningful ways to start.
Take the entry examination seriously: it is written before shortlisting, and only candidates who pass move forward. Download the latest study guide from the NPA website as soon as you apply and revise criminal law, criminal procedure and the law of evidence in particular. Common mistakes that sink strong candidates include using the old Z83 form, quoting the wrong reference number, emailing more than one training centre and leaving sections of the form blank. Double-check every detail against the advert before you press send, and keep proof of your submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I am still completing my LLB?
Yes. Final-year LLB students may apply, provided they will successfully complete the degree before the programme starts on 1 March 2027.
Is the programme available in my province?
Training runs at 17 centres across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Northern Cape, Western Cape, North We
Is the programme available in my province?
Training runs at 17 centres across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Northern Cape, Western Cape, and North West.
