Non-EU Entry Requirements

Admission is granted to SETU Carlow based on previous academic qualifications and certifications. The entry requirements below are not specific to any country – if you have a specific query about entry requirements, please email international.cw@setu.ieAs well as meeting the academic entry requirements listed below, many candidates must also meet the relevant English language entry requirement.

For more information on English Language Entry Requirements, select English Language Requirements in the sidebar

Entry Requirements - Academic

Certificate in Preparation for Higher Education (Foundation Programme)

Any candidate who has completed only 11 years of full-time education prior to applying for entry to SETU Carlow or any candidate whose High School Completion Qualification comes in at level 4 on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, must complete the Certificate in Preparation for Higher Education / Foundation Programme to qualify for year 1 entry to our Bachelor Degree programmes.

Bachelor Degree Programmes – Ordinary and Honours – Year 1 entry

Candidates for year 1 entry to our Bachelor Degree programmes must hold a high school completion certificate that comes in at level 5 on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications.  All candidates must have completed 12 years of full-time education prior to applying for entry to SETU Carlow.  All subjects on the High School Completion Certificate must be successfully passed, with good grades.  There are no specific subject requirements for most programmes – a firm grounding in relevant subjects is provided during year 1 of our Bachelor Degrees.

If there are exceptions to the above, you will receive notification following the initial review of your application by the International Office Team.

Please note that some Bachelor Degree programmes – such as Sports Management and Coaching, Industrial Design, Visual Communications and Design and Art require additional application materials – you will receive notification of this following the initial review of your application by the International Office Team

Bachelor Degree Programmes – Ordinary and Honours, Advanced Entry

SETU Carlow welcomes applications from students who have completed some studies at higher level at other institutions and who wish to transfer onto a Bachelor degree programme at SETU Carlow.

  • In order to gain advanced entry an applicant must provide certified copies of their University examination results detailing all subjects studied during their University programme. High School transcripts must also be provided in these cases.
  • The relevant Head of Department within SETU Carlow will assess all application material and if the previous study closely relates to the programme applied for at SETU, an appropriate point of entry will be offered to the candidate; year 2, year 3 or year 4.
  • An interview may be necessary to ensure the student is of an acceptable standard. Exemptions are at the total discretion of SETU Carlow.
Higher Diploma Programmes

SETU Carlow welcomes applications for Higher Diploma Programmes from candidates who are planning to apply for a Master Degree in an area of study that is not related to their Bachelor Degree.  Higher Diploma Programmes are one year ‘conversion’ programmes that allow candidates to get a level 8 qualification in a subject area that is not the same as their Bachelor but is the same as the Master Degree that they plan to apply for following the Higher Diploma.

Example: Candidate holds a level 8, Honours Bachelor Degree in Engineering and wants to complete the Master of Business Programme.  It is not possible to secure a place on the Master of Business without a level 8 qualification in Business or a Business-related subject – so this candidate can complete a Higher Diploma in Business and upon successful completion of the Higher Diploma can apply for the Master of Business.

Master Degree Programmes
  • Applicants must hold a level 8, Honours Bachelor Degree in a related subject area
  • The final mark in the Bachelor Degree should be no less than 60%
  • Relevant work experience can be considered as part of the formal application for some programmes