South East Technological University (SETU) is welcoming over 3,000 first-year students this September, including its inaugural class in veterinary medicine.

The five-year bachelor degree in Veterinary Medicine and the five-year integrated Master of Pharmacy will each welcome their first cohort of 40 students, marking a significant expansion of professional education in the south east.

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."

Students

Dr. O’Byrne added that the new programmes further strengthen the college’s portfolio of professional accredited degrees, with the growth reflecting “confidence that students, families and partners place in SETU”.

“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 on the Central Applications Office (CAO) website.

SETU course information and applicant supports are available on the college’s website.

CAO

Yesterday (August 26), the CAO issued 90,866 round one offers to a total of 62,166 applicants.

These offers consist of 56,618 Level 8 course offers and 34,248 Level 7/6 course offers.

A total of 26,917 (48%) of Level 8 offers are for the applicant's first preference course, with 42,989 (76%) for one of their top three preferences, according to the CAO.

A total of 29,812 (87%) Level 7/6 offers are for the applicant's first preference course, with 33,507 (98%) for one of their top three preferences.