South East Technological University (SETU)

South East Technological University (SETU) is one of Ireland's newest and most dynamic universities, with campuses in Carlow, Waterford and Wexford. Built on over 50 years of excellence in higher education, research and innovation, SETU is home to more than 18,000 students and 1,500 staff, creating a welcoming, diverse and truly global community.

As a technological university, SETU combines academic excellence with practical, hands-on learning. Its programmes are developed in partnership with industry, giving students the knowledge, practical skills and real-world experience needed to graduate confident, career-ready and prepared for today's workforce.

Students benefit from small class sizes, where lecturers know them by name and provide personalised support throughout their studies. This creates a friendly learning environment that encourages collaboration, builds confidence and helps every student reach their full potential.

International students are supported from the moment they apply through to graduation. Dedicated teams provide academic, personal and career support, helping students settle into university life and make the most of their experience in Ireland.

Life at SETU extends beyond the classroom. With over 100 clubs and societies, excellent sports facilities and a vibrant campus community, students have endless opportunities to make friends, develop new skills and enjoy university life.

SETU's campuses offer the best of both worlds. Located in Ireland's beautiful south east, they provide a safe, affordable and welcoming place to live, with lower living costs than many other parts of Ireland and easy access to Dublin and Dublin Airport.

Whether students are looking for a world-class education, practical learning, strong industry links or an unforgettable international student experience, SETU offers everything they need to achieve their academic and career ambitions.

At SETU, an education is about more than earning a degree. The full range of career-focused programmes combine practical learning with real-world experience, giving students the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in their chosen career.

Students will learn in a supportive environment where lecturers know them by name and are invested in their success. Through group projects, problem-based learning, Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) and hands-on experiences, students will develop the skills employers value most, as well as learning the academic and practical fundamentals of the subject.

Many programmes include industry projects and work placements, thanks to SETU's strong links with leading employers and professional bodies. Students will also have opportunities to study abroad with one of the university's international partner institutions, helping them to build a global perspective and prepare for an exciting future.

International students have a wide range of programmes to choose from, covering both undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications. The full list of departments and areas of study are:

• Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry
• Architecture
• Arts & Social Studies
• Built Environment
• Business
• Computing
• Early Years Education
• Engineering
• Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Arts
• Law
• Media, Design & Music
• Nursing, Health & Psychology
• Science
• Sport Management
• Sport Science

Within each department there are several programmes that students can choose between, and students are encouraged to explore all of the options. Course pages have information on the structure of the course, any special features of that program, and information on any specific application information and fees. International students can also visit the university's fees pages to get more detailed information on the costs of study at SETU and when fees must be paid.

International applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate their English language proficiency to ensure they are well prepared for academic study at SETU. This is an additional requirement alongside any specific programme entry requirements. However the required minimum language test scores are standard across all programmes at the university.

SETU accepts a wide range of internationally recognised English language qualifications, including IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge English and a number of other recognised tests. The university's website has a full list of the different test options, and the minimum scores required for each, including overall scores and minimum component scores where this applies.

The minimum scores are different for students applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification, due to the more complex level of study in a postgraduate degree. Typically students must have been issued their results within two years prior to applying to study at SETU.

Across the campuses, students have access to modern facilities including libraries and learning resource centres, computer labs, specialist studios, laboratories, gyms, free Wi-Fi, cafes, restaurants, newsagents and convenient on-campus parking.

Student Life

There's plenty to get involved in outside the classroom. The students' union organises clubs, societies and social events throughout the year, while representing the student voice. The chaplaincy provides a welcoming and inclusive space where students can access support, guidance or simply someone to talk to.

Library

The library is at the heart of campus life and provides everything students need to support their studies. The library offers extensive collections of books, journals, e-books, research papers and audio-visual resources, along with quiet study areas, computers, printing and photocopying facilities.

Sport

SETU is proud of its outstanding sporting facilities, designed to support everyone from elite athletes competing at the highest level to students who simply enjoy staying active in their free time. With state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor facilities, a wide range of sports clubs and excellent training opportunities, there are plenty of ways to get involved, improve fitness and enjoy campus life.

At SETU, student wellbeing and success are a priority. A dedicated student services team is here to help students settle into university life and make the most of their experience from the first day through to graduation.

Students have access to a wide range of support services, including accommodation advice, a health centre with nurses and visiting doctors, free and confidential counselling, chaplaincy services with a multi-faith prayer room, and dedicated support for students with disabilities.

Academic support is also available through maths and English learning services, while the careers service helps students prepare for employment with CV workshops, interview preparation, placements and career guidance. The Students' Union represents the student voice and organises clubs, societies and social events throughout the year.

International Support

A dedicated global office supports students before they arrive and throughout their studies. From visas and accommodation to registration, orientation and settling into life in Ireland, the team is there every step of the way, ensuring students feel supported from arrival to graduation.

Scholarships & Funding

All eligible international students automatically receive an international entry award when they receive an offer of admission. Awards range from EUR 1,000 to EUR 4,000, depending on the programme, and are based on academic achievement and English language results. The award is automatically deducted from tuition fees.

SETU also offers a number of 50 percent and 100 percent International Scholarships. Open to all eligible international students, these prestigious scholarships are awarded through a highly competitive, holistic review process that recognises academic excellence and personal achievement.

Choosing where to study is one of the biggest decisions students make, and at SETU they'll find everything they need to succeed both academically and personally.

• Career-focused education – Programmes are developed in partnership with industry, giving students the practical skills and real-world experience employers are looking for.
• Practical learning – As a technological university, SETU combines academic excellence with hands-on learning through laboratories, industry projects and work placements.
• Small class sizes – Students learn in a supportive environment where lecturers know them by name, providing personalised guidance throughout their studies.
• Affordable education – SETU offers excellent value for money, with competitive tuition fees and a lower cost of living than many other parts of Ireland, helping students make the most of their budget.
• Close to Dublin – The campuses are within easy reach of Dublin and Dublin Airport, giving students convenient access to Ireland's capital while enjoying a more relaxed, friendly and affordable place to live.
• Strong industry connections – SETU works closely with leading employers to ensure its programmes prepare students for the workplace and future career opportunities.
• A global community – Join students from around the world in a welcoming, diverse and inclusive university community.
• Outstanding student support – From arrival in Ireland through to graduation, dedicated teams are here to support students' academic, personal and career journey.
• A vibrant student experience – With over 100 clubs and societies, excellent sports facilities and a packed calendar of events, there are endless opportunities to make friends, develop new skills and enjoy university life.

At SETU, students will graduate with more than a qualification – they'll leave with the knowledge, practical experience and confidence to build a successful career anywhere in the world.