South East Technological University

South East Technological University was established on May 1, 2022, following the merger of Waterford Institute of Technology (founded in 1970) and Institute of Technology Carlow (founded in 1970). The journey toward technological university status began in 2013 when both institutions formed a strategic alliance to explore potential designation. Over nearly a decade, the two institutes collaborated on academic programs, research initiatives, and administrative functions while maintaining their individual identities. In 2021, the application for technological university status was approved by the Irish government, leading to the formal establishment of SETU in 2022. This merger created the first technological university in Ireland's South East region, fulfilling a long-standing goal of expanding higher education access in the area. SETU continues to build on the legacies of its founding institutions, emphasizing applied learning, industry engagement, and regional economic development.