Immerse yourself in a multitude of cultures, communities, and countries through our diverse array of study abroad opportunities and strategic partnerships. At SETU, we firmly believe in broadening horizons and embracing new experiences.
As a globally engaged institution, we address worldwide challenges through our teaching, learning, scholarly pursuits, and research. Our commitment to sustainability as a fundamental value drives us to work towards a better future for our planet and communities.
At SETU, we understand the pivotal role that quality higher education plays in shaping your future studies and career prospects. Come join us on this exhilarating journey as we pave the way for your success.
At South East Technological University we’ve combined culture and expertise and created something bigger, more ambitious and more transformative. Our technological university is about opportunity, possibility and inspiration. It's a place for businesses who want to transform what they do and how they do it. It's a place where we work with employer and researchers to inspire the ideas of the future. It's a place where we provide the right supports so our students can compete on the work stage and achieve their dreams. It's a place for excellence.
| Acronym | SETU |
| Nickname | SETU |
| Motto / Slogan | Making Your Future Now |
| Founded | 2022 |
| Location | Carlow, Leinster, Ireland |
| Address | Main Campus Cork Road, Waterford City, Co.Waterford, X91 K0EK, Ireland |
To transform lives and achieve excellence through collaborative approaches.
Through inclusive education and high-quality research, South East Technological University drives innovation, empowers communities, and delivers transformative impact for the south east of Ireland.
SETU is an international, entrepreneurial and connected multi-campus Technological University that will drive sustainable economic, environmental, cultural and social development in the south east of Ireland.
SETU offers a student-centred education and is committed to lifelong learning, access, equality and inclusion, and to the provision of a comprehensive educational offering.
Our curriculum is responsive to social, cultural and enterprise needs and is research-led. Our research will have impact for the region, nationally and internationally. SETU will work in support of student and staff success and foster a collegial environment for all.
South East Technological University launched its first Strategic Plan in 2023, Connecting for Impact 2023-2028. The plan establishes the priorities for the University for the coming five years and will guide the University in its activities, decision-making, its allocation of resources, programmes of study, research and engagement activities.
SETU builds on five decades’ of high performance by two Institutes of Technology. Nonetheless, addressing the needs within the region requires a significant “state change” in organisational capacity and capability. The Strategic Plan will identify the pathways towards this “state change”.
The University seeks over the coming period to deepen its impact on regional society and the economy through increased high-quality research and innovation activity. In doing so, it will aim to increase the knowledge capital of the south east of Ireland. It will focus the application of the knowledge it creates to drive the social and economic development of the region in domains of regional specialism and high impact. The plan also responds to the need within the region for the scaling up of quality education provision in the region, with a focus on increasing the level of educational attainment amongst the population, addressing the outward migration of talent from the region, and increasing the flow of students into the south east.
SETU is cognisant of the need to recast the student experience in the light of technological change and rapidly changing employment patterns and career pathways. The University will promote access and flexibility in designing and delivering programmes and will direct its efforts in particular towards answering the skills and human capital development needs of regional society and the economy. The University will seek to create and sustain meaningful European and global partnerships that drive regional attractiveness to talent and investment through involvement in high-quality international teaching, research and professional networks, through attracting international funding, and through enabling inward and outward international mobility for staff and students.
Connecting for Impact takes on these challenges and opens up new and exciting opportunities for staff, students, and communities within and outside the region.
We are proactive catalysts for achievement and progress, and we adopt a strong leadership role in creating a local, national and international reputation for performance.
We’ve combined expertise and sport and created something bigger, more ambitious and more transformative. We provide the foundations so our athletes can excel in their sport.
At SETU our approach to teaching is transformative. We’ve created a place for ambitious learners from every community. We're home to exceptional educators who bring subjects to life.
We’re home to exceptional educators who will bring subjects to life and put students first. We’ve designed a range of courses across multiple campuses that combine up-to-date thinking and next-generation technology, with an approach to learning that prepares students for their next steps.
SETU is a place where we work with employers and researchers to inspire the ideas of the future and put our region on the map nationally and internationally.
Ireland's impressive educational and economic achievements have earned it a prominent place on the world stage. Renowned global companies have chosen Ireland as their headquarters, showcasing the nation's economic prowess. Notably, Ireland secured the 2nd position in the prestigious 2023 IMD World Competitive Rankings, underscoring its commitment to progress and global competitiveness.
Studying at SETU not only offers top-tier education but also an affordable experience. Ireland's "stay back visa" programme allows international students to work full-time after their studies, enhancing their post-graduation opportunities. With fees up to 40% lower than some counterparts in the United Kingdom and a cost of living that is 30% less than Ireland’s capital, Dublin, SETU provides an exceptional value.
Ireland's holistic approach to student development is evident in its high job satisfaction rate, with 9 in 10 individuals' content with their personal and work-life balance. The nation's dedication to education is exemplified by its 3rd place ranking in the OECD for third-level education attainment, highlighting the excellence of its academic offerings.
A non-refundable €35 fee allows you to apply for one programme
Specific Programme Requirements: As our entry requirements may vary by programme, please see the entry requirements for the specific programme(s) you are interested in. You can find specific information and entry requirements for each programme by searching on this page.
Where programmes list mathematics as an entry requirement (see programme page), candidates must have mathematics as a subject in their high school completion qualification, and must have achieved a minimum grade of 60% in Mathematics. You can check this by clicking on “requirements” on a programme page to see if mathematics is listed. Typically, Irish and English will also be listed as requirements. However, these are not required from international applicants.
If English language certification is listed under a country’s entry requirements, it must be provided for academic assessment. These requirements are available to view on our English Language Requirements page.
For applicants from countries where English Language Requirements are not required for assessment, please note that proof of English proficiency may still be required for visa purposes if required. You can check visa requirements with the link provided below.
High School Transcript
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
English Language Certificate
Specific Programme Requirements: As our entry requirements may vary by programme, please see the entry requirements for the specific programme(s) you are interested in. You can find specific information and entry requirements for each programme by searching on this page.
Some general information on undergraduate entry requirements is available here.
At SETU, we proudly welcome international students from over 120 nationalities. Entry requirements for postgraduate programmes vary by country and are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Below, you’ll find the minimum academic qualifications required for admission to a taught master’s degree (Level 9) or a Higher Diploma programme (Level 8).
Candidates who already hold qualifications equivalent to a Level 9 award on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, are also encouraged to apply.
Please note:
If English language certification is listed under a country’s entry requirements, it must be provided for academic assessment. These requirements are available to view on our English Language Requirements page.
For applicants from countries where English Language Requirements are not required for assessment, please note that proof of English proficiency may still be required for visa purposes if required. You can check our visa requirements page.
Email: [email protected],[email protected]
Phone : +353 51 30288, +353 59 9175062
SETU has announced the official accreditation of its new five-year Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) programme by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI).
SETU is recognized by Sport Ireland with the Accreditation for Student Athlete Support (ASAS)
She was awarded a Health Research Board post-doctoral fellowship in 1996 and was appointed to an academic post in the Department of Physiology, School of Medicine at Trinity College Dublin in 1998.
Prof Campbell has extensive undergraduate... read more
She has held several senior leadership roles in Trinity College Dublin, including Dean of Graduate Studies and Bursar & Director of Strategic Innovation; in the latter role from 2015 to 2021 Prof Campbell oversaw the commencement of a €300M capital project portfolio in the university.
Prof Campbell currently serves on the Board of the Atlantic Institute, based in Oxford University, and was the inaugural chair of the Global Brain Health Institute of Trinity College and UCSF. She is a former President of the Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland (Biomedical Sciences Section) and in 2023, she was elected as an Honorary Fellow of Trinity College Dublin.
Kathryn holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from University College Cork and an MBS from UCD Smurfit School of Business. She has undertaken a number of training programme in areas of corporate governance, leadership, licencing and contracts management.
Originally, qualifying as an account... read more
Dr O’Byrne’s academic career has spanned 30 years lecturing in Strategic and Change Management before moving to a number of academic management positions. He became Head of Strategic Planning in 2005 and Registrar in 2008. He now holds SETU’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, Teaching and Learning portfolio.
Professor Marie Claire Van Hout holds a PhD i... read more
Elaine has 25+ years of experience in Accounting, Finance, Governance, HR, Project Management and Capital Development many of which are in senior leadership or strategic roles. She has lead the implementation and optimisation of enterprise systems, delivery of capital projects and played a key role in consolidation and merger activities. Along with significant experience in the education section Elaine also has experience in the hospitality, manufacturing and aviation sectors.
Additionally, Elaine has and continues to chair or be a member of sectoral bodies and charitable organisations.
The creation of SETU marked a significant milestone for Ireland's South East region, providing a single, modern university dedicated to delivering high-quality education, applied research, innovation, and indu... read more
Today, SETU operates across multiple campuses in Waterford, Carlow, Wexford, Kilkenny, and Wicklow, serving more than 18,000 students. The university offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, professional, and lifelong learning programmes in fields such as business, engineering, science, computing, health sciences, humanities, education, and the creative arts.
As a technological university, SETU places a strong emphasis on practice-based learning, research excellence, innovation, entrepreneurship, and close partnerships with industry. Its mission is to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to drive economic growth, address societal challenges, and contribute to sustainable development both regionally and globally.
