An applicant can make an advanced entry application into the second or subsequent year of any courses offered by SETU if they are currently completing, or have successfully completed, a minimum of one year of study at Level 6, 7 or 8 in a higher education institution or an equivalent. Those who hold a QQI FET/FETAC level 6 qualification can also use the facility to apply for a place on the second year of a relevant course.
- Internal advanced entry applications (restricted to students currently registered in SETU), open on the 1st March and close on the 31st August each year.
- External advanced entry applications, available to students not currently registered in SETU, open through www.cao.ie on the 1st November and close on the 31st July* each year. Please note that some courses may have an earlier closing date. Please pay close attention to the individual programme closing dates listed on CAO.
Advanced entry applications are assessed on the basis of certified results and submission of all relevant supporting documentation. Offers are issued subject to the availability of places and in order of merit. The following are some examples of advanced entry:
- Applicants who have partially completed a third-level programme at a higher education institution may be considered for advanced entry to a related SETU degree programme at an appropriate level.
- Applications will also be considered from applicants with extensive work experience from an area relevant to a SETU degree programme. In such cases, applicants must complete a recognition of prior learning form.
- Level 6 Higher Certificate (or equivalent) will be considered for third year of a level 7 related degree at SETU.
- Level 7 Ordinary Degree (or equivalent) will be considered for third year of a related level 8 Honours Degree at SETU.
- Applicants with FETAC Level 6 or equivalent may be considered for entry to Year 2 of a Level 6 Higher Certificate or Level 7 Ordinary Degree via the further education progression scheme.
When you apply for advanced entry to SETU, via the CAO website, you will receive instructions about the submission of any additional documentation. All additional documentation is supplied directly to CAO. Please be sure to pay particular attention to specified document requirements.
NB: Documents that do not meet the CAO specified requirements will not be accepted and may result in your application being considered incomplete and/or not eligible for offer.
Yes, you can apply before you receive your end of year results. Once you receive your end of year results you must submit a certified copy to CAO. It is extremely important that you include your CAO application reference number on all documentation submitted.
It is normal to have students waiting on practice placement results. It is not possible to determine if an applicant is eligible for an offer until the official result is submitted. Offers will be issued on an ongoing basis into September, as results are submitted. Applicants must ensure to submit their official transcript of results once they have been issued. Provisional results are not accepted.
Only those applicants who apply for the following programmes must attend for interview:
Only those applicants who apply for the following programmes may be requested to present a portfolio:
- External applicants with all required documentation submitted on or before the end of July, who have been successful will be issued with an offer from the end of July onwards. The offer will be issued by CAO (round 0) and applicants should keep a close eye on the email address they have provided during their CAO application.
- Internal applications will be notified via their student e-mail address in early July.
Please be aware that some courses require a merit or higher to gain entry to the follow-on-course, it is important that you familiarise yourself with the entry requirements of the programme you are applying for.
No decision will be made on your application until you have successfully completed your examinations (no outstanding modules / credits permitted). The issue of an offer will be dependent on meeting the entry requirements and subject to the number of available places on the programme.
- Internal applicants may attend class while awaiting their examination results however if unsuccessful, must leave class immediately.
- External applicants must wait until an offer has been issued by the university and accepted by the applicant. An offer can only be issued subsequent to the applicant submitting their official results from their current HEI. Provisional results are not accepted.
If you have made an error in your application, please email [email protected] (Waterford Campuses) or [email protected] (Carlow and Wexford Campuses), using your student email account if you are a current student. Please ensure to provide your application reference number and details of the change you are requesting. Your change request will be reviewed and should we be in a position to amend your application, advanced entry admissions will apply the amendment prior to the processing of your application.
International non-EU applicants who wish to be considered for advanced entry must apply directly through the international office.
SETU recognise that standard tests are not readily available so the Duolingo English language test and the IELTS indicator will be considered. Click here to see detailed requirements.
There are many supports available to students with disabilities in SETU. To avail of supports, students are invited to register with the disability office and participate in a needs assessment. To apply for supports from the disability office please email [email protected] for the Waterford campuses, or [email protected] for the Carlow & Wexford campuses.