Fees and Refunds Policy

For Lifelong Learning courses at SETU Carlow, here are the key points to note regarding fees and the refund policy:

  • Course Fees: The fees quoted are applicable for the academic year 2023/2024 and may be subject to change during the course duration. If students commence their course after the start of the term, SETU reserves the right to adjust the annual tuition fees for future years.
  • Correction of Fees: SETU Carlow has the right to correct the fee charged to a student in the event of an incorrect fee being notified due to an error, incorrect information obtained during enrolment/registration, or a change in student circumstances affecting the fee due.
  • Part-Time Course Funding: While the government or local education bodies may fund a small number of specific part-time courses, the general funding model for part-time education in Ireland is for students to self-fund. The Student Grant SUSI or Back to Education Allowance BTEA schemes do not currently fund part-time courses. SETU may offer alternative payment options, such as instalment plans, for specific courses or in cases of financial hardship.
  • Payment Methods: SETU Carlow only accepts card payments and does not accept cash payments.
  • Communication: The fees office will communicate with students via their student email address. It is important for students to regularly check this account for any updates or important information.
  • Timely Fee Payments: All student fees must be paid by a specified due date. Failure to pay outstanding fees will result in the student's access to facilities at SETU being suspended (IT, Library, and Blackboard). The student may also be denied entry to examinations and will be considered "deemed withdrawn." Final year students will not be recorded as graduates, and no complete results or academic records will be issued unless all outstanding fees are paid in full.
  • Deferral and Fee Payment: The granting of a full-year deferral can only be considered if the course fee has been paid in full.
  • Exemption Applications: Applications for exemptions from modules to be studied in the Academic Year 2023-2024 must be made by Friday, October 8th, 2023. However, it's important to note that students will still be required to pay the full course fee, even if exemptions are granted.

FAQ

How To Pay: New Students

To make payment and complete the online registration for SETU programmes, follow these steps:

  1. Access the Student Self Service Portal: Go to the following link using a web browser: https://ssb.itcarlow.ie/StudentSelfService/ssb/studentCommonDashboard.
  2. Log in: Enter your Student Email Address and Password in the provided fields to log into the Student Self Service Portal. If you haven't received or set up your student email and password, you may need to contact SETU Carlow for assistance.
  3. Complete the Online Registration Form: Once logged in, navigate to the registration section or dashboard. There, you should find an online registration form. Fill in the required information accurately and completely.
  4. Payment: Proceed to the payment section of the registration form. Select the credit or debit card payment option. Enter your card details, including the card number, expiration date, CVV code, and any other required information.
  5. Confirm and Submit: Review the information provided and ensure that all details are accurate. If everything is in order, submit the online registration form along with the payment.

Please note that the specific steps and layout of the Student Self Service Portal may vary, so it's important to carefully follow the instructions provided on the portal itself. If you encounter any difficulties or have questions during the registration and payment process, it's recommended to reach out to SETU Carlow's student support or the fees office for further assistance.

How To Pay: Returning Student
To complete the registration process and make payment for programs at SETU Carlow, follow these steps:
 
  1. Access the Student Self Service Portal: Visit the following link in your web browser: https://ssb.itcarlow.ie/StudentSelfService/ssb/studentCommonDashboard
  2. Login to the Portal: Enter your Student Email Address and Password to log into the Student Self Service Portal.
  3. Complete the Online Registration Form: Once logged in, you should be able to locate the online registration form. Fill out the required information as prompted by the form. Make sure to provide accurate and up-to-date details.
  4. Select Payment Method: When you reach the payment section, choose the credit or debit card option for online payment.
  5. Provide Card Details: Enter the necessary information related to your credit or debit card, including card number, expiration date, CVV/CVC code, and any additional details as requested.
  6. Confirm Payment: Review the information you provided and confirm the payment transaction.
  7. Wait for Confirmation: After completing the payment process, wait for a confirmation message or receipt indicating that your payment has been successfully processed.

Please note that the specific steps and details may vary slightly depending on the exact interface and process used by SETU Carlow's Student Self Service Portal. If you encounter any difficulties or have further questions, it's recommended to reach out to the university's fees office or technical support for assistance.

How To Pay: Employer Or Other Sponsorship
Where a student’s fees are being paid or partially paid by an employer or a sponsor an email needs to be submitted to the fee's office LLLFEES.cw@setu.ie, this email must originate from your employer agreeing to sponsor you. Please provide the following information:
 
  1. The amount your employer is agreeing to pay
  2. Include Student number
  3. Company Name, address and nature of business
  4. Contact Name, Title, Phone Number and email of the person responsible for paying the invoice
  5. If necessary a purchase order number to complete the payment

SETU will then invoice your employer, and the receipt will be sent to them. Students who have a recognised sponsor shall be liable for any unpaid tuition fee costs if the sponsor defaults on payment in any given teaching period.

PLEASE NOTE: When registering please select Payment Option NO

How To Pay: Partial Payment
Using your Student Email Address and Password, log into the Student Self Service Portal at: https://ssb.itcarlow.ie/StudentSelfService/ssb/studentCommonDashboard
 
Complete the online registration form, select 'Action Item' and pay fees;
 
  1. Choose 'No Payment At This Time'. 
  2. This will bring you to a part payment link
  3. Amend to the amount you wish to pay and complete payment instructions
  4. Return to your registration screen and complete registration

Please Note: Half fees need to be paid for all courses over €1000. For courses under €1000 full fees need to be paid before commencement of course. Please contact the fees team if you wish to be considered to pay in instalments outside this general scheme where financial hardship may be demonstrated or for specific programmes.

How To Pay: Discounted Fee
The regular fee for Undergraduate courses at NFQ Levels 6, 7, and 8 is €2,290. However, there is an Early Bird discount available. If you make the payment by Friday the 8 September, you will be eligible for a discount of €300. To avail of this discount, you are required to pay the discounted amount of €1,990 only. Please ensure that you pay this amount if you wish to take advantage of the Early Bird discount.
 
Please follow the steps below:
 
  1. Choose 'No Payment At This Time'. 
  2. This will bring you to a part payment link
  3. Amend to the amount you wish to pay and complete payment instructions
  4. Return to your registration screen and complete registration
How To Pay: Instalment Plans
Lifelong Learning offers structured payment plan options for programs with fees over €1000 per year. While we encourage students to pay in full during registration, we understand that it may not always be possible for everyone. If you have concerns or difficulties with your payments, it is advised to contact the fees office before your course commences. The fees office will be able to provide you with further details about the available payment plan options and assist you in finding a suitable arrangement. Rest assured that any such discussions or applications will be treated confidentially by Lifelong Learning.
 

General Fee Payment Regulations

 
In general, all fees should be paid in full before the commencement of the course. For the 2022/23 academic session, where courses fees are €2,290 per year, the following payment options apply:
 
Plan A:
Pay the full course fees of €2290 by Friday, 8 September 2023, you will be eligible for a discount of €300. This means you will only need to pay €1990 instead of the full amount.
 
Plan B: 
  • €100 to secure place
  • 50% payment by registration date of 11 September 2023
  • 50% on or before Friday 6 October 2023
Plan C: Additional cost of €40
  • 50% payment by registration
  • Balance to be completed by Friday 8 December 2023
Plan D: Additional cost of €80
  • 50% payment by registration
  • Balance to be completed by Friday 9 February 2024
Personal Payment Plan: Additional Cost of €90
  • Payment to be made in full by Friday 3 May 2024

Payment plans are not available to Springboard+ applicants, or where a course is associated with an external organisation.

Late Payment

  • Access to Blackboard
  • Access to exams
  • Access to assignments including submission
  • Access to transcripts
  • Have results withheld
  • Will be denied registration into subsequent years / courses
  • Will not be eligible for graduation

In order to reinstate access all outstanding balance must be paid in full.

How To Pay: Repeat Exams
Repeat students will be required to pay relevant examination fee when applying to sit repeat.
How To Pay: Springboard+
If you have applied for a Springboard+ or HCI Pillar 1 course you will either be liable for:
 
  1. No Fee if you are unemployed or a returner or if you are taking a NFQ level 6 course
  2. 10% Fee if you are employed and taking a NFQ level 7, 8 or 9 course
If you have no fee liability follow your registration process and select NO Payment option Fee.
 
If you have a 10% liability, your course fee will have been set at 10%, so please pay the amount set.
 
Please note: SETU refund policy is calculated on the full fee associated with the programme, it is not based on the 10% fee paid by the Springboard+ student. Therefore, if the calculated refund amount is greater than the amount paid by the student, no refund will be forthcoming.
 
How To: Get Receipts
If you pay online, a receipt will be issued to you automatically. This means that once your payment is processed successfully, you should receive a receipt for your records.
 
If you need a summary of the payments you have made, please follow the provided link here.
How To: Get A Refund
SETU has a strict policy in relation to the refund of fees. A fee refund or a percentage of same will only be given in the following circumstances.
 
  • If SETU does not run the course a full refund or offer of enrolment to another course
  • Before the course commences: if a student withdraws from the course and has submitted both the withdrawal form and refund form before the course commences, a full refund will be issued. The date on the withdrawal form receipt will be considered as the date of withdrawal for the student.
  • The course has commenced: 
    • Short courses (that consist of 36 hours of delivery or less): If a student leaves within the first two weeks of the course, they are eligible for a 70% refund. After the initial two-week period, no refund will be issued
    • Yearly courses: A percentage of the fee refund will be offered for the first 9 weeks of the course. It is important for the student to have paid the full fee in order to be eligible for a refund. The exact refund percentages can be found in the table below
  • For Springboard+ students please see Springborad+ fees policy
Week of course
Refund to Student
(based on full fee of course)
1 75%
2 60%
3 60%
4 60%
5 50%
6 40%
7 30%
8 20%
9 10%
10 0%

Additional Links

Tax Relief
It is possible for you or your sponsoring employer to claim tax relief on qualifying fees that you have paid for part time third level education courses. To obtain the most up-to-date information and details on how to claim tax relief, the attached link should direct you to the appropriate page where you can find the relevant information and guidelines.
 
 
Credit Union
If you are considering financing your education through a student loan, contacting your local credit union is a good idea. Credit unions often offer student loan programs that can help you cover the costs of your education. They may provide flexible repayment options, allowing you to pay over an extended period of time.
 
By availing of a student loan from a credit union, you may be able to take advantage of the SETU Carlow early bird offering. This can help you meet the payment deadline and secure any associated discounts or benefits. www.creditunion.ie
 
 
Student Supports
If you are have any queries in relation to the payment of fees and would like to discuss your concerns confidentially, please engage with the LLL fees team by calling us on 0599175281 / 0599175264
Miscellaneous Fees and Charges
  Amount Dates
Upon Registration €100 Prior to registration

PAC Deposit

 €500 Prior to registration
Early bird Discount €300 For fees of €2290: pay €1990 by Friday 1 September, 2023
Late Payment €40 Charge added if fees not paid in full by 6 October
Late Payment €40 Charge added if fees not paid in full by 8 December
Payment plan €90 Charge added if fees not paid in full
Repeat Exam Only €50 On Application
Repeat and attend Fee per module On Application
Additional Modules Fee per module On Application
Exam review €25 On Application