CAO points increase by 2% at SETU Carlow campus
For the first time, 40 students will begin a degree in pharmacy at SETU this September.
CAO points for level 8 courses at South East Technological University, Carlow, increased on average by 2% between 2025 and 2026.
SETU offers 35 degree-level courses at its Carlow campus, and 34 level 6 and 7 courses.
The increase in points needed to attend the institution reflects the national trend: points for university course places have increased by 1.5% according to an analysis by the .
In total, 3,000 first year students are preparing to join SETU across its Waterford, Wexford and Carlow campuses; including 80 students attending its new veterinary medicine and pharmacy courses.
Dr Derek O'Byrne, vice president for academic affairs at SETU said these students will access "expert teaching, and modern learning environments", and will be joining "a vibrant university community."
Students who are still considering their options can also apply through the CAO available places facility, allowing them access to select programmes in arts, product design, business, computing and early years education in SETU. “We know that students are reflecting on their choices at this point in time so we will be offering some limited available places in important career disciplines such as IT, product design, business and our very popular general arts degree” Dr O’Byrne added.
“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 at cao.ie and find course information and applicant supports at setu.ie.
Minister for further education, James Lawless congratulated the CAO applicants that received round one offers on Wednesday.
A total of 90,866 offers of places in higher education were issued, the highest number ever issued in the first round of offers. This includes 56,618 Level 8 course offers and 34,248 Level 7/6 course offers.
The department advised applicants that this first offer must be accepted by 3pm on 1 September if they wish to secure the place.
Applicants who accept an offer may still receive an offer for a higher-preference course in a subsequent round if a place becomes available and they are eligible. Subsequent offer rounds will commence on 7 September and continue until the end of the offers season on 1 October. Further details are available on the CAO website.
