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 6th January 2026. For more detailed information refer to the RACS generic eligibility requirements for selection.
- Individuals who wish to apply to the OHNS SET Program are required to meet minimum eligibility and CV requirements outlined in the Selection Regulations to be considered for selection.
- Applicants may nominate a second training region in the same year of application, noting that this will be recorded as a separate attempt and will be counted towards the maximum number of attempts. Requests to apply for more than one region must be sent by email.
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 2027 Intake
- Referees must be Surgical Consultants at the time of supervision and have had broad surgical exposure on a weekly basis to the Applicant in the operating theatre and in supervised outpatient clinics, so they are able to comment on all aspects of the Applicant’s workplace performance.
- Applicants at an OHNS accredited training hospital must include the Head of Department and/or Surgical Supervisor as a Referee.
- Applicants who receive more than one reference identifying concerns with honesty and ethics will not meet the minimum standard.
- Applicants who receive more than one reference indicating they are not suitable for training or no potential as a surgeon will not meet the minimum standard.
Selection Process
The selection process uses four selection tools, each contributing a weighted score:
- Structured Curriculum Vitae 15%
- Multi-Source Feedback 10%
- Structured Reference Reports 35%
- Semi-Structured Interview 40%
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 2027.
Anticipated Guide to 2027 Post Vacancies
Following is a guide to anticipated post vacancies for the 2027 intake year. While the vacancy numbers are a guide, it is noted that additional positions may be available as the Board is seeking to increase accredited training positions to build on the future workforce.
| Training Region |
Anticipated Posts |
| ACT/NSW |
4 |
| QUEENSLAND |
1 |
| SOUTH AUSTRALIA/NT |
0 * |
| VICTORIA/TAS |
3 |
| WESTERN AUSTRALIA |
1 |
* NOTE - South Australia/NT
Although the South Australia / NT training region shows no vacancies, SA/NT applicants are encouraged to apply for training. In the application process, you should select SA/NT as your preferred training region, then you can email the SET Selection Team at ASOHNS to advise your second preference, should no training positions be available in SA/NT.
In this specific scenario, the second preference will not count as a separate application in the event that no training positions are available in SA/NT. Your application will simply be moved across to the other training region of your choice.
The Board has determined that this is a necessary action to ensure that should an SA/NT training position be accredited, it can be filled by a suitable applicant. This will not apply to any other State applications in the 2027 Intake.
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 will be charged as follows:
Application Fee $700.00 including GST
Interview Fee $1000.00 including GST
Both fees will be paid at the time of submission. Should your application not progress to interview the interview fee will be refunded. Once your application has been submitted and payment made, it is final. Your application cannot be changed, added to or resubmitted.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Selection Initiative
Two training positions nationally 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 Equity between Successful female and male Applicants.
Areas of Workforce Shortage and Rural Selection Initiative
The Board has introduced a special measure to give effect to the Rural Health Equity Strategic Action Plan. This will be a seperate stream to the Regional Training Nominations. Refer to the Selection Regulations 3.4.
Anticipated 2027 Post Vacancies
There are no approved Area of Workforce Shortage or Rural Training posts for 2027. Moving forward we anticipate training posts in the future. This nomination form must be completed at the time of application when a post is approved in future years of application.
Past Offers
The following shows trainees appointed onto the SET program by commencement year. (includes deferred offers)
| 2026 Intake |
19 |
| 2025 Intake |
24 |
| 2024 Intake |
16 |
| 2023 Intake |
21 |
| 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 |
Continuous Review Notifications
The Board has mandated the CV Marking Amendment for the 2028 Intake:
A minimum CV score will be implemented. Applicants who meet the minimum score will be eligible for the next stage of selection. The CV Score will not be carried through.
Enquiries
All enquiries must come by email OHNStraining@asohns.org.au No advice will be provided over the phone.
Most questions can be answered by referring to the Selection Regulations for the current year intake. ASOHNS staff are unable to advise on scoring. If after reading the Selection Regulations, you consider that your activity meets the criteria, include this in the CV and upload your supporting documentation.