The SET Program in Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery (OHNS) is the accredited training program to obtain Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in the specialty of OHNS. OHNS trainees are trained at State or Territory Government accredited training posts throughout Australia.
Specialist International Medical Graduates
Eligible Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs), who wish to gain one of the nine specialty qualifications, may apply for assessment through RACS. For more information, visit the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) and the Australian Medical Council (AMC) websites.
Australian Selection into the OHNS SET Program
Before applying to the SET program, the applicant must first register and satisfy the generic eligibility criteria determined by the RACS. Registrations open on Tuesday 9th January 2024. For more detailed information refer to the RACS generic eligibility requirements for selection.
Please email OHNStraining@asohns.org.au if you require assistance with the submission process.
SET Selection References
Applicants are recommended to use the following references in order to successfully navigate the selection process.
Modifications to the Selection Regulations for 2025 Intake
Situational Judgement Tests (SJT's)
The SJT score will be weighted and will represent 15% of the Applicant's overall combined score.
A PhD relevant or not relevant to medicine will count for 2 points.
Selection Process
The selection process uses four selection tools, each contributing a weighted score as:
- Structured Curriculum Vitae 15%
- Situational Judgement Test 15%
- Structured Reference Reports 35%
- Semi-Structured Interview 35%
Only the top ranked suitable applicants will progress to the interview stage. The number of applicants interviewed will be based on estimated number of positions available in 2025.
Continuous Review Notifications
The Board has mandated the future changes to CV Scoring:
Anticipated Guide to 2025 Post Vacancies
Following is a guide to anticipated post vacancies for the 2025 intake year. It is important to note that this is only a guide, the number of vacancies can vary prior to January 2025.
| Training Region |
Anticipated Posts |
| ACT/NSW/NT |
2 |
| QUEENSLAND |
2 |
| SOUTH AUSTRALIA |
2 |
| VICTORIA |
2 |
| WESTERN AUSTRALIA |
1 |
RACS Selection Policies
Application Processing Fee
All applicants will be charged a non-refundable application processing fee which must be paid at the time of application.
OHNS SET Application Fee is $950.00 including GST paid at the time of submission. Once your application has been submitted and payment made, it is final. Your application cannot be changed, added to or resubmitted.
The Situational Judgement Test Fee is invoiced by RACS and is to be paid at the time of registration.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Selection Initiative
Two training positions nationally, limited to a maximum of one per region are reserved to support selection opportunities for candidates who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and who reach the minimum standard for selection as set out in the Regulations.
Special Measure
The Board has introduced a special measure to give effect to the RACS Diversity and Inclusion Plan. The special measure will ensure there is Substantive Gender Equality between Successful female and male Applicants.
Past Offers
The following shows trainees appointed onto the SET program by commencement year. (includes deferred offers)
| 2024 Intake |
15 |
| 2023 Intake |
19 |
| 2022 Intake |
16 |
| 2021 Intake |
10 |
| 2020 Intake |
12 |
| 2019 Intake |
17 |
| 2018 Intake |
22 |
| 2017 Intake |
13 |
| 2016 Intake |
9 |
| 2015 Intake |
12 |
| 2014 Intake |
19 |
| 2013 Intake |
15 |
| 2012 Intake |
15 |
| 2011 Intake |
6 |
Enquiries
All enquiries must come by email OHNStraining@asohns.org.au No advice will be provided over the phone.