Specialisation Training Program Selection: Information for applicants
Important dates
This information is available in PDF format.
- Information session: Thursday, 5 September 2026
Recording coming soon. - Applications open: Friday, 4 September 2026 (5pm AEST)
- Applications close: Thursday, 2 October 2026
- Interview date: Friday, 6 November 2026
1. Applying to enter the Specialisation Training
Applicants can apply in the following disciplines:
- Cardiorespiratory
- Gerontology
- Musculoskeletal
- Neurology
- Occupational Health
- Paediatric
- Pain
- Sports and Exercise
- Women’s, Men’s, and Pelvic Health
1.1 Eligibility requirements
It is expected that applicants will ensure they meet the eligibility criteria before applying.
To apply, applicants must:
- be a Registered physiotherapist in Australia
- be a Financial Member of the APA
- be a College member and member of a National Group that offers Specialisation
- be a Titled Physiotherapist in the relevant discipline via the Experiential, Evidence Portfolio or Academic Pathway
- have completed three years full-time equivalent clinical practice in the relevant discipline since being Titled or since successfully completing an APA-recognised coursework Master’s degree in the relevant discipline.
Applicants who do not meet the above eligibility criteria will not be eligible to progress to review of their application form.
In 2026, applicants who 1) satisfy the eligibility criteria outlined above and 2) submit an application that demonstrates readiness to progress to the STP will be invited to attend a Multi-mini Interview (MMI), scheduled for Friday, 6 November 2026.
1.2 The application form
The online STP Application Form is accessible here and for reference in Appendix 1.
2. Highly desirable selection criteria
Applications will be assessed on:
- suitable depth and breadth of clinical practice, experience and client/patient base; recency of practice
- professional development, including postgraduate training
- engagement with teaching and education
- involvement in research and professional writing and
- professional involvement across physiotherapy, health and/or the community sector.
While these areas are not mandatory and there is no minimum requirement, applicants who can demonstrate experience and/or exposure in these domains may present a stronger application and achieve a higher overall score. The Selection Panel will consider evidence of:
- the breadth, depth, and complexity of an applicant’s patient caseload are key considerations in assessing readiness for entry into the STP. A diverse and sufficiently complex caseload that reflects a wide variety of discipline-specific conditions is important. While the Selection Panel assesses experience holistically, an applicant’s current clinical role and caseload, particularly in the period since achieving Titling, may indicate whether the applicant has had adequate opportunity to consolidate and advance their practice at a Titled level.
- teaching experience beyond entry-level physiotherapy students (for example, involvement in postgraduate education, peer education, or professional workshops)
- increasing involvement in research activities. This may include Pedro reviews, contributing to published work, participating in research projects, or pursuing higher research qualifications
- a wide range of professional development activities extending beyond self-directed learning. Direct interaction or face-to-face engagement with Specialist Physiotherapists (e.g., through mentoring, observation, or collaborative learning activities) will be viewed favourably.
In some cases, the Selection Panel may encourage an unsuccessful applicant to develop their capacity in these areas before reapplying in a future intake.
3. Application form and documentation
The online STP Application Form is now available online and it must be completed in English.
In addition to the application form, the following must be submitted at the time of application:
- a covering letter addressed to the Selection Panel Chair, Dr Debra Shirley
- a current CV
- copy of Ahpra CPD diary, including reflections, for the previous three years.
Additional material supporting the application and demonstrating the applicant's interest in Specialisation may be submitted as an Appendix to the application.
Declaration of Authenticity is acknowledged upon submission of the application form and associated documents.
Applicants will receive a confirmation email once the application has been received by the College.
Late and/or incomplete application submissions will NOT be accepted.
4. Application fee
Application Fee: $330.00 (payable on receipt of invoice following submission). Please note the following:
- the application fee is non-refundable
- in 2026 (2027 intake), there will be no additional interview fee
- an invoice and payment options will be forwarded following submission of the application form.
5. Referee criteria
The applicant must provide details of two referees who can attest that you:
- are competent in the relevant discipline
- show initiative
- are a self-directed learner
- are willing to contribute to physiotherapy knowledge and practice
- accept feedback and evaluation of peers.
Your referees must be able to attest to your clinical ability through recent personal observation.
It is strongly recommended (but not mandatory) that at least one of the referees is a Fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapists.
Referees must not be a member of the College Council or the Board of Censors.
Name and contact details, including email addresses and phone numbers of the Referees must be provided on the Application Form.
The College will contact the referees directly to request completion of a confidential Referee Report.
Should the College not be able to contact the Referee, or not receive the confidential Referee Report within the required time frame, applicants will be advised by the College, and additional referee details will be requested.
- Applicants should request permission from their nominated referees prior to completing the Application Form. When confirmed, the referee section of the Application form should be completed.
- Applicants must not contact their Referees, regarding any aspect of their reference, after submitting their Application Form.
- References are provided in strict confidence by Referees.
6. Selection panel decision making re interview
- The Selection Panel comprises ACP Fellows including a representative from the Board of Censors and Fellowship Pathways Standing Committee and a minimum of two other Fellows.
- Eligible applicants will be determined by the Selection Panel and invited to attend a multi-mini interview following review of their written application.
7. Multi-mini Interviews (MMIs)
- All applicants invited for interview, will attend their interview using Zoom video conferencing. Details on MMI’s can be found here.
- The interview process is conducted by a team of specialist and stakeholder interviewers with administrative support from College staff.
- At interview, applicants will be assessed and scored on their answers to questions demonstrating suitability for entry into the Specialisation Training Program.
8. Selection Panel decision making re entry into STP
- Following the MMI and review of the referee report, the Selection Panel will make a recommendation to the Fellowship Pathways Standing Committee who will endorse the successful applicants.
- The outcome of the application process will be determined by the Selection Panel following consideration of the written application, performance in the interviews and referee reports.
9. Invitation to STP or Component 1 of STP pathway
- Applicants will be contacted via email, in November, with their outcome letter.
- Applicants will receive a letter offering them a place in the STP program or an invitation to Component 1 of the STP.
- Applicants to the STP must pay an initial training fee by a set deadline to accept their place in the program.
The requirements of the STP program are outlined in the Specialisation Training Program Registrar Manual available on the APA Website here.
Contact us
STP Selection: Jennifer Keating, Assessment and Training Manager
The College: email the ACP team