South East Technological University for Kenyan Students

🇮🇪 Waterford, Ireland · Technological University
Direct Entry Available 2 Scholarships ✓ Verified 2026-04
Founded 2022
Students 12,000+
Last updated: 2026-04 · Always verify with the official university website

South East Technological University (Technological University) is located in Waterford, Ireland. Kenyan students can apply directly to undergraduate programmes. KCSE is accepted as an O-level equivalent. Undergraduate tuition is €12,000–€16,000/year, with a minimum IELTS of 6.5. For Masters entry, a minimum GPA of 2.5/4 (2:2) and IELTS 6.5 is required, with tuition from €14,000–€15,000/year. 2 scholarships are tracked for Kenyan students, including Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES) and SETU Entry Awards.

Quick Facts — Kenyan Students
KCSE Accepted Not Accepted
Minimum GPA (Masters) 2.5 / 4
IELTS Required 6.5 overall (6 each)
Tuition Range €14,000 – €15,000/yr
Scholarships Available Yes – 2 available
Application Deadline Rolling
Processing Time 2–5 weeks

Entry Requirements by Level

Academic Requirements

Foundation Year required via SETU Foundation Programme. KCSE accepted as O-level equivalent. Campuses in Waterford and Carlow. Waterford is the larger campus.

English Language

IELTS: 6.5+ overall, 6+ per component. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.

Fees & Deadline

Annual tuition: €12,000–€16,000. Application deadline: Rolling.

Academic Requirements

Minimum GPA: 2.5/4 (2:2 UK equivalent). Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required.

English Language

IELTS: 6.5+ overall, 6+ per component. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.

Fees & Deadline

Annual tuition: €14,000–€15,000. Application deadline: Rolling. Decision time: 2–5 weeks.

Academic Requirements

Minimum GPA: 2.75/4. Master's degree required (or Bachelor's with First Class Honours for some programmes).

Specific Requirements

Research proposal required. Identify and contact a potential supervisor before applying. References from two academic supervisors.

Deadline

Rolling

Documents Required

Official academic transcript (translated & certified)
Motivation letter (500–1,000 words)
Two academic references
Valid international passport
IELTS/TOEFL score report
Financial evidence (bank statement or sponsor letter)
Research proposal (PhD applicants)

Available Scholarships

Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES)

Full tuition fee waiver + €10,000 stipend for one academic year Deadline: November–January (annual, check hea.ie)

by Irish Government (HEA) · Masters, Phd

Learn more →

SETU Entry Awards

€1,000–€4,000 for qualifying international students Deadline: Check SETU scholarships page annually

by South East Technological University · Masters

Learn more →

Frequently Asked Questions

Does South East Technological University accept KCSE?

KCSE (Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education) is accepted as a secondary school qualification for undergraduate foundation entry at SETU. For Masters admission, a recognised Kenyan Bachelor's degree with 2:2 (GPA 2.5/4.0) is required — secondary school qualifications are not relevant at Masters level.

What GPA is needed for Masters at South East Technological University?

SETU accepts a minimum GPA of 2.5/4.0 (UK 2:2) for Masters programmes. With campuses in Waterford and Carlow — both affordable Irish cities — SETU offers one of the lowest total cost-of-study options for a Masters in Ireland.

Are there scholarships for Kenyan students at South East Technological University?

Yes. SETU offers Entry Awards of €1,000–€4,000 for qualifying international students. The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES) also provides full tuition waiver plus €10,000 stipend for Masters and PhD students at SETU.

Tips for Applying to SETU

SETU represents one of the most cost-effective options for an Irish Masters degree — tuition of €14,000–€15,000/yr combined with Waterford's low living costs makes this significantly cheaper than Dublin-based programmes. The accessible 2:2 entry requirement means SETU is a realistic option for most Kenyan graduates. After graduation, the 24-month Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G) provides two years to work in Ireland, with Waterford increasingly attracting technology and pharmaceutical employers.

Official source: South East Technological University ↗

Cost of Living in Waterford

Accommodation €700 – €1,100/month

Waterford is one of Ireland's most affordable cities for students.

Food & Groceries €250 – €380/month

Transport €60 – €100/month

Estimated Total Monthly Cost €1,010 – €1,580/month