Frequently Asked Questions
What fees can I expect to pay?
The fees for application and training are set yearly.
SET Application:
2026: GST Excl $1,422.30 GST Incl $1,635.65
2025: GST Excl $1,380.87 GST Incl $1,588.00
Training:
2026/2027 (excl GST)
NZOA Trainee Fees $6,198.30
NZOA Membership Fees $1,007.42
TIMS Fee $1,027.70
2025/2026 (excl GST)
NZOA Trainee Fees $5,820.00
NZOA Membership Fees $968.67
TIMS Fee $1,050.00
Note: TIMS - Trainee Information Management System
Does the NZOA support flexible training?
NZOA supports flexible training pathways and encourages trainees to apply where appropriate. Applications for flexible training are considered on a case-by-case basis by the NZOA Education Committee, taking into account the individual circumstances of the trainee and the requirements of the training programme.
How many training posts are offered each year?
The number of available training positions varies each year and is influenced by the accreditation status of training settings and the progression of current trainees through the programme. A list of current accredited training settings is available on the NZOA website.
Do I need to be a New Zealand citizen or Permanent Resident?
Applicants must be New Zealand citizens or hold New Zealand permanent residency to be eligible to apply for the NZOA Orthopaedic SET Programme. This is a specialty-specific eligibility requirement and is additional to any registration or eligibility requirements set by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS).
What are the components that add to my CV score?
The Structured Curriculum Vitae is assessed against defined selection criteria and has a maximum score of 21 points. It comprises the following components:
- Work Experience
- Skills Courses
- Research Experience
- Higher Degrees
- Cultural Experience in te ao Māori
- Personal Statement
Seeking Advice:
Most queries can be answered by referring to the Selection Regulations. NZOA staff are unable to provide advice on scoring or the interpretation of specific selection criteria. If, after reviewing the regulations, you believe an activity meets the stated criteria, you may include it in your application with the required supporting documentation. Please note that inclusion does not guarantee the activity will be awarded points.
What if I need to take a break during my training?
Trainees may apply for an interruption to training for reasons including family commitments, research, illness, or other exceptional circumstances. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis by the NZOA Education Committee in accordance with the Training Regulations.
Is there support for me as a Māori trainee?
Ngā Rata Kōiwi is the network of Māori orthopaedic surgeons within NZOA, established to encourage, mentor, and support Māori medical students, junior doctors, and trainees pursuing a career in orthopaedic surgery. The group promotes Māori representation within the profession and provides ongoing cultural, professional, and peer support throughout training, helping to foster an inclusive, culturally safe, and rewarding training environment for Māori trainees.
Is orthopaedic surgery an appropriate career choice for women?
Read about the experiences of four New Zealand female orthopaedic surgeons and trainees in this insightful blog by Joyce Guo, published by the New Zealand Medical Student Journal. Featuring Dr Karen Smith, Dr Margy Pohl, Dr Nikki Hooper, and Dr Jessica Mowbray, the article explores their career journeys, the challenges they have overcome, and their advice for medical students and junior doctors considering a career in orthopaedic surgery. Their stories highlight the diverse opportunities within the specialty and demonstrate that orthopaedics is a rewarding career for women click here to listen.
What support is available for women in Orthopaedics?
Ladies in Orthopaedics New Zealand (LIONZ) was established in 2017 to connect, support, and promote women in orthopaedic surgery across New Zealand. LIONZ provides a welcoming professional network for female medical students, trainees, and orthopaedic surgeons, fostering mentorship, collaboration, and peer support throughout all stages of their careers.
LIONZ delivers workshops, educational events, and networking opportunities designed to support women in orthopaedics, with activities ranging from practical skills training to professional development and leadership. These initiatives contribute to a supportive and inclusive training environment and encourage greater participation and retention of women within the specialty.
LIONZ also has formal representation within NZOA governance. A female representative serves on the AoNZ Orthopaedic Training Board and is co-opted onto the NZOA Education Committee, ensuring the perspectives and experiences of female trainees and surgeons are reflected in education, training, and workforce discussions.
Contact Emma Lacey: emma@laceyorthopaedics.co.nz or Jillian Lee: drjillianlee@gmail.com
Where will I be during my training?
As part of the application process, applicants are able to nominate their preferred training locations for their first year of the SET Programme. While every effort is made to accommodate these preferences, placement in a preferred training post cannot be guaranteed. Throughout the programme, trainees rotate through accredited training hospitals across New Zealand to ensure exposure to a broad range of clinical settings, surgical practice, and educational experiences.
How competitive is orthopaedic surgery training?
Orthopaedic surgery is a highly competitive surgical specialty, with entry to the NZOA SET Programme based on a rigorous selection process.
How many attempts can I make at selection into orthopaedic training?
From 2025, the previous limit of three application attempts was removed. There is now no restriction on the number of applications that may be made to the NZOA SET Programme.
What are the selection requirements for orthopaedic training?
For the current Selection Regulations and detailed information about the Orthopaedic SET selection process, refer to the Apply to the NZOA Training Programme section of the NZOA website. Only courses specified in the Selection Regulations are eligible for CV points. No other courses will be considered.
Do I need to have passed the Clinical Exam to apply?
This requirement has been removed. Applicants may now claim the Clinical Exam (CE) under the Courses/Examinations section of their CV in accordance with the current Selection Regulations.
What events do I attend as a trainee?
Throughout the five-year SET Programme, trainees participate in a structured programme of compulsory educational activities delivered across New Zealand. Training weekends are hosted by accredited training hospitals on a rotating basis, providing exposure to a range of clinical environments and faculty.
The annual programme includes:
- SET 0 for newly selected trainees at the end of the year.
- SET 1 Training Weekend at the beginning of the training year.
- SET 3–5 Training Weekend early each year.
- SET 2–5 Training Weekend later in the year.
- SET 4 Mock Fellowship Examination in November.
- SET 5 Pre-Exam Course in May to support preparation for the Fellowship Examination.
These activities complement workplace-based learning and provide opportunities for curriculum delivery, simulation, assessment, networking, and peer learning.