South East Technological University

South East Technological University (SETU), officially known as Ollscoil Teicneolaíochta an Oirdheiscirt in Irish, has a history that stretches back over 50 years through its predecessor institutions. Waterford Institute of Technology was established in 1970, while Institute of Technology Carlow traces its origins to 1869, both providing decades of experience in higher education, research, innovation, and stakeholder collaboration in the South East region of Ireland. Today, SETU stands as Ireland's fifth technological university and is the only university in the South East of Ireland. The university has more than 18,000 learners and employs over 2,000 staff members spread across five counties — Waterford, Carlow, Wexford, Wicklow, and Kilkenny — with campuses in Waterford, Carlow, Wexford, Rathnew, and Kilkenny. SETU was officially formed on May 1, 2022, through the merging of Waterford Institute of Technology and Institute of Technology Carlow, following years of discussions and planning.

The university is increasingly recognized for its research efforts, with over 550 research-active staff working across nine research centres, one research institute, and four Technology Gateways in areas like advanced manufacturing, health technologies, sustainability, and digital technologies. From 2016 to 2020 alone, SETU researchers attracted over €95 million in research funding from European and national agencies, state bodies, and industrial partners. SETU maintains a global perspective, welcoming students and staff from all around the world. Strong international connections offer numerous opportunities for exchange programmes, with inter-institutional agreements with more than 100 university partners across the globe. With over 3,000 graduates each year and ambitions to grow student numbers to 25,000, SETU continues to make a positive impact by promoting collaborative learning, innovative research, and active community involvement.