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SETU Waterford offers a broad range of academic programmes from levels 6 to 10 on the national framework of qualifications across Business, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Science and Computing.

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Discover the routes into studying at SETU Waterford for school leavers, adult learners, further education students, graduates and people who have already started studies elsewhere as well as options for those interested in online courses.

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Discover the routes into studying at SETU Waterford for school leavers, adult learners, further education students, graduates and people who have already started studies elsewhere as well as options for those interested in online courses.

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Schools

SETU Waterford offers a broad range of academic programmes from levels 6 to 10 on the national framework of qualifications across Business, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Science and Computing.

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International

The Office for International Relations co-ordinates the admission, administration and support for international students throughout the course of their studies at SETU Waterford.

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Research

SETU Waterfordis recognised as the leading research performer in the institute of technology sector with research activities that are internationally benchmarked, strategic, and economically relevant. Find out about the amazing multi disciplinary research under way

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Discover the routes into studying at SETU Waterford for school leavers, adult learners, further education students, graduates and people who have already started studies elsewhere as well as options for those interested in online courses.

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News

Uncover the research discoveries, student and staff achievements, human stories, community spirit, global links and external engagement news at SETU Waterford

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Events

From virtual events to conferences, talks, public lectures and happenings in on-campus venues SETU Waterford is a hub of activity. Stay up to date with our calendar of upcoming events.

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The SAF form for the 2023/24 academic year is now closed due to the large amount of applications received and all of the funds have been exhausted.

Should there be remaining funds available we will reopen the online application form and let students know via their student email address.

For further queries, please email [email protected] 

Eligible expenses for SAF

  • Books
  • Class materials 
  • Mandatory course expenses - Course Related Expenses Form
  • Rent
  • Heating and lighting bills
  • Food
  • Essential travel
  • In the case of student parents, childcare costs may be included
  • Medical costs

This is not an exhaustive list.

Ineligible expenses for SAF

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Repeat fees
  • Student loans
  • Store loans e.g. Littlewoods

This is not an exhaustive list.

Eligibility Reckoner

This eligibility reckoner is provided to assist you in deciding if you should apply for the Student Assistance Fund.

The eligibility reckoner provides an approximate indication of your possible eligibility for funding based on the information that you provide. This is NOT an application for funding and it is NOT an assessment of your eligibility for funding.

Frequently asked questions.

Who can apply?

Students registered on higher education courses of not less than one year in duration.

Students on courses that lead to a higher education award from level 6-10 of the NFQ are eligible to apply for the SAF.

Students on Springboard+/Human Capital Initiative courses, or who are on blended/distance learning courses, are eligible to apply for support through the SAF subject to meeting the criteria outlined above.

Students with a previous higher education qualification at the same NFQ level, or who, in the past, attended higher education without ultimately obtaining a qualification, may be considered for support on a case-by-case basis and subject to available funding.

Students who are non-EU, including UK nationals, but who are eligible for free or reduced fees in line with the criteria for the Free Fees Initiative, may be considered for the SAF subject to meeting other relevant criteria.

Who cannot apply?

Students on courses that do not lead to a higher education award are not eligible to apply for the SAF.

International/non-EU fee paying students are not eligible for funding.

International Protection Act & Ukrainian Refugees

Persons qualified for protection under Section 60 of the International Protection Act 2015 (including Ukrainian students who are currently registered as Higher Education Students, on approved courses or authorised transition arrangements in approved publicly funded institutions in Ireland) To qualify, the student must have been granted permission to reside in the State by the Minister for Justice pursuant to section 60 of the International Protection Act 2015). The student must be present, and residing at an address in the State, and attending, or intending to pursue, an approved course in the 2022-23 academic year.  

Irish Nationals who were attending a Higher Education Institution in Ukraine during the 2021/2022 academic year; and have now returned to Ireland due to the conflict, are now residing at an address in the State and enrolled on an authorised transition programme during 2022/2023.

Students who have been deemed unsuccessful in the SAF application process (who are eligible to apply for SAF funding here in SETU Waterford) have the option of (1) submitting a new SAF application or (2) appealing the original decision.

Information on submitting a new SAF Application

Unsuccessful applicants have the opportunity to submit a new SAF application. In submitting this new application please be mindful of the reason you were made unsuccessful in your original application. A new application may contain new or updated information that is relevant to your circumstances.

There is no closing date for submitting your new application, however once the fund is exhausted no further payments can be made regardless of eligibility.

You have one opportunity to submit a new application. Students must meet the criteria and provide relevant and sufficient documentation. Please make sure to follow all prompts on the application and you can visit the FAQS tab on this page.

Information on the SAF Appeals Process

You may appeal the outcome of your application on the grounds that the SAF Higher Education Authority (HEA) guidelines were not adhered to. This is the only grounds for appealing a decision of the SAF committee. 

Please find some information on the SETU Waterford SAF Assessment procedure as per the HEA guidelines below:

  • All SAF applications are assessed by 2 members of the SAF committee.
  • Following this assessment each application are deemed to be either (i) successful or (ii) unsuccessful.
  • Each application is signed by both assessors and if unsuccessful the reasons for this are included on the completed application form.
  • Students are informed via their student email of the SAF committees decision regarding their successful or unsuccessful application and are given the correct information about the next stage i.e. if successful; when they can expect payment and if unsuccessful what their options are in relation appealing the SAF committees decision or resubmitting their SAF application

Appeals Committee Information

The Appeals sub-group is comprised of:

  • The chair of the SAF Committee.
  • Two other members of the SAF committee, one of which is a sabbatical officer of the SETU Waterford Students Union.

Only committee members that have not been responsible for the original award decision will review an appeal.

Outcome of Appeals and Further Information

  • The appeals meetings take place at the end of each semester.
  • The outcome of appeals will be notified to your student email account following the appeals meeting within four weeks of the closing date for appeals.
  • The Appeals Committee’s decision is final.

 Please contact [email protected] where further information is available. 

Waterford MABS - Money and Budgeting Service

Are you looking for advice in your student finances or for budgeting advice? Waterford MABS will meet students if you request an appointment. If students would like to make an appointment in advance, you can do so by contacting Avril on 089-2205143.