SETU enters a new era as over 3,000 first year students prepare to join the university
SETU's new five-year MVB in Veterinary Medicine will welcome its first cohort of 40 students this September. Photo: Dylan Vaughan Photography.
South East Technological University (SETU) is entering a defining new phase this September, with more than 3,000 students expected to begin first year in the university in the coming weeks, including the inaugural classes in Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy.
The new five-year MVB in Veterinary Medicine and five-year integrated Master of Pharmacy courses will each welcome their first cohort of 40 students, marking a significant expansion of professional education in the south east.
Commenting on this year’s CAO places, Dr Derek O'Byrne, Vice President for Academic Affairs at SETU said, “The 2026 CAO intake demonstrates how SETU is becoming the university for the region: ambitious in scale, focused on performance and confident in its role as a catalyst for growth across the south east.
"Students will join a vibrant university community spanning Waterford, Carlow and Wexford, with access to expert teaching, and modern learning environments, providing a strong foundation for their professional career."
“The arrival of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy at SETU represents a major step forward for higher education in the region. These new programmes further strengthen our portfolio of professional accredited degrees, complementing established offerings in Law, Engineering, Business Architecture and Psychology.
As we prepare to welcome more than 3,000 new first year students, this growth reflects the confidence that students, families and partners place in SETU,” Dr O’Byrne added.
Students who are still considering their options can also apply through the CAO Available Places facility, allowing them access to select programmes in Arts, Product Design, Business, Computing and Early Years Education in SETU.
“We know that students are reflecting on their choices at this point in time so we will be offering some limited Available Places in important career disciplines such as IT, Product Design, Business and our very popular General Arts degree” Dr O’Byrne added.
“We look forward to welcoming our newest students and seeing the impact they will make, both during their time at SETU and as the next generation of professionals, innovators and leaders,” Dr O’Byrne said.
Prospective students can view SETU programmes listed through CAO Available Places at cao.ietarget="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> and find course information and applicant supports at setu.ie.
