South East Technological University (SETU) Summary
SETU’s academic identity is professional and applied. It is not meant just for the traditional lecture-based study. Its programs often involve laboratory work, projects, studio learning, work placement, professional practice, fieldwork, practical assignments and industry-informed learning. This makes SETU useful for students who want to study in Ireland and develop skills for employment in business, computing, engineering, science, health, education, design, media, sport, tourism, hospitality and social care.
Undergraduate Programs SETU offers undergraduate programs to students applying after high school or equivalent qualifications. Undergraduate fields: business, accounting, finance, marketing, management, international business, tourism, hospitality, culinary arts, computer science, software development, cybersecurity, data analytics, artificial intelligence, engineering, mechanical engineering, electronic engineering, civil engineering, construction management, quantity surveying, architecture-related study, design, visual communication, media, music, science, environmental science, agriculture, food science, health sciences, nursing, social care, psychology, sport and exercise science, education-related study and law-related study depending on campus and course availability
SETU offers postgraduate level master’s programs, postgraduate diplomas and professional qualifications in business, computing, data, cybersecurity, engineering, construction, science, agriculture, health, education, management, social care, design, media and sport-related disciplines. According to SETU’s official global fees page, international undergraduate fees range from €13,500 to €14,500, while postgraduate fees range from €14,000 to €15,000. This makes SETU a more predictable and relatively affordable option for international students looking at technological universities in Ireland.
SETU provides PhD and research degrees in applied research areas at doctoral level. Potential areas of research include business, management, engineering, computing, cyber security, data, agriculture, food, environment, health, sport, social sciences, education, creative practice and regional development. PhD study is research based and requires a well matched supervisor, good academic preparation and a research proposal. SETU is particularly relevant for students seeking doctoral research associated with applied problems, industry, community development and regional innovation.
Regional setting matters for SETU. There are strong student communities in Waterford and Carlow and access to industries such as manufacturing, technology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food, engineering, tourism, healthcare and public services. Students can get the experience of an Irish university education in secondary cities and towns, which have less living pressure than Dublin, while still attending a public technological university.
South East Technological University is the best choice for students seeking the best in applied, affordable and career-orientated higher education in Ireland. This is of particular relevance to students studying business, computing, engineering, science, health, hospitality, tourism, design, media, sport, social care and applied research in the south-east.
About South East Technological University (SETU)
SETU is a university for the pragmatic learner. Many programs include labs, placements, clinical preparation, workshops, design studios, fieldwork, professional practice or industry projects. This provides students with skills that can be immediately used in employment. The applied identity of the university differentiates it from traditional research-only universities.
The university offers strong subject choices in business, computing, engineering, science, health, creative arts, sport, hospitality, tourism, education and social care. Business students can major in accounting, finance, management, marketing, or entrepreneurship. Computing students can choose to specialize in cybersecurity, data, software or AI-related fields. Engineering students can specialize in mechanical, civil, electronic, construction or built environment. Students of science and agriculture can study in the environmental, food, biological or applied science disciplines.
SETU locations in smaller cities can be attractive to international students. Waterford, Carlow and the wider region can offer a more manageable lifestyle than Dublin, while remaining close to employers, communities and practical learning environments. This may be helpful for students who want a well-rounded study experience.
SETU provides affordable international fees, applied education, regional campus options and a strong focus on employability for students. It is especially relevant for students looking to work in technology, engineering, business, hospitality, health, science, agriculture and creative industries.
South East Technological University (SETU) History
South East Technological University was established in 2022.
It was formed through the merger of Waterford Institute of Technology and Institute of Technology Carlow.
The predecessor institutions had long histories in applied higher education.
SETU became one of Ireland’s technological universities.
The university developed a regional campus network across the south-east.
It inherited academic strengths in business, computing, engineering, science, health and creative fields.
SETU expanded applied research and postgraduate education.
The university strengthened links with employers and regional industries.
It supports workforce development in Waterford, Carlow, Wexford, Wicklow and Kilkenny.
SETU developed an international student profile.
The university continues to focus on practical learning and regional innovation.
Today, SETU is recognized as a major public technological university in Ireland.
South East Technological University (SETU) Highlights
Public technological university in Ireland
Established in 2022
Formed from Waterford Institute of Technology and Institute of Technology Carlow
Campuses across Waterford, Carlow, Wexford, Wicklow and Kilkenny
Offers UG, PG and PhD study separately
Strong for business, computing, engineering, health, science, agriculture, design, hospitality, tourism, sport and social care
Medium of instruction is English
Applied and career-focused education model
International undergraduate fees range from €13,500 to €14,500
International postgraduate fees range from €14,000 to €15,000
Fees are reviewed annually
Good option for affordable study outside Dublin
Strong regional employer and industry links
Suitable for international students seeking practical education in Ireland
Strong fit for applied research and professional study
South East Technological University (SETU) Courses Offered
| UG Courses Offered | PG Courses Offered | PhD Courses Offered |
|---|---|---|
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South East Technological University (SETU) Specialisations Offered
| UG Course Specialisations | PG Course Specialisations | PhD Specialisations |
|---|---|---|
| Business, Hospitality and Tourism
Computing and Digital Technology
Engineering and Built Environment
Creative Arts, Media and Design
Science, Health, Sport and Social Care
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Business Master’s Programs
Computing and Data Master’s Programs
Engineering, Construction and Science Master’s Programs
Health, Sport and Creative Master’s Programs
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Doctoral Research Areas
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South East Technological University (SETU) Admission Process
Select UG, PG or PhD study level.
Choose the exact SETU course and campus.
Check academic and English language requirements.
Prepare transcripts, certificates and passport documents.
Submit the official international application.
Upload supporting documents.
Submit portfolio, CV or references where required.
For PhD study, identify a supervisor and prepare a proposal.
Wait for application assessment.
Accept the offer if selected.
Complete tuition payment, visa, accommodation and registration steps.
Admission Details
SETU has separate admission routes for undergraduate, postgraduate and research study.
International undergraduate fees range from €13,500 to €14,500.
International postgraduate fees range from €14,000 to €15,000.
Fees are reviewed annually.
Program availability varies by campus.
Students should confirm the correct campus before applying.
International students should prepare visa and financial documents early.
Final course and fee details should be verified before payment.
South East Technological University (SETU) Courses Fees
UG Fees
International Undergraduate Programs
Tuition Fee Range: €13,500–€14,500 per year
Duration: Usually 3–4 Years depending on award level and program
Eligibility: Recognized high school qualification or equivalent, English language proficiency and course-specific requirements
Admission Mode: SETU International Undergraduate Admission Route
PG Fees
International Postgraduate Programs
Tuition Fee Range: €14,000–€15,000 per year
Duration: Usually 1 Year full-time or flexible structure depending on course
Eligibility: Recognized bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and English language proficiency
Admission Mode: SETU Postgraduate Admission Route
PhD Fees
Research Doctorates
Fee: Confirm with SETU for the exact research category, campus and academic year
Duration: Usually 3–4 Years full-time
Eligibility: Strong bachelor’s and/or master’s degree, research proposal, supervisor fit and English language proficiency
Admission Mode: SETU Doctoral Admission Route
South East Technological University (SETU) Scholarships
SETU offers scholarship information for eligible international students.
Scholarship availability depends on nationality, course, academic merit and funding cycle.
Some awards may reduce tuition fees for eligible students.
Some scholarships may be campus-specific or discipline-specific.
Research students may apply for funded PhD projects where available.
Government of Ireland scholarships may support selected applicants.
Scholarship approval is not automatic after admission.
Students should check deadlines before applying.
Continuing eligibility may depend on academic progress.
A strong scholarship profile should show academic performance, motivation and course fit.
South East Technological University (SETU) Carrer Outcomes
SETU graduates can build careers in Waterford, Carlow, Wexford, Wicklow, Kilkenny, Dublin, Ireland, Europe and international markets.
Business graduates can work in accounting, finance, marketing, management, tourism, hospitality and entrepreneurship.
Computing graduates can enter software development, cybersecurity, data analytics, AI, IT consulting and cloud systems.
Engineering graduates can work in construction, manufacturing, electronics, infrastructure and technical services.
Hospitality and tourism graduates can work in hotels, restaurants, events, travel and food businesses.
Creative graduates can pursue design, media, music, digital production and creative industry roles.
Science graduates can work in environmental monitoring, food science, agriculture, labs and quality control.
Health and social care graduates can work in hospitals, community services, care organizations and public-service roles.
PhD graduates can pursue academia, applied research, industry innovation, consulting and specialist professional roles.
South East Technological University (SETU) Important Links
Official Website: https://www.setu.ie
Global Fees: https://www.setu.ie/current-students/fees-and-grants/fees/global-fees
Fees: https://www.setu.ie/current-students/fees-and-grants/fees
Undergraduate Fees: https://www.setu.ie/current-students/fees-and-grants/fees/undergraduate-fees
Postgraduate Fees: https://www.setu.ie/current-students/fees-and-grants/fees/postgraduate-fees
Non-EU Students: https://www.setu.ie/global/study-at-setu/non-eu-students
Undergraduate Study: https://www.setu.ie/courses
Postgraduate Study: https://www.setu.ie/courses?level=Postgraduate
Research: https://www.setu.ie/research
Scholarships: https://www.setu.ie/global/study-at-setu/non-eu-students
Contact SETU: https://www.setu.ie/contact
