Applying for the 2028 SET intake
Registration for Selection to the 2028 intake through the RACS website will open on Tuesday 5 January 2026.
If you intend to apply for selection in 2027 you must register while registration are open between 5 January 2027 at 12:00 noon AEDT and Friday 29 January 2026 at 12:00 noon AEDT. No extensions are available.
Please refer to the links below for information about applications to specific specialties.
We recommend that doctors download and read the following documents to ensure you are fully informed about the SET program application and selection process:
- Registration and Selection to Surgical Education and Training regulation (PDF 227.92KB)
- Guide to SET Selection booklet (PDF 1MB)
- Guide to SET booklet (PDF 883.25KB)- provides greater details about the RACS SET training program
- Guidelines: Registration for Selection Form (PDF 1.35MB)
- Guidelines to Selection Application Form (PDF 1.58MB)
Timeline for selection 2027
Stage 1: Registration for selection
Opens Tuesday 5 January 2027 (12:00 noon AEDT)
Closes Friday 29 January 2026 (12:00 noon AEDT)
Stage 2: Apply to the SET program
The opening and closing dates will vary between specialties.
Please check the individual specialty websites below for the closing date for the specialties you intend to apply for.
Stage 3: Referee reports collected
April/May 2027
Stage 4: Interviews
The interview dates will vary between specialties.
Please check the individual specialty websites below for the relevant interview date(s) for the specialties you intend to apply for.
Stage 5: Announcement of offers
Latest day of notification of outcome: Friday 12 November 2027
SET selection preparation courses
RACS in partnership with the Specialty Societies delivering the Surgical Education and Training Program do not accredit, endorse or recommend any commercial providers delivering SET selection and interview training courses.
RACS and the Specialty Societies do not share with commercial providers any information regarding the content and style of SET selection interviews or any other selection tools, and have no evidence of the usefulness of these commercial courses.
For information about applications for the following specialties please check the appropriate webpage:
Orthopaedic Surgery - Australia
Orthopaedic Surgery – New Zealand
Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery - Australia
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Australia
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - New Zealand