The former Institute of Technology Carlow merged with Waterford IT in 2022 to form South East Technological University (SETU), and its Carlow campus now carries on as SETU Carlow. It's known for computing, engineering, business, sport and early childhood education. Carlow is a small town about an hour from Dublin, so rent is far lower than in the capital.
Carlow, Ireland
Official website: itcarlow.ie
South East Technological University, formed in 2022
Carlow, about an hour from Dublin
Public technological university in Ireland
€11,000 – €14,000
Non-EU students, undergraduate and taught Master's
€10,000 – €13,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on itcarlow.ie before you apply.
MSc Data Science
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
MSc Cybercrime and IT Security
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
BSc Software Development
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
BEng Mechanical Engineering
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
Part of Ireland's South East Technological University.
Computing and engineering with local industry links.
A small, affordable town an hour from Dublin.
Graduates join tech, pharma and engineering firms in the south-east and Dublin.
Master's graduates can stay in Ireland for up to two years on the Stamp 1G.
Sport and childcare graduates find work locally.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
The Carlow campus has modern labs, sports facilities and student housing on the edge of town.
Carlow is a small, friendly town with low rent, and trains reach Dublin in about an hour.
Letter of acceptance from SETU
Proof of tuition fee payment
Proof of EUR 10,000 living funds
Private medical insurance
English test at required level
Passport valid twelve months beyond arrival
SETU accepts non-EU applications on a rolling basis. Apply by June for September to leave time for the visa.
Most programmes start in September.
If you're from a visa-required country, it's an Irish D study visa: offer letter, proof of fees paid, EUR 10,000 in accessible funds and medical insurance. Everyone from outside the EU then registers for an Irish Residence Permit after arriving.
Data science, cybercrime and IT security, software development and mechanical engineering are popular. Master's courses need a second-class honours degree and IELTS 6.0.
SETU offers some international scholarships. Ask the international office.
