Entry into the SET training programme in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is highly competitive.

Applicants are required to meet the RACS generic eligibility criteria and the NZ PRS specialty specific selection criteria. RACS eligibility criteria are published annually on the RACS website.  NZ PRS Selection Regulations are reviewed and updated annually, approved by the RACS Education Committee and published on this page.

The selection process explores the abilities, experience, work performance and personal qualities of applicants that would enable them to perform the required duties of a SET trainee, achieve the objectives of the SET programme, and become a skilled and highly competent Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.

All enquiries must be sent in writing to training@plasticsurgery.org.nz.

Important Notices regarding Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PRS) SET Selection Eligibility:

• Effective for the 2026 SET Selection Regulations, (2027 intake), the Tauranga non-SET PRS Registrar position will be recognised as meeting the 26-week continuous PRS rotation requirement within the last five years, as outlined in the SET Selection Regulations.  To be eligible for SET selection, applicants who have held the Tauranga non-SET position must also have worked in another PRS unit.  This additional requirement ensures applicants have demonstrable experience working directly with a PRS SET Trainee, which is a necessity for providing referee reports.
• The Clinical Examination is an eligibility requirement.
• Applicants are limited to three eligible attempts.  If  in any year, an Applicant is waitlisted but is not subsequently offered a training post, this will not be deemed an eligible attempt.
• CV scoring for Professional Development will only score activities undertaken post-graduation from medical school.

All potential applicants should review and be familiar with the 2026 PRS SET Selection Regulations

Key Dates for 2026 Selection (2027 intake)

SET Selection timetable 2026

Selection Registration opens –  Tuesday 6 January, 12 noon AEDT

Selection Registration closes – Friday 30 January, 12 noon AEDT

Selection application opens – Wednesday 18 February, 12 noon AEDT

Selection application closes – Thursday 26 March, 12 noon AEDT

Referee reporting opens – Thursday 16 April

Referee reporting closes – Wednesday 13 May, 8pm AEST

PRS Interviews:  Friday, 26 June, Wellington Rydges Airport hotel

Last date for first round offers – Friday 24 July

Last date for final offers – Friday 6 November

Selection registration is via the RACS website.

NOTE: this step is essential even if you have applied previously. Applications cannot be accepted if registration has not been completed.

2026 Application Fee

Applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee at the time of application. This will be collected by RACS on behalf of NZAPS at the time of application. The application fee is based on cost recovery and has been set at $1,200 (excl. GST) for 2025 applications.