South East Technological University (SETU)

Why Choose SETU?

Students from all over the world choose SETU for its blend of practical education, global outlook, and career-ready approach.

• Global student community: Students from over 80 nations study here.

• Hands-on learning: Programme design is co-created with industry to ensure you gain relevant, real-world skills.

• Career paths: Graduate employability is above 95%, with industry placements and internships built into many programmes.

• Affordable living: Costs ~20–30% lower compared to Dublin or Cork.

• Graduate Visa: Work in Ireland for 2 years after completing a master’s degree.

• Innovative programs: SETU is home to Ireland’s first BSc in Content Creation & Social Media — reflecting its forward-thinking curriculum.

University Ranking & Reputation

Being a new technological university, SETU is not yet ranked in traditional global rankings (e.g., QS World University Rankings, THE). However:

• SETU ranks among Ireland’s fastest-growing universities in research and industry collaboration.

• It attracts substantial EU research funding (€173 million via Horizon 2020 and more).

• Its graduates find employment quickly and at strong starting salaries (~€50,000).

Campus Locations

• Waterford Campus: Focuses on Engineering, ICT, Science and Health disciplines.

• Carlow Campus: Home to Business, Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences programmes.

• Wexford Campus: Strong in Creative Technologies, Media and Education.

These campuses offer modern facilities: advanced labs, libraries, sports complexes, accommodation, student lounges, and top-tier ICT infrastructure.

Types of Courses (Study Levels)

SETU offers a full range of qualifications across diverse fields:

• Undergraduate: Higher Certificate (Level 6), Bachelor’s (Level 7–8)

• Postgraduate: Postgraduate Diplomas / Master’s (Level 9)

• Research: PhD and industry-linked research (Level 10)

• Micro-credentials & Short Courses: Shorter courses for rapid upskilling in areas like AI, Data Science, Digital Marketing, and Sustainability

The university offers more than 140 undergraduate and 50 postgraduate courses with new programmes launched regularly

Learning Modes

SETU offers flexible learning options to accommodate different learning needs:

• On-campus/On-site: Traditional classroom-based learning.

• Blended/Hybrid: Mix of online and on-campus teaching.

• Fully Online: For postgraduate courses and professional development.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated SETU’s investment in digital platforms — ensuring high-quality teaching across all modes.

International Academic Excellence Scholarships

• Purpose: To reward top-performing international students

• Value: Up to 100% tuition fee coverage (for exceptional candidates)

• Selection: Highly competitive (based on grades, motivation, and potential)

• Separate application required after receiving an offer

Highlights & Unique Features

• Cutting-Edge Research: Over €23 million annually in research funding and projects ranging from AI to pharmaceuticals.

• Global Network: Partnerships with more than 100 universities worldwide, plus global exchange opportunities.

• Graduate Friendly: Stay back visa for up to 2 years after Master’s study.

• Excellent Employment Prospects: 95 % of graduates employed within 6 months.

• Innovation Hub: Home to Ireland’s first Bachelor’s degree in Content Creation & Social Media.

• Sports Campus: Offers top-class sports facilities and wellness programmes for elite and recreational athletes.

• Affordable Living: Cost of living ~30 % lower than Dublin, while still being accessible to international airports.

Scholarship

(What SETU publishes) — what each award is and who it’s for

1) SETU Entry Awards (automatic consideration)

• What: Entry awards/entry scholarships applied to new students offered a place on an eligible full-time course.

• Who: All applicants who receive an offer for eligible programmes are automatically considered (no separate application required). Note: the “International Student Entry Awards” variant is aimed at self-funding non-EU students on full-time, campus-based programmes.

• Value: SETU communicates entry award amounts on offer letters; recent public page says awards commonly range €1,000–€4,000.

2) International Academic Excellence Scholarship (IAES)

• What: A competitive scholarship for international applicants (regional competitions).

• Who: New full-time entrants (must have an offer and confirmed place).

• Value: Winners may receive 100% or 50% tuition fee remission (highly competitive; limited awards per region). Separate application required after you receive an offer.

3) Sanctuary Scholarships (Universities of Sanctuary initiative)

• What: A dedicated programme of eight scholarships each year for refugees, asylum seekers and people in international protection.

• Who: Undergraduate applicants from refugee/protection backgrounds.

• Value & Scope: Full details and supporting services are published by SETU’s Sanctuary pages; scholarships include academic and pastoral support.

4) Named / Faculty / Partner Scholarships (Rising Stars, Autom8, forestry, etc.)

• What: Departmental or partner-sponsored awards (value varies — some are bursaries, others fee discounts).

• Who: Eligibility depends on the specific award (e.g., sport scholarships for elite athletes, forestry scholarships for specific programmes). International students can be eligible where the award does not require Irish residency. Check each prize’s conditions on SETU’s scholarships pages.

5) SETU Global Advancement to Postgraduate Award & Ambassador roles

• What: Awards to support progression from undergraduate to postgraduate level and paid/recognition roles for International Student Ambassadors (ambassador policy exists for scholarship recipients).

• Who: Usually requires a confirmed place and a short application demonstrating leadership / ambassadorial skills.

6) External / National scholarships many SETU students can access

• Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES): High-calibre non-EU students applying for NFQ Level 9 / 10 programmes (SETU participates in the HEA/GOI scheme). Applicants apply via the HEA process; SETU may nominate candidates.

Eligibility — the exact rules you need to know (SETU’s published criteria)

1. Offer first, then scholarship — you must have an offer or conditional offer for an eligible programme before being considered (automatic or for separate applications).

2. Residency filter for the “International Student Entry Awards” — specifically for self-funding non-EU students doing full-time on-campus study at Carlow, Waterford or Wexford (online and part-time students are excluded).

3. IAES competitiveness — IAES winners are chosen through a regional competition; applications open after you accept an offer; awards may be 100% or 50% tuition and are limited in number.

4. Sanctuary Scholarships — applicants must be refugees, in international protection, or from similar backgrounds and will be assessed by SETU’s Sanctuary panel; eight awards are offered annually. 

5. Minimum academic / conduct requirements to keep an award — SETU’s maintenance policy requires recipients to meet course progression and academic standards (check the “Maintaining your Entry Award & Scholarship” page for detailed retention conditions).

Deadlines & practical steps (what to do — exact process)

1. Get an offer — Apply for your programme through SETU’s CourseFinder / direct application portal and confirm (conditional or firm) your offer. You cannot be awarded an entry scholarship without an offer.

2. Automatic consideration (Entry Awards): If the programme is eligible, you will be automatically considered — watch your offer letter (it will state any award).

3. Apply for competitive awards (IAES, Sanctuary, named scholarships): After you accept your offer, follow the scholarship application instructions on SETU’s scholarship hub. The 2025/2026 scholarship application cycle deadline is May 4, 2025 (SETU’s page lists application opening and closing dates).

4. Prepare supporting documents: Typical required documents include: proof of offer, academic transcripts, passport/ID, personal statement/essay, CV, and referee contact details. Sanctuary Scholarships will require evidence of refugee / international protection status where applicable.

5. Interview / panel: Some awards (Sanctuary, IAES) may involve interviews or panel assessment.

How much can you expect to save? (values & examples)

• Entry Awards: recent SETU pages show €1,000–€4,000 range for entry awards applied to tuition.

• IAES: 50% or 100% tuition remission for very high-performing regional winners.

• Sanctuary Scholarships: value varies; focus is on access + pastoral support rather than a single fixed cash amount — SETU press release describes eight awards annually (support package).