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 5th January 2027. 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 2028 Intake
- The CV Score is a minimum score that is not carried through the selection process.
- The number of posts available under the Aborginal and Torres Strait Islander Selection Initiative has been removed.
- Scores for referee reports and multi-source feedback will be released after final offers are made. Scores for referee reports and mutli-source feedback will be relased on Friday 12 November 2027.
- Points for applicants who are registered with the Dental Board of Australia as a General Dental Practictioner has been removed.
- CV points are available for Aboriginal and Toress Strait Islander applicants and applicants with rural orginal.
- Applicants will no longer nominate their mutli-source feedback referees. Applicants will provide the details of Head of Departments where they have worked.
- Application for reconsideration in relation to interview scores will not be considered.
Selection Process
The selection process uses four selection tools, each contributing a weighted score:
- Multi-Source Feedback 10%
- Structured Reference Reports 45%
- Semi-Structured Interview 45%
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 2028.
Anticipated Guide to 2028 Post Vacancies
Following is a guide to anticipated post vacancies for the 2028 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 |
TBA |
| QUEENSLAND |
TBA |
| SOUTH AUSTRALIA/NT |
TBA |
| VICTORIA/TAS |
TBA |
| WESTERN AUSTRALIA |
TBA |
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 $900.00 including GST
Interview Fee $950.00 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
The Board has introduced a special measure preferencing candidates who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and who reach the minimum standard for selection as set out in the Regulations.
Divesity and Gender Equity
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 2028 Post Vacancies
There is one Approved Area of Workforce Shortage or Rural Training posts for 2028. Moving forward we anticipate further training posts. 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)
| 2027 Intake |
23 |
| 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
There are no planned changes beyond 2028 at this time.
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.