The NZOA conducts the selection process, training and assessment of Orthopaedic Surgical Trainees on behalf of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)
Applications have closed for 2026 (2027 Intake)
A pass in the Clinical Exam (CE) is no longer a prerequisite for applying to the NZOA Training Programme from 2026, but you may claim a point under Courses/Exams for a successful pass in the CE, this is included in the maximum of 4 points for that section.
All applicants must be New Zealand citizens or hold New Zealand Permanent Residency as a Speciality Specific criteria, additional to any requirements for registration with RACS.
Our treasured Matua Ken Te Tau, our past NZOA Māori Cultural Advisor has given Te Kāhui Kahurangi as a name for our SET applicants, read more about the meaning here: ‘Te Kāhui Kahurangi’ - ‘Our Treasured People – Our Shining Stars’ as a name for the SET Selection Applicants ...... read more
Note: there are no restrictions on the number of applications you can make.
Congratulations to the registrars selected at the 2026 NZOA SET interviews for a SET 1 position in 2027
How to prepare for the Surgical Education and Training Programme:
Podcast with Teriana Maheno
CV the required components can be found in the SET Selection Regulations.
Each step of the application must be completed and submitted before moving to the next, after each submission a copy will be emailed to you. Once submitted you cannot add additional information to that step. Any questions email Prue Elwood, Education and Training Manager at prue@nzoa.org.nz or 027 586 4336
All applicants
- must have successfully completed the Generic Surgical Science Exam (GSSE) prior to applying. Details about the exam can be found on the RACS website
- must have pre-registered with RACS in each and every year of application, this must be done even if you have applied previously.
- must be currently working in a New Zealand hospital and have completed a minimum of 52 weeks of Orthopaedics at Registrar level or above in a New Zealand Orthopaedic Department prior to the closing date for applications.
- must be a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident, this is a Speciality Specific requirement.
All applications are made through an online application
- Access is login and password controlled.
- The online application requires you to complete the application in STEP's and submit after each one including uploading all supporting documentation.
- Once a STEP is completed and submitted you will be emailed a copy. Once you submit a STEP it will be saved and you will no longer have access.
- Before commencing ensure you have all supporting information you need for each STEP, you cannot save and come back to add documentation.
- No extensions will be granted, we recommend completing and submitting well before the due date.
- Once completed you will be given the option of paying via credit card or receive an invoice.
- It is important that you read the SET APPLICATION REGULATIONS BEFORE applying as these detail the Selection Process.
READ the SET Selection Regulations regarding Publications, Research and Presentations, research and/or publications will only be scored once in either of the three categories of publications, research and/or presentation. All research, publications and presentation must only be entered once in this section. Do not list the same piece in more than one of these headings, each piece will only receive one score.
To receive a copy of the Reconsideration, Review and Appeals Mechanism contact prue@nzoa.org.nz
Further information contact:
Prue Elwood | Education and Training Manager | prue@nzoa.org | 04 913 9898 | 027 586 4336
Additional Resources:
The JDocs Framework is aligned to the RACS Core Competencies and provides junior doctors with the skills, knowledge and behaviours expected for entry to procedural specialist training.
Fellowship:
New Zealand Orthopaedic trainees who complete the five-year SET Program and succeed in the Fellowship Examinations are eligible to be awarded the Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS).