Overview
The Military Skills Development System (MSDS) is a way for young South Africans to join the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) on a two-year contract. It is a selection and training programme, not a written exam. Selection is made from applications, followed by drug testing, psychometric and medical evaluation.
This page is based on the Department of Defence's application form for the 2027 intake. The copy read was hosted by defenceWeb, a defence news site, and the official SANDF and Department of Defence sites could not be opened. Confirm the details with the Department of Defence before applying. The form is the only source read, so this page is short.
Who can apply
The requirements for the 2027 intake were:
South African citizenship, with no dual citizenship.
Age 18 to 22 for applicants with Grade 12.
Age 18 to 26 when reporting, for applicants with a 3-year tertiary qualification.
An Admission Point Score (APS) of 18 or more, not counting Life Orientation. Mathematics and Physical Science are required for specialised musterings, such as aviation engineering.
No criminal record or pending cases.
Meeting the medical requirements.
No visible tattoos when in uniform, checked by body inspection.
Selection
Applicants are assessed through drug testing, psychometric evaluation and medical evaluation. The form does not describe any written exam or fitness test, so check with the recruitment centre.
Programme structure
The contract runs for two years. In the first year, recruits do initial military training and then specialised functional training within their Service. In the second year, depending on their mustering, members are deployed to units to apply their knowledge, develop leadership and build practical skills.
Important dates
For the 2027 intake, applications were open from 16 February to 27 March 2026. The form says an applicant who has not been contacted by 31 December 2027 should treat the application as unsuccessful.
Fees
The form does not mention an application fee.
How to apply
Complete the Department of Defence application form for the intake year.
Attach your CV and copies of your ID, your matric certificate and any tertiary qualifications. For the 2027 intake, the form said that for the 2025 matric only a statement of results would be accepted.
Hand-deliver the application to the nearest recruitment centre, or post it to the Department of Defence, Human Resource Division, Chief Directorate HR Management (Directorate HR Acquisition), Private Bag X976, Pretoria, 0001.
Preparation tips
Check your APS before applying. Subjects other than Life Orientation count towards it.
If you want a specialised mustering such as aviation engineering, make sure you have Mathematics and Physical Science.
Keep your documents ready, and give correct contact details, since the form tells applicants who have not been contacted by the end of the stated date to treat the application as unsuccessful.
How long is the MSDS contract?
Two years, with initial and functional training in the first year and deployment to units in the second.
Can I apply with a tertiary qualification?
Yes. For the 2027 intake, applicants with a 3-year tertiary qualification could apply up to age 26 when reporting.