The SANDF takes young South Africans into the Military Skills Development System (MSDS), a two-year contract. The year-one programme is initial military training and functional training, and in year two you are deployed to units. The current published requirements come from the 2027 intake MSDS application form.
For that intake you needed to be a South African citizen aged 18 to 22 with Grade 12, an APS of 18 or more excluding Life Orientation, and have no criminal record or pending cases. The application window ran from 16 February to 27 March 2026 and has closed.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Criteria printed on the 2027 intake MSDS form. Later intakes may differ, so confirm with the Department of Defence.
- South African citizen; no dual citizenship
- Age 18 to 22 with Grade 12, or 18 to 26 when reporting if you hold a 3-year tertiary qualification
- Admission Point Score (APS) of 18 or more, excluding Life Orientation
- No criminal record or pending cases
- Pass drug testing, psychometric evaluation and a medical evaluation
- No visible tattoos when in uniform, checked by body inspection
Education and Subject Requirements
You need an Admission Point Score (APS) of 18 or more, excluding Life Orientation. Specialised musterings, for example aviation engineering, also need Mathematics and Physical Science.
Requirements for the Military Health Service, bursaries and other routes are not set out on the form, so ask the Department of Defence about them directly.
Age, Fitness, Licence and Background Requirements
Age: 18 to 22 years with Grade 12. Applicants with a 3-year tertiary qualification may be up to 26 when they report.
Citizenship and record: you must be a South African citizen with no dual citizenship, with no criminal record or pending cases.
Medical and appearance: applicants are subjected to drug testing, psychometric evaluation and a medical evaluation. No visible tattoos are allowed when in uniform, verified through body inspection. Fitness test standards are not published on the form, so ask a recruitment centre what to expect.
Documents and Evidence Required
Attach your CV and copies of:
- Your ID
- Your matric certificate (only the statement of results is accepted for 2025 matriculants)
- Your tertiary qualifications, if any
You also complete the form itself, including your contact details and residential address, and sign a declaration that the information is true and accurate. The form does not list a police clearance certificate or proof of residence.
Application and Selection Process
- Get the form free of charge. It states that it is not for sale.
- Hand deliver it to your nearest recruitment centre, or post it to Department of Defence, HR Division, Chief Directorate HR Management (Directorate HR Acquisition), Private Bag X976, Pretoria, 0001.
- If you have not been contacted by 31 December 2027, the form says to consider your application unsuccessful.
The 2027 intake has closed. Watch the Department of Defence website for the next intake and its closing date. Nobody can sell you a place: report anyone who asks for payment to the Department of Defence and the police.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the SANDF requirements?
For the 2027 intake MSDS: South African citizen (no dual citizenship), age 18 to 22 with Grade 12 (18 to 26 with a 3-year tertiary qualification), APS of 18 or more excluding Life Orientation, no criminal record or pending cases, passing the medical, drug and psychometric evaluations, and no visible tattoos in uniform.
What is the SANDF’s MSDS?
The Military Skills Development System is a two-year contract. Year one is initial military training and functional training, and year two is deployment to units.
Do I need Mathematics and Physical Science?
Not for every mustering. The form asks for an APS of 18 or more excluding Life Orientation, and requires Mathematics and Physical Science for specialised musterings such as aviation engineering.
Is the SANDF application open now?
No. The 2027 intake window closed on 27 March 2026. Check the Department of Defence for the next intake.
Can anyone guarantee me a place?
No. The application form is free and selection is competitive. Verify any advertisement against the official Department of Defence channels and never pay anyone.
Confirm the current intake, form and requirements with the Department of Defence (SANDF Human Resource Division) before you apply. See job requirements and browse all career requirements.