South East Technological University
Ireland
South East Technological University (SETU)
Waterford & Carlow, Ireland
Established
2022
Institution Type
Public Technological University
Total Students
18,000+
Campuses
5 Locations
Discover South East Technological University (SETU)
Discover South East Technological University (SETU)
South East Technological University (SETU) is a public technological university located in the South East region of Ireland, formally established on 1 May 2022. It was formed from the amalgamation of Waterford Institute of Technology and Institute of Technology Carlow, bringing together over 50 years of combined experience in higher education, research, and innovation.
SETU is the only university in the South East of Ireland, with campuses spread across five locations: Waterford, Carlow, Wexford, Wicklow, and Kilkenny. The university supports a thriving community of more than 18,000 students served by over 1,500 staff members, with an international student population representing over 70 nationalities.
SETU offers a modern, career-focused education across diverse disciplines including business, engineering, health sciences, science, computing, and the arts and humanities. The university is recognised for its strong industry partnerships, applied research capabilities, and commitment to regional development, and was awarded Europe's first Inclusive Gender Equality Champion award in 2023.
Key Milestones
- 1970: Waterford Regional Technical College established, beginning over five decades of higher education in the South East.
- 2015: Vision document for Technological University for the South East (TUSE) published, with a memorandum of understanding signed in 2017.
- 2022: South East Technological University formally established on 1 May following the merger of Waterford IT and IT Carlow.
- 2023: SETU awarded Europe's first Inclusive Gender Equality Champion award in Brussels, recognising its innovative Gender Equality Plan.
Academic Structure & Faculties
Academic Structure & Faculties
SETU offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes across six key academic areas. The university emphasises practical, industry-relevant education with strong links to professional bodies and accreditation organisations, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the job market.
Faculty of Business
Covers a wide range of business disciplines with programmes accredited by professional bodies, offering pathways from certificates to doctoral level including the Doctorate in Business Administration.
- Bachelor of Business (Honours)
- Master of Business in Management
- Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)
Faculty of Engineering
Recognised among the top engineering faculties in Ireland, offering programmes accredited by Engineers Ireland across mechanical, electronic, civil, and aerospace engineering disciplines.
- Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering in Electronic Engineering
- Master of Engineering
Faculty of Science & Computing
Provides programmes in computing, data science, pharmaceutical science, and applied sciences, supported by dedicated research centres including the Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre.
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Science
- Master of Science in Data Science
Faculty of Health Sciences
Offers programmes in nursing, health promotion, sports science, and applied healthcare, with clinical placements and strong connections to healthcare providers in the region.
- Bachelor of Science in General Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Sport and Exercise Science
- Master of Science in Health Informatics
Faculty of Humanities
Encompasses programmes in arts, social studies, applied social care, law, and visual communication, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and social awareness.
- Bachelor of Arts in Applied Social Studies
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Visual Communications and Design
- Master of Arts in Social Research
Faculty of Lifelong Learning & Education
Provides flexible learning pathways including part-time, evening, and online programmes for professional development and continuing education across multiple disciplines.
- Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Higher Certificate in Business
- Certificate in Preparation for Higher Education
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admission
- Academic QualificationIrish Leaving Certificate or international equivalent (12 years of education)
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.0 overall or TOEFL iBT 80+
- Minimum GradesAverage score of at least 60-70% depending on programme
- Application MethodVia CAO (EU students) or SETU Application Portal (international students)
- Application FeeEUR 35 (non-refundable)
Postgraduate Admission
- Academic QualificationFirst or second class honours bachelor's degree in an appropriate discipline
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.5 overall or TOEFL iBT 80-90
- PTE ScorePTE Academic 59-63 depending on programme
- Application MethodSETU Application Portal for international students
- Supporting DocumentsAcademic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, personal statement
International applications for the following September intake typically open from early in the year.
Deadline for EU applicants to submit or change CAO applications for undergraduate programmes.
Recommended deadline for international students to submit applications for the September intake.
Registration for new entrants opens in early September each year following CAO offer acceptance.
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
SETU offers competitive tuition fees with different rates for EU/EEA and international (non-EU) students. The university differentiates between classroom-based and laboratory-based programmes. Various scholarships and entry awards are available to help reduce costs for qualifying students.
| Fee Category | EU/EEA Students | International (Non-EU) Students |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (Classroom) | EUR 2,500 (Student Contribution) | EUR 13,500 per year |
| Undergraduate Tuition (Laboratory) | EUR 2,500 (Student Contribution) | EUR 14,500 per year |
| Postgraduate Tuition (Taught) | Contact university for current rates | EUR 14,000 - EUR 15,000 per year |
| Estimated Living Expenses | Approx. EUR 10,000 - EUR 12,000 per year | Approx. EUR 18,450 per year |
| Total | Contact university for full breakdown | EUR 13,500 - EUR 15,000+ per year (tuition only) |
International Academic Excellence Scholarship (IAES)
A highly competitive scholarship offering up to 100% tuition fee waiver for outstanding international students based on academic performance and holistic application assessment.
- Coverage: Up to 100% tuition fee waiver
- Eligibility: Outstanding academic performance; separate application required after receiving programme offer
- Availability: Limited awards per region; highly competitive
SETU Entry Awards & Wexford Campus Scholarship
SETU offers entry awards ranging from EUR 1,000 to EUR 4,000 based on entry criteria, plus a 20% tuition fee reduction for all international programmes at the Wexford Campus.
- Entry Awards: EUR 1,000 to EUR 4,000
- Wexford Campus Discount: 20% scholarship for all programmes
- High Achievers Award: EUR 1,000 to EUR 1,500
Campus & Facilities
Campus & Facilities
SETU operates across five locations in Ireland's South East region, with major campuses in Waterford and Carlow. The university boasts modern facilities including advanced laboratories, libraries, sports arenas, multimedia centres, and dedicated research buildings, providing students with a dynamic learning environment.
The main campus features the Luke Wadding Library, Walton IT Building, and modern teaching facilities within a three-kilometre radius of Waterford city.
The Carlow campus spans approximately 30 hectares with 16 buildings and includes the new EUR 15 million South Sports Campus with state-of-the-art athletic facilities.
The EUR 20 million SETU Arena opened in 2016 and accommodates up to 2,000 people, serving as a premier sporting, exercise, and conference venue in the South East.
Housing & Dining
On-Campus Accommodation
SETU's City Campus accommodation in Waterford includes 94 apartments with 360 bed spaces, many with en-suite bedrooms and communal recreation areas.
- 94 apartments with 360 bed spaces in Waterford
- Apartment-style single rooms with en-suite options in Carlow
- SETU StudentPad platform for off-campus housing search
Campus Amenities
All campuses feature restaurants, cafes, and a range of amenities to support student life and well-being throughout the academic year.
- Multiple restaurants, cafes, and newsagents on campus
- Computing and Learning Resource Centre with extensive library collections
- TV studio, radio studio, multimedia centre, and product design suite
Student Life at SETU
Student Life at SETU
SETU offers an inclusive and vibrant campus environment where students from over 70 nationalities form lifelong friendships while achieving academic milestones. The university provides extensive support services, diverse extracurricular activities, and a strong sense of community across all its campuses.
Location & City Life
Location & City Life
Living in Ireland's South East
SETU's campuses are ideally situated across Ireland's scenic South East region. Waterford, Ireland's oldest city, offers a perfect blend of ancient and modern with historic streets, vibrant cultural life, and proximity to the coast. Carlow provides a friendly, compact town atmosphere surrounded by quintessential Irish countryside with mountain trails, forests, and ancient monastic sites.
Accessible Location
Carlow campus is 85km from Dublin and 97km from Dublin Airport. Waterford campus is 170km from Dublin, with excellent road and rail connections.
Cultural Heritage
Waterford is home to the Viking Triangle, Waterford Treasures museums, and the famous Waterford Crystal. The region is rich in medieval and ancient history.
Outdoor Activities
The South East offers the Waterford Greenway, Comeragh Mountains, stunning coastline beaches, and numerous walking and cycling trails throughout the region.
Affordable Living
The South East region offers a more affordable cost of living compared to Dublin, with lower accommodation costs while still providing vibrant city amenities and services.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Industry Partners & Graduate Employers
Practical Information
Practical Information
For International Students
The International Office provides comprehensive guidance on student visa applications. Non-EU students requiring a visa must have EUR 6,000 of fees paid as part of the visa application process.
International students can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during term and full-time during holidays. Ireland's post-study work visa allows up to 24 months of stay after graduation.
SETU provides accommodation advice, health centre services with nurses and visiting doctors, career guidance, academic support, counselling, and a dedicated international student support team.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Worldwide University Rankings
Worldwide University Rankings
As a newly established university formed in 2022, SETU is building its presence in global rankings. The university has already appeared in the QS rankings and aims to be among the top 100 young universities in the world by 2030, demonstrating its commitment to quality and excellence.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering & Technology | Engineers Ireland | Top 5 in Ireland for Mechanical and Electronic Engineering (accreditation) |
| Business & Management | SETU | Strong industry-aligned programmes with professional accreditation |
| Computing & Information Systems | Walton Institute | Home to nationally recognised ICT research centre |
| Pharmaceutical Sciences | PMBRC | Leading applied research in pharmaceutical and molecular biotechnology |
Features
South East Technological University (SETU) is Ireland's newest technological university, formed from a merger of Waterford IT and IT Carlow, with campuses in Carlow, Waterford, and Wexford. It features modern academic facilities like labs and learning resources, extensive student support services including counseling and accommodation, and vibrant campus life with numerous clubs and sports facilities. SETU emphasizes transformative learning, collaboration with industry, and research to drive innovation and prepare students for global careers.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
June - July
Location
Kilkenny Rd, Carlow, Ireland\n+353818121212
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