South East Technological University (SETU) has published an ambitious new Global Engagement Strategic Plan, Global Minds, Global and Local Impact 2024–2028.
The plan sets out a bold vision to strengthen SETU’s position as a university of scale and influence on the world stage while delivering tangible benefits for Ireland’s South East.
It was unveiled at SETU’s Ambassadorial Reception at Walton Institute recently, in the presence of ambassadors and dignitaries from Belgium, Canada, Switzerland, China, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.
Speaking at the event, Professor Veronica Campbell, President of SETU, said: “With this strategy we are setting out a bold international vision for SETU. Our aim is to secure the University’s place among the world’s recognised institutions while ensuring that global engagement translates directly into opportunities for our students and growth for the South East. Building on more than five decades of international achievement, this plan carries that tradition forward, expanding SETU’s reach, strengthening our reputation, and ensuring the South East is firmly connected to opportunities across the world.”
The strategy’s vision is for SETU to be a globally connected university community, one where students and staff are enriched by diverse perspectives, where research links extend across continents, and where graduates are equipped to thrive in a globalised world.
Five themes guide the strategy:
Global opportunities: Attracting talented students, researchers, and staff from around the world.
Global student experience: Ensuring international students receive a first-class experience.
Global partnerships and networks: Deepening collaboration with institutions that share SETU’s values and ambition.
Internationalisation for all: Embedding global perspectives, cultural diversity, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals into every SETU programme.
Global rankings and reputation: Securing SETU’s place in leading global rankings by 2028, and expanding international accreditation.
SETU already has partnership agreements across five continents, nearly 200 Erasmus+ partners in Europe supporting over 500 student and staff mobilities each year, and a student body representing more than 120 nationalities.
The University’s global reach includes membership of EU-CONEXUS, a European alliance of nine universities focused on smart urban coastal sustainability, and major transnational education partnerships in China, where over 2,000 students are pursuing SETU awards. SETU has research collaborations with over 1,200 organisations across over 100 countries, including 15 of the world’s top ranked 20 universities, ensuring global knowledge translates into innovation and opportunity for the South East.
As the South East’s only university, SETU serves more than 18,000 students. The new strategy will expand opportunities for students in the region, whether by studying abroad, engaging with international peers at home, or benefiting from research partnerships that link the South East to the world.
Dr Patricia Mulcahy, Vice President for Global Partnerships, said the plan reflects both continuity and ambition:
“This strategy is about people, opportunity, and partnerships. It connects SETU to the wider world while ensuring those links bring lasting benefits to our students, staff, and the South East region. SETU already has a strong international profile, but our ambition is to go further; deepening global partnerships, creating new opportunities, and embedding a global outlook into every part of university life.”
