FAQ

What is the address and contact details for SETU global offices?

What is the role of SETU global?

The remit of the global office is to lead the internationalisation of SETU, promote SETU as a destination for study abroad, mobilise our students and staff to spend time abroad at partner universities, and co-ordinate the recruitment, admission and relevant advisory services for international students during the course of their study at SETU.

Why study in Ireland?

Discover the benefits of studying in Ireland—a destination that combines academic excellence, a welcoming environment, and a vibrant cultural experience. With internationally recognised universities, a robust quality assurance system, and a safe and friendly atmosphere, Ireland offers a top-notch education and peace of mind for students. Immerse yourself in the rich Irish culture, explore a growing job market, and enhance your English language skills in an English-speaking environment. With scholarship opportunities, global recognition, and comprehensive student support services, SETU provides an exceptional educational journey for students from around the world. Join the thriving international student community and embark on a transformative educational adventure in Ireland.

Why study at SETU?

Experience a transformative education at South East Technological University (SETU) in Ireland. With cutting-edge programs, industry connections, and state-of-the-art facilities, SETU prepares students for success in today's dynamic world. Dedicated faculty and comprehensive support services ensure a nurturing learning environment. Engage in research opportunities, enjoy a vibrant campus life, and benefit from the region's beauty and employment prospects. SETU's global outlook and successful graduates make it an ideal choice for an exceptional educational journey.

Where are SETU campuses based?

SETU is a university with multiple campuses located in Waterford, Carlow, Wexford, Wicklow, and Kilkenny. Each campus offers outstanding facilities and comprehensive support services to cater to the diverse needs of our students. From financial support to medical assistance, career guidance, counselling, and a wide range of extracurricular activities including sports teams, societies, and volunteering groups, we ensure that you have everything you need to thrive.

Depending on your preferences and chosen course of study, as an international student, you will typically find yourself studying at one of our welcoming campuses in Carlow, Waterford, or Wexford. These campuses provide a vibrant community and foster a collaborative learning environment.

When can I apply?

Our application portal opens mid-October for the following September.

What are the application closing dates?

The closing date for receipt of applications from visa required countries is 1 June.

The closing date for receipt of applications from non-visa required countries is 31 July.

When will I receive a decision on my application?

SETU aims to process all applications and issue decisions in a timely and efficient manner; usually within 14 working days. However, this may take longer during busy periods, or for programmes requiring additional review (in the form of a portfolio, interview, etc.).

What supporting documentation is usually required for undergraduate applications?

• For first year admission: a copy of your high school completion certificate and transcripts of results, in the original language as well as a certified translation. If you completed high school more than three years ago, you are requested to provide a curriculum vitae (CV).
• For advanced entry: a transcript of all third level studies completed, in the original language as well as a certified translation.
• Evidence of English language competence, see here for further information.
• Passport: copy of picture page of passport.

What supporting documentation is usually required for postgraduate applications?

• Full academic transcripts from your undergraduate degree course, translated into English.
• Copy of graduate certificate.
• Current C.V.
• Evidence of English language competence, see here for further information.
• Any other documentation that may be required for the relevant course.

Can I apply before completing an English language qualification?

Yes, conditional offers can be issued to students who apply before submitting an English language qualification. An unconditional offer will only be issued when all admission requirements of the programme applied for are met.

Can I apply before completing my high school qualifications/ undergraduate degree?

Yes, conditional offers can be issued to students who apply before submitting their final grades and final academic transcripts. 

Students who do not have their final grades should submit as much information as possible about their academic ability e.g. previous examinations, mid-year reports. In the case of applications to undergraduate programmes, applicants should submit predicted grades supplied from their school where possible. These should be uploaded as part of the required supporting documentation. 

An unconditional offer will only be issued when all admission requirements of the course applied for are met.

Where can I find English language entry requirements?

For details on our English language entry requirements, please see here.

What is the next step when a conditional offer is issued?

Prospective students must submit outstanding documentation by the date specified in the letter of conditional offer. An offer will lapse if it is not accepted within this required period. Once evidence of the conditions outlined in the letter of conditional offer is received, a full letter of offer will be issued.

What is the next step when a full offer is issued?

Offers must be accepted and a minimum €1000 deposit paid within the period specified on the letter of offer to secure your place on the programme offered. Offers and associated scholarships or entry awards will lapse if they are not accepted within the specified period.

Can I apply for a part-time programme?

To comply with the terms and conditions of the Irish residences permit (IRP) under stamp 2, a requirement for all non-EU students wishing to study in Ireland, enrolment on a full-time programme is mandatory within 90 days of arrival.

I cannot locate a particular programme when making an application, what do I do?

All programmes available to international students are listed on the application form. If the course is not listed, unfortunately it cannot be applied for. Please get in touch with a member of our team using the contact us form, we may be able to advise on alternative options to suit your interests.

What happens once I accept my offer?

Once an offer is accepted, students should begin to consider:

• Scholarships
• Tuition fee payment
• Accommodation
• Visa applications
• SETU orientation/registration
• Medical insurance

How do I pay my tuition fees and when should I pay them?

Students should pay their deposit and tuition fees by the dates set out in their letter of offer. Tuition fees should be paid via transfermate. Students will require an official receipt for their visa application, which can be downloaded from their transfermate account and will be accepted by the Visa office. 

For further information on visa requirements, please see www.irishimmigration.ie

Can I get an acceptance letter when I pay my deposit?

An acceptance letter will be issued only when full tuition fees have been paid to SETU.

Can I apply for my visa after paying my deposit?

As per the visa office requirements, students can apply for their study visa with receipts for €6000 and their formal offer letter.

My visa has been refused. Will I get a refund?

Any payments to SETU will be refunded in full if your study visa is refused, and proof of same is provided to SETU.

When should I make payments?

1. You must pay the application fee when submitting your application to our portal. There is a required fee of €35.
2. Once you receive an offer you need to pay €1000 to accept the Offer you’ve been given.
3. If visa required - you will receive your formal offer letter once €6000 is paid – you need to pay €6000 to be approved by the visa office.
4. The remainder needs to be paid by 31 January in no more than 3 instalments.

What are the different global mobility opportunities at SETU?

University students are very welcome to study abroad at SETU for one semester or a full-year. These include Erasmus+ and exchange (inbound and outbound for students and staff) and study abroad (for incoming international students).

How to apply?

A coordinator from the sending university submits a nomination form to SETU for the student they are proposing to send to SETU on the Erasmus+ or international exchange programme. We can only consider students from institutions with which we have a current Exchange agreement in the relevant subject area.

Is there an application fee?

No. There are no tuition fees for the Erasmus+ / international exchange programme.

How long can I study in SETU?

You can study for either the fall semester (September to December), the spring semester (January to May), or for the full academic year (September to May). These will be dependent on the existing inter institutional/exchange agreement with your home Institution.

When will I know if I’m accepted?

If the nomination meets the criteria set out in the existing inter institutional/exchange agreement, the student and the nominating coordinator will receive an email to inform them that their nomination has been approved and that the student has been offered a place to study on the Erasmus+/International Exchange Programme.

How do I submit the application?

Applications are submitted online. Included in the student’s nomination approval and mobility acceptance email will be an invitation to complete their online application and information on other documentation that is required to complete the student’s application.

• ECTS module guides – listing of available modules
• Link to our online application form
• Documentation required to complete the online application

Where can I study?

Depending on your preferences for what you want to study, as a visiting student, you will find yourself studying at one of our welcoming campuses in Carlow, Waterford, or Wexford. These campuses provide a vibrant community and foster a collaborative learning environment.

What supporting documentation is required for Erasmus+/international exchange applications?

• Completed online application form
• Passport: the page with the passport number and photograph
• Signed, stamped and dated learning agreement or online agreement

Even though the student will have been officially offered a place at SETU for their mobility, their online application and supporting documentation such as the learning agreement are required to partake as a student at SETU. If a student does not successfully complete the application phase the student’s place on the exchange programme at SETU will be revoked.

What programmes / modules can I take?

Your modules must be selected from the ECTS module guides and approved by your academic advisor in your home Institute/University. Please note, modules chosen from the ECTS module guides are not guaranteed due to limited class sizes and potential unexpected circumstances in the future If a student chooses a module that is on the ECTS module guides but later find out they cannot study it, the relevant school office will work to find the student a suitable alternative.

I cannot locate a particular module / course when making an application.

Programmes available to Erasmus+ / international exchange students are listed in our ECTS module guides. If the course is not listed in the ECTS module guide, unfortunately it cannot be applied for except in exceptional instances, modules approved by a SETU academic advisor that do not exist in the ECTS module guides, such as master's level modules.

How many modules can I take per semester?

The maximum number of ECTS credits students can study per semester is 30 and the minimum is 15. The majority of modules at SETU are worth 5 ECTS. Modules have between 3–4 hours of classes each week.

What is the level of English required to study at SETU?

Exchange students are not required to submit proof of their English language proficiency. Partner institutions are expected to select students who have the required standard of English as set out in our inter-institutional agreement with your home Institution.

Are there English language modules available for exchange Students?

Depending on which campus you are enrolled to as a visiting student, there may be English language modules worth 5 ECTS at varying levels. SETU Waterford offers three English language modules worth 5 ECTS each at varying levels.

IMPORTANT: Places are limited and cannot be guaranteed and are awarded on a first come, first served basis. Students can attend one level only; they are required to attend all 3 hours of classes per week.

What is the next step when a conditional offer is issued?

Students must submit outstanding documentation by the date specified in the letter of conditional offer. An offer will lapse if it is not accepted within this required period. Once evidence of the conditions outlined in the letter of conditional offer is received, a full letter of offer will be issued.

What happens once I accept my offer?

Once an offer is accepted, students should begin to consider:

• Scholarships
• Tuition fee payment
• Accommodation
• Visa applications (if required)
• SETU orientation / registration
• Medical insurance

Do you have an orientation programme for Erasmus+ and international exchange students?

Yes. The orientation programme will give you the opportunity to get to know the team in the SETU office for international relations and throughout the University. You will be introduced to the student supports and facilities available to you during your exchange at SETU. You will complete your registration as a SETU student and receive your student identity card, which provides you with access to campus facilities and services. Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to get to know all the other exchange students who are starting at the same time as you.

Our student orientation programme schedule will be uploaded to our website towards the end of August and is mandatory for all exchange students.

What happens if I fail a module at SETU?

If you are unsuccessful in passing a module you can apply to re-sit if your module was assessed by exam, or apply to re-submit your work if it was a continuous assessment module. Please note that you will not be allowed to re-sit examinations in your home University. You must return to SETU to re-sit your repeat exam, this is SETU policy. In SETU, repeat exam take place in August.

Can you help with booking off-campus accommodation?

The SETU studentpad lets students search for rooms, houses, apartments and digs in close proximity to our campuses. SETU student pad is a website dedicated to providing our students with a first class modern solution to find safe and suitable private rental sector student accommodation.

It has a host of benefits for students that will include:

• Property alerts where students who join can sign up to have alerts emailed directly to them whenever accommodation becomes available that matches what they are looking for.
• A ‘message-board’, where students may post information regarding the availability of accommodation etc. for viewing by other students.
• It is a free and easy service to use for students in their search of quality off campus accommodation.

What is the cost of living in Ireland?

*Estimated cost of living for students renting accommodation for 12 months.

**Please note additional cost: Rental providers will require an upfront deposit payment for accommodation – please check the accommodation deposit policy of the individual providers. 

Essential Coverage for Your Well-Being

As a non-EU student residing in Ireland, private medical insurance is required. It ensures your health and safety during your stay, covering you from the moment you arrive until your departure. Here are the key points:

1. Comprehensive Protection: Your private medical insurance should provide coverage for accidents, illnesses, and any necessary hospitalisation. We recommend carefully reviewing policies to ensure they meet your specific needs.
2. Choice and Responsibility: While we don’t endorse any specific provider, it’s essential that you arrange health insurance for yourself. Each student has unique requirements, so choose wisely based on your preferences and circumstances.
3. Repatriation Coverage: Make sure your policy includes repatriation coverage. This ensures that you can return to your home country if needed due to medical reasons.

Available Providers

Explore the following reputable insurance providers operating in Ireland:

• Study and Protect
• VHI 
• Irish Life Health
• Laya Healthcare
• Halligan 
• Aviva 

Further information on health insurance in Ireland, including a health insurance comparison tool, is available through the Health Insurance Authority website.

Visa Requirements

If you’re from a visa-required country, remember to submit confirmation of your medical insurance cover as part of your visa application. Additionally, you’ll need to present your policy during your legal immigration Garda appointment for your IRP (Irish Residence Permit).

Important Note

• Evidence in English: It’s your responsibility to provide evidence of medical insurance in English. Failure to do so may impact your registration with the Immigration Authorities.
• Course Dates: Ensure you enter accurate course start and completion dates. You must be covered for your entire stay in Ireland.
• Different Levels of Coverage: Be aware that there are varying levels of private health insurance available. Read your policy documents carefully and pay close attention to “waiting periods,” especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
• Duration of Cover: If your program at SETU extends beyond one year, specify this when obtaining a quote. Prices for one-year stays are often more affordable than longer programs.

Remember, your well-being matters to us. Choose wisely, stay informed, and enjoy your academic journey in Ireland!

How do I apply for a visa?

If you require a visa, please see the following website for all required information. Please note that you may not apply for a long stay study visa for Ireland until any outstanding academic conditions of your offer have been met, and a minimum of €6000 euro of your fees have been paid.

What do I do if my visa application is rejected?

All applicants for the long stay study visa for Ireland are assessed by the Department of Justice, independent of any input from SETU global. If your visa application has been rejected, we will be able to process any necessary refunds on presentation of the visa refusal letter.

Do I need to register with immigration in Ireland?

All non-EU students must apply for the Irish residences permit within 90 days of arriving in Ireland. We can provide information and assistance for this process.

How do I register with immigration?

We recommend that you read the information contained on the Irish Immigration website regarding registering your Immigration permission for the first time. This website outlines how to request an appointment, the documents required for your appointment, what to expect during the appointment and what will happen after the appointment. This process takes place after you arrive in Ireland and have completed your registration at SETU.

Does my Irish visa enable me to travel within Europe?

Ireland is not in the Schengen area, and so your visa to Ireland does not provide access to other EU countries. Once you are here in Ireland studying and want to visit a country in the Schengen region, we are able to provide a letter for them to submit to the given embassy to gain a Schengen visa to travel to the given country.

Can I work whilst studying in Ireland?

Non-EU Students attending a full-time course and in possession of an IRP (stamp 2) are entitled to work part-time, please see the following website.

Non-EU Students may work 20 hours per week, except for two standardised periods:

• Summer holidays: 1st June to 30th September (4 months)
• Christmas holidays: 15th December to 15th January (1 month)

During these periods, non-EU students can work for up to 40 hours per week. These dates are fixed for all non-EU students, regardless of the actual college teaching calendar for their course. The right to work will cease automatically on expiry of a student's immigration permission.

Can I carry out a work placement as part of my course?

Some students will complete a work placement as part of their course in SETU. In this instance, students are entitled to work full time (up to 40 hours) and to receive a salary.

What is a PPS number?

All employees in Ireland have a PPS (Personal Public Service) number for tax purposes. Therefore, if you are looking for a job, you must apply for a PPS number.  Applications can be made online. Please see here for further information. You can also apply in person at the social welfare office located nearest the campus you are studying on. You will need the following documentation:

• Passport
• IRP card
• SETU Student card
• Proof of address (normally a bank statement in your name will suffice)
• Letter of support from SETU Global

Do you have an orientation programme for international students?

Yes. Our Orientation programme, which is mandatory for all new students to attend, takes place at the start of each semester. Details of the programme will be sent with your online registration invite.

Final arrangements for transfer to SETU campuses

Before term you will receive further information from our offices in relation to making the final arrangements for your transfer to your respective campus. Please keep an eye on your email inbox for this information coming in.

Can I view a timetable of the programme I am are studying?

From early September you will be able to view a timetable of programme of study.

What happens if I am not able to arrive on time?

To ensure a smooth transition and accommodate your needs, it is important to notify the global office promptly if you are unable to attend the orientation as scheduled. We will work closely with the course leader to determine if arriving late or deferring to the next intake is a viable option. Your timely communication allows us to provide appropriate guidance and support throughout the process.

What if I cannot make it to my immigration appointment?

Attendance at your immigration appointment is mandatory. We recommend scheduling your appointment in consideration of your class timetable. If you have a class scheduled during the appointment time, please inform your lecturer or tutor as they will understand the importance of your immigration obligations. It is essential to prioritise your immigration appointment to ensure compliance with the necessary procedures.

When do classes start?

The start dates for your programme will be specified in your offer letter. It's important to be aware that there will be an orientation before the commencement of regular classes, and attendance during this period is mandatory. Please make sure to plan accordingly and be present for the orientation to familiarise yourself with important information and get off to a strong start in your studies.

Will I be able to open a bank account while in Ireland?

SETU global will assist you in obtaining a letter that can be used to open a bank account. We will also provide you with detailed instructions on the process and provide information on nearby banks. Opening a bank account is an important step in settling into your new life, and we are here to support you throughout this process.