Becoming an AOA Trainee




AOA 21 Training Program Selection regulations for the 2026 intake

Regulations for Selection to the AOA 21 Training Program for the 2026 intake are now available. To download the Regulations, please click the link below.

2026 Training Program Selection Regulations

If you have any questions regarding the Selection Regulations, please check our 2026 Selection FAQs.

Selection applications for the 2026 intake 

The number of available training posts for any intake varies from year to year, as it is affected by accreditation of training posts and progression of existing trainees. Read more on our Selection applications for 2026 intake page

Far North Queensland (FNQ) rural training rotation pathway

Applicants who select Queensland as their primary or secondary preference will have the opportunity to indicate an interest in being considered for the Far North Queensland (FNQ) rural training rotation pathway. Find out more via the information sheet.

Please note: indicating an interest in the FNQ rural rotation will not impact the success of an application. It should only be selected if the applicant is willing to commit to an extended training experience in a rural or regional setting. The highest ranked successful applicant who has 'opted in' for the FNQ rural rotation will be offered a FNQ rural rotation post. A post outside this pathway will not be available. Please refer to clause 14.6.2 in the 2026 Training Program Selection Regulations


How to apply to the AOA 21 Training Program


Application to the AOA 21 Training Program is a two-stage process:

1.  Registration with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)

RACS assesses each registrant against generic eligibility requirements which are common across all surgical specialties. Information on registration can be found on the RACS website.


2.  Apply to the Australian Orthopaedic Association (AOA)

AOA 21 Training Program Selection applications for the 2026 intake will open on Wednesday 19 February 2025.


Overview of the Selection process


2026 intake timeline_updated

Selection applications for the 2026 intake


The number of available training posts for any intake varies from year to year, as it is affected by accreditation of training posts and progression of existing trainees. Read more on our Selection applications for the 2026 intake page.