CAO Admissions FAQs - South East Technological University

StartSETU Waterford Online Registration -

Details will be issued to the e-mail used on your CAO application from Wednesday, 13th of September from [email protected] This will include your SETU Waterford Student Number, Password (these are your log on details).

Please ensure you comeplete your online registration by Thursday, September 14th or before engaging in on campus orientation activity on Thursday 14th and Friday 15th. Classes for first year students will commence on Monday, September 18th.

In this section

Current Students

1. What does Eligibility Criteria mean (Leaving Certificate)?

2. What is the minimum Eligibility Criteria for Irish Leaving Certificate applicants?

In terms of the Irish Leaving Certificate, Matriculation is a minimum of 2 Higher H5 and 4 O6/H7 in the Leaving Certificate which must include Irish or English for all Level 8 programmes. A minimum of 5 O6/H7 in the Leaving Certificate which again must include Irish or English for all Level 6 and 7 programmes. In addition, there are specific subject requirements for different courses. Please see Eligibility Criteria for all details.

3. I have an exemption from the Irish language – what does this mean for admission in SETU?

In terms of the Irish Leaving Certificate, Matriculation in the Leaving Certificate must include Irish or English for all Level 8/7 and 6 programmes. The important word here is “or”. Applicants who have English at the required grade, will meet the Matriculation Requirements for SETU. In addition, there are specific subject requirements for different courses. Please see Eligibility Criteria for all details.

4. If I'm repeating my Leaving Certificate do I need to take all of the Matriculation and course Eligibility Criteria requirement subjects again?

Applicants can combine the results of Leaving Certificate examinations obtained in different years for Matriculation purposes. However, this applies to Matriculation only. It does not apply to point scores. The points score is calculated on results from one year only. Please ensure you inform the CAO about all Leaving Certificate sittings when applying. It is also extremely important to ensure that you give the correct Leaving Certificate Examination Numbers for all sittings. The CAO require this information to get your results from the State Examinations Office.

5. Do you accept Foundation Irish?

The subject Irish (Gaeilge – Bonnleaibhéal) Ordinary Alternative/Foundation Level will be accepted for Matriculation purposes on SE927, SE938 and SE919. However, points will not be awarded for this subject and it cannot be used as a substitute for the subject ‘Irish’ in courses for which ‘Irish’ is an entry requirement. Policy details here

6. Do you accept Foundation Maths?

The subject Mathematics Ordinary Alternative/Foundation Level will be accepted for Matriculation purposes on SE927, SE938 and SE919. However, points will not be awarded for this subject and it cannot be used as a substitute for the subject ‘Mathematics’ in courses for which ‘Mathematics’ is an entry requirement. Policy details here

7. What does Eligibility Criteria mean for QQI FET/FETAC?

Eligibility Criteria refers to the minimum requirements for entry to SETU, often referred to as Matriculation or Entry Requirements. Before you can be considered eligible for admission you must meet the Eligibility Criteria for your chosen courses. There are normally more eligible applicants than places available so admission is competitive and based on a points system. QQI FET/FETAC applicants for Nursing programmes – there is a quota of places reserved for applicants applying to Nursing programmes presenting specific QQI FET/FETAC awards. Please click here for further details. It is also extremely important to ensure that you put your PPS number correctly on your CAO application. The CAO require this number to get your results from the QQI FETAC Results Office.

8. Do you accept the LCVP (Leaving Cert Vocational Programme)?

The LCVP ‘subject’ will be considered as a passing subject provided the student achieves a pass grade. This will apply for entry to all programmes. It will not substitute for a specific entry requirement or an honour where one or more honours are required. Points are awarded on the basis of the classification below

Pass	28
Merit	46
Distinction	66

Policy details here

9. Do you accept the Leaving Certificate Applied programme?

The Leaving Certificate Applied Programme does not currently meet Matriculation and Entry Requirements.

10. Is there an age requirement for entry to SETU?

Yes. You must be at least 17 years of age on the first day of January in the year after initial registration. If you will not be old enough and wish to appeal this, you can do so by contacting the Registrar at [email protected] Your email should be accompanied by a letter of support from your School Principal. Your request will then be considered.

11. Is Garda Vetting required?

Garda Vetting is required on certain courses – such as Nursing or Social Care. Students on relevant courses will be informed directly by the relevant Course Leader and given the required form. The completed application is then administered through SETU Waterford and students will be notified when results have been received. This will be valid for the duration of your studies on the programme in SETU. Policy details here

1. How do I apply?

If you are from Ireland or another EU country and you wish to apply for first year of an undergraduate course in SETU, you must apply via the CAO here Non-EU applicants apply directly to the International Office in SETU

2. What is the closing date for CAO application?

The 1^st February is the first closing date for CAO applications. However, there is a discount for applying online to the CAO by 20^th January. There is a late closing date of 1^st May but this is not available for all courses or for some categories of applicant. There is a special late closing date of 22^nd July for all students currently registered in SETU Waterford or another HEI who wish to transfer to the first year of a different programme.

3. I applied to the CAO in a previous year, can I still use my old number?

No. When you apply to the CAO again, you will receive a new CAO application number for your online application for the current year.

4. I do not have my previous Leaving Certificate Exam number to enter it on my CAO online application – what do I do?

When you do obtain your previous Leaving Certificate exam number, log on to your CAO account again and click on “Modify Qualifications and Assessment Details”. Exam numbers can be added any time up until the application closing date that applies to your application. Otherwise, send an e-mail to the CAO with the correct LCE number and year of examination.

5. What is a restricted application course?

A restricted application course is one for which an applicant must apply by 1^st February. The reason for doing so is there is an additional test or assessment involved in the process. The restricted course in SETU Waterford is the BA (Hons) in Music – SE206. Some categories of applicant for example DARE and most Mature Applicants must also apply by the 1^st February. If you are considering applying for Nursing as a Mature Applicant, the 1^st February closing date applies to you. The SETU Mature Applicant Policy is available on the Admissions Policies section of our website. Please click here

6. I have put in my CAO application, but I forgot to put down a restricted course – is there anything I can do?

There is an opportunity for you to correct this. CAO has a window after 1^st February when you can correct errors or omissions, usually up to 1^st March. Any changes made during this period are deemed on time. However, we strongly recommend that you make every effort to ensure to include restricted courses on your application by February 1^st.

7. I need to change my personal details online – what do I do?

You may change your personal details (apart from your name and date of birth) by logging in to your CAO account. To change your name and/or date of birth you must make a request to CAO in writing. Once approved, it may take up to five working days to be updated by the CAO.

8. What will this year's entry points be?

Points are not confirmed until Round 1 offers issue. Applicants should put down the courses they want in their genuine order of preference and not focus solely on points as they can vary from one year to the next.

9. I'm a Leaving Certificate student who didn't apply by 1^st February; can I make a late application?

Yes. You can apply by the late closing date 1^st May. However, you cannot apply for the restricted programme SE206 BA (Hons) in Music.

10. I'm a Mature Applicant who wishes to apply for Nursing in SETU Waterford – what do I do?

Apply to the CAO by the 1^st of February.

Nursing Assessment Tests from 2021

The Public Appointments Service (PAS) are no longer administering the assessment test. Instead, mature applicants must apply directly to the NMBI to take the tests. The CAO will remind all mature applicants about the NMBI assessment test in an email after the February 1^stdeadline. For full details on the application process and the written assessment test, applicants may click here and download the latest edition of the booklet Nursing/Midwifery a Career for You.

The quota of places reserved for applicants applying for Nursing programmes is very strict. The table below sets out the number of “Mature” places currently available in WIT:

Course	Total Places	Quota For Mature Intake	Total Places Available For Mature Intake
SE915 - General	51	15%	8 (7.65)
SE914 - Psychiatric	43	35%	15 (15.05)
SE916 - Intel. Disability	25	35%	9 (8.75)

Applicants may not enter on a Change of Mind any Nursing Course Code (SE915,SE914,SE916), unless at least one such Course Code was among your choices on 1^stFebruary and you have taken the aptitude test in the year you seek admission.

Important Steps for 2023

	Action	Date	Where
Step 1	Apply to CAO	1^st February	CAO website
Step 2	Access test familiarisation booklet	15^th April	NMBI website
Step 3	Register for tests	Opens on 22^nd April – 10.00 a.m and closes 28^th April at 1.00 pm	NMBI website

11. I'm a Mature Applicant, who didn't apply by 1^st February; can I make a late application?

Yes. The CAO online application facility ordinarily re-opens on 5^th March for those wishing to make a late application. The closing date for late applications is 1^st May.

12. I am applying for a course with subject choices, how do I enter my subject choices?

Courses with subject choices include: SE600, SE501, SE900, SE902, SE700, SE400 and SE200. Applicants applying for such courses should enter the appropriate course code when applying. Applicants can then choose to enter their subject preferences later by clicking on the "Subject Choices" facility which is available in their Level 8 Course list.

13. Do I need an e-mail address?

An e-mail address is required. Most communications from the CAO and colleges are now made through e-mail. Therefore, it is very important to set up a personal e-mail account if you don’t already have one. While applicants can change their e-mail address on their CAO application at any time, SETU encourages applicants to set up an email account which will not be changed during the CAO application season because SETU (and other colleges) download updated applicant information from the CAO at designated times only throughout the application season.

14. Should I be receiving e-mails from CAO?

You should check the e-mail address on your CAO account is correct. Also check the Junk or Spam folder in your e-mail account and ensure to mark CAO or SETU e-mails as not junk or not spam. Applicants are strongly recommended to check their email account on a regular basis for important information from the CAO, SETU and from other colleges listed on your application.

15. I get "Page not found" when I click on "Apply" or "My Application" on the CAO website – what do I do?

Please try a different browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome. Your browser is not accepting the CAO's security certificate. If the problem persists, contact the CAO for assistance. There is a time limit on this page, and it can vary from browser to browser. Information should be saved at regular intervals when filling in details in this section. You may return to this section and add or modify information before the closing date on your application.

16. How do I cancel a CAO application?

Before deciding to cancel a CAO application, we strongly recommend that you ensure to read and understand the process fully before sending your request to the CAO. A Cancellation Form can be accessed from the CAO website here

1. When can I use the Change of Mind facility?

The CAO change of mind facility opens in May and closes at 5.15 pm on 1^st July. Check the CAO website for exact details.

2. I am a School-Leaver, can I add SETU courses using Change of Mind?

Yes. However, you must apply to the CAO by the 1^st February for our restricted application course. The reason for doing so is there is an additional test or assessment involved in the process. The restricted course in SETU is the BA (Hons) in Music – SE205. Some categories of applicant, for example DARE applicants, must also apply by the 1^st February.

3. I’m a Mature Applicant, can I add SETU courses using Change of Mind?

The Change of Mind facility becomes available after 1^st May and the closing date is 1^st July. For Mature Applicants, the Change of Mind Facility affords applicants an opportunity, if they wish, to change the order of preference only of their course choices. If applicants introduce a new programme to their list of choices by way of Change of Mind, they will compete for a place on that programme based on their Leaving Certificate or QQI FET/FETAC results only. They will not compete as a mature applicant. The SETU Waterford Mature Applicant Policy is available on the Admissions Policies section of our website. Please click here

4. Is there a fee for using the Change of Mind facility?

No. There is no charge for using the CAO change of mind facility from May – 1^st July.

5. How will I know if the CAO got my change of mind?

The CAO will send a statement out to all applicants with their revised choices. If an applicant doesn’t receive this statement by 7^th July, they are advised to contact the CAO immediately. Please check the statement carefully and contact the CAO if there are any errors.

1. I failed English OR I failed Irish - Will I still get an offer in SETU ?

The minimum required for English OR Irish, unless otherwise specified is O6/H7. Unless you have achieved this level in either English OR Irish you will not be eligible. Eligibility criteria for all courses in SETU Waterford is available here

2. I did not meet the required grade in Maths for my course in SETU – what options are available to me now?

The Maths Entry Exam scheme is designed to assist students who have not achieved the required grade in maths for entry into SETU. The process provides a “second chance” for students to achieve that grade by attempting a paper comparable to the leaving certificate ordinary level paper. The content of this paper will be based on the leaving certificate (ordinary level) syllabus.

Candidates who sit the examination at SETU and achieve the designated grade specific to their chosen programme of study, will be offered a place (subject to numbers) as a CAO round 4 offer. Note that offers to eligible applicants will not be made in advance of round 4 and the scheme will not provide any additional points to the total leaving certificate score.

Full details of the Maths Entry Exam are available here

3. Will I get bonus points for taking Higher Mathematics?

Yes. An additional 25 points will be awarded for a grade H6 or better in the Leaving Certificate Mathematics, where that subject is one of the six subjects being counted for points purposes.

4. Will the points go up or down this year in SETU ?

This is not possible to predict. Points will not be known until Round 1 Offers issue from the CAO. Points scores are officially published in the newspapers by the CAO.

5. I'm thinking about repeating my Leaving Certificate but I have already passed a required subject. Do I need to repeat this subject?

No, you do not need to repeat already passed subjects. Entry requirements (also referred to as “Matriculation” or “Eligibility Criteria”) can be combined over any number of years provided your points are only taken from one sitting of the Leaving Certificate. When reapplying to the CAO, ensure to supply details of all Leaving Certificate sittings.

1. Will SETU send more information about the course(s) I’m offered?

Information on all SETU programmes is available on our website http://www.wit.ie/courses Under “Information”, 2 options are available to ask questions:

a. You can email the Course Leader or Department

b. Use the “Ask a Question” facility

You can use these facilities at any time.

2. How can I tell how many points I have?

You should be able to see your points score under the course code on your notice from the CAO (online). If there is an asterisk * beside the score, this means you have been deemed ineligible as you may not have met one of the subject requirements.

3. I’m finding it difficult to understand how offers are allocated in the CAO system – can SETU help me to understand?

One process which can be a challenge to understand sometimes is how offers are allocated by the CAO on behalf of the colleges. Click here for guidance and examples on how the CAO allocates places to students.

4. There is an asterisk * beside the points for a course - what does this mean?

This means that everybody above the points listed has been offered a place but SETU was not able to offer places to everybody on the points listed at this stage. As such, random selection was used to select from the applicants who achieved that points score. SETU will not know until after the closing date for acceptance, if we will be able to offer to the rest of the applicants on those points.

5. I was offered my 1^s preference but now I'd really prefer my 2^nd -what can I do?

The CAO system operates on the basis that the highest choice on your CAO application is the one you want most. This means you will receive an offer of the course highest up on your course choices list(s) that you are deemed eligible for, if any. For example, if you receive your first preference Level 8 course in Round 1, you will not receive an offer for a lower Level 8 preference in subsequent rounds. If you receive an offer of your third preference course you may still receive an offer of your second or first preference course in a subsequent Round of Offers, but you will not receive an offer of your fourth preference course or lower. After Round 1, you can check the CAO website http://www.cao.ie for the list of courses with “Available Places”. There may be something of interest to you here. FAQ 3 above has a link to guide you also.

6. If I contact CAO Admissions in SETU after the reply date for this Round, will they be able to tell me if I will get an offer in the next Round of Offers?

The CAO Admissions Team will not know this information. This will be issued by the CAO in subsequent rounds of offers only.

7. I have an offer of a college place via CAO. If I accept this place, am I still eligible for a higher preference offer?

Yes. If you merit a higher offer in another Round, then you will be offered a place. This will happen whether you accept your current offer or not. If you wish to take up an offer issued in susequent round and this is in a different college, you must ensure that you officially deregister from SETU before completing your registration in your new college. Details on deregistration are available here.

8. If I have the points, can I still apply for a different course after Round 1?

During the CAO offer season, application can only be made to Available/Vacant Place courses which are advertised on the CAO website after Round 1. If you have an offer for SETU, it may be possible to apply for a different SETU course at the beginning of the academic year under the First Year Transfer process. Some undergraduate courses will not be open to First Year Transfer. These are referred to as “excluded” courses. Further information on the FYT process is available here.

9. I have gotten an offer in Round 1, will I get an offer in the next Round?

It is difficult to predict if there will be further offers issued in any Round subsequent to Round 1. There will be no offers in subsequent rounds if all places are filled at the end of the current Round of Offers. SETU do not hold places back for Round 2 (or any subsequent Round), as if possible all places will be filled in Round 1.

10. When does the Academic Term start for First Year students?

The academic year ordinarily begins in early September. Full details will be sent to you in good time for the commencement of the academic year. You can view the Academic Calendar here Commencement starts with StartSETU Orientation.

11. I can't attend Orientation - does it matter?

All students are advised to engage with Orientation as it is where students receive critical course information, the structure of delivery, meet lecturers, make friends in their class, and receive your academic timetable.

12. How do I defer my place?

CAO Applicants may defer their place. Please refer to the procedure for deferring a place here

13. Can I defer my place for more than one year?

Deferring your place is normally allowed for one year only. However, in exceptional cases requests may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

14. I didn't receive an offer and I think I have more points than it says in the newspaper and online – what can I do?

In these circumstances, follow the simple check list here first:

Check your results on the CAO system - are all of your results showing?
Do you meet the entry requirements for the course?
Do you have all of the subject requirements?
Are you counting more than 6 subjects?
Were offers made on that course based on random selection?

If none of the above resolves your question, use the “Contact Us” facility on the CAO website. It is best to use the “Send an e-mail from my CAO Account” option. A member of the CAO Team will respond to you in due course. You are also welcome to contact the CAO Admissions Team at [email protected] and we will do our best to help you with your question also. Please ensure you include your CAO number in the message.

15. I'm thinking of doing QQI FET/FETAC course next year instead of repeating my Leaving Certificate. Can I apply next year on that basis?

SETU welcomes applications from applicants who are presenting QQI FET/FETAC Level 5 or Level 6 awards.This scheme provides for the scoring of applicants presenting QQI FE16T/FETAC (NCVA) examination results. Before undertaking a FETAC programme of study, we recommend you refer to our QQI FET/FETAC Policy here for full details and information. We also recommend you refer to the QQI FET/FETAC Eligibility Criteria for all courses in WIT.

16. I didn’t get enough points in the Leaving Certificate to study Nursing and I don’t want to repeat my Leaving Certificate – can I do a QQI FET/FETAC course and apply next year on that basis?

Yes. However, there is a very strict quota of places reserved for applicants applying to Nursing programmes presenting specific QQI FET/FETAC awards. The table below sets out the number of “QQI FET/FETAC” places currently available in WIT:

PROGRAMME	TOTAL PLACES	QUOTA FOR QQI FET/FETAC INTAKE
SE915– General	51	4 places
SE914- Psychiatric	43	4 places
SE916– Intel. Disability	25	4 places

Before undertaking a FETAC programme of study, we recommend you refer to our QQI FET/FETAC Policy here for full details and information. We also recommend you refer to the QQI FET/FETAC Eligibility Criteria for all courses in SETU.

1. How do I accept my offer?

You can accept your offer online at http://www.cao.ie I

2. I forgot to accept my offer – what can I do?

If you haven't accepted your offer by the reply date, the offer will have lapsed. If there are evidence based extenuating circumstances (e.g. medical reasons) that prevented you from accepting your offer, you can contact the CAO Admissions Team at [email protected] outlining your circumstances. The matter will then be referred to the Registrar for decision. It is important to note however, that the place may already have been offered to somebody else in the next round and it may not be possible to accommodate you. Please ensure to include your CAO application number and course offered in your communication to the CAO Admissions Team.

3. I don't want to accept my offer - do I need to tell anyone?

No. There is no need to do anything. The offer will automatically lapse when the reply date has passed.

4. I want to cancel the offer I accepted - what do I need to do?

Please inform [email protected] as a matter of urgency quoting your CAO number. This allows the place to be offered in a subsequent Round of Offers. However, if you wish to cancel your place as you are accepting a higher CAO preference in WIT, there is no need to notify the CAO Admissions Team, the offer will be automatically be cancelled by the CAO.

5. I've already accepted my offer - can I still defer?

It is possible to defer if you have accepted your offer of a place during the first few weeks of term. You must contact SETU as a matter of urgency outlining the reasons for your application. Please refer to the procedure for deferring a place here

6. I applied for a re-check in some of my Leaving Certificate subjects. If my points go up, will I get an offer for my higher preference?

Yes. If your upgrade is successful, SETU will receive a formal notification from the CAO. The Institute will endeavour to accommodate any applicant who would have been entitled to a place had their results been correct. However, it will depend on availability of places in the course. If a place is not available to accommodate applicants this year, we will guarantee your place for entry next year.

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