PK Krakow University of Technology Launches New Poland-Taiwan Master’s Program in Semiconductors
PK Krakow University of Technology (PK KUT) is introducing a new international second-cycle degree programme, “Semiconductor and Integrated Systems (SIS),” developed jointly with Taiwan’s Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology (STUST). The agreement was signed on 27 August 2026 in Taiwan by CUT Rector Prof. Andrzej Szarata and STUST President Prof. Nen-Fu Huang, marking Poland’s first double-degree master’s programme of its kind in semiconductors and integrated systems.e programme, “Semiconductor and Integrated Systems (SIS)”
A programme at the intersection of disciplines
The new degree programme addresses the growing shortage of highly qualified semiconductor engineers – specialists in a field that is a basis for modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, consumer electronics, automotive systems, and defense applications. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on practical competencies and proactive, business-minded approach, while students will also benefit from industry mentoring and training covering business and sustainable development. Scheduled to begin in the 2027/2028 academic year, the programme will be delivered in English by two CUT faculties: the Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology and the Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering. According to Prof. Katarzyna Matras-Postołek, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology and head of the project, the programme combines chemical engineering, automation, electronics, electrical engineering, and space technologies, bringing together theoretical foundations and industrial practice to meet strategic labor-market needs in Europe and Asia.
“We place strong emphasis on preparing students to work in the semiconductor sector, which means understanding the entire technological chain — from the material and its properties, through design, manufacturing, characterization and testing of semiconductor components, to their integration into advanced systems,” says Prof. Katarzyna Matras-Postołek.
The project coordinator from the Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Dean Prof. Maciej Sułowicz, highlighted the initiative as an important step toward internationalizing the university’s educational offer. He emphasized that the program responds to industry’s long-standing demand for skilled professionals in semiconductors and integrated systems, while also contributing to the future development of Poland’s economy and technological security across Europe.
A milestone in CUT-Taiwan cooperation
The program will span four semesters, the first two taking place at PKM KUT and the final two at STUST in Taiwan. Admissions will take place once a year, with up to 25 students accepted into each group. Each student will be guided by two academic advisors -one per university – and upon defending a joint master’s thesis, graduates will be awarded two separate diplomas. In addition to academic credentials, the double degree will provide students with hands-on experience in an international and culturally diverse environment, along with insight into standards applied in both the European and Asian semiconductor industries. Their stay in Taiwan will also allow students to establish direct contacts with local academics, researchers, and industry representatives, potentially opening up opportunities for internships and employment with Asian technology firms. Cooperation between CUT and STUST – a leading private technical university located in Tainan – began in August 2024 with the signing of an initial cooperation agreement. This was followed in October 2025 by a second agreement focused on creating a joint master’s programme. The newly signed double-degree agreement formalizes the next phase of the partnership, strengthening faculty competencies at both institutions and further advancing broader CUT-STUST collaboration.
Semiconductors on the agenda at the Economic Forum in Karpacz
Semiconductors will also be among the central topics discussed at this year’s 35th Economic Forum in Karpacz, scheduled for 8–10 September 2026, and expected to draw over 6,000 participants. This year’s agenda places particular focus on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. A panel titled “The Semiconductor Sector in the European Union – Innovation, Competencies, and Strategic Challenges” will bring together academic experts and industry leaders to discuss the shortage of highly skilled specialists, competency gaps in micro- and nanoelectronics, and challenges surrounding technology transfer between higher education institutions and industry. Moderated by Prof. Katarzyna Matras-Postołek and featuring Prof. Maciej Sułowicz as a panelist, the session will also offer an opportunity to officially present the new SIS programme.
Building a national hub for semiconductor R&D
The new programme aligns with PK Krakow University of Technology’s broader strategy to establish itself as Poland’s premier center for semiconductor research and development, providing students with both a clear competitive advantage in the global job market. The project secured nearly one million PLN in funding from the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) under the KATAMARAN programme, which supports the internationalization of Polish universities by facilitating joint academic initiatives with international partners. In the latest funding round, nine universities received support, with PK KUT standing out as the only institution funded across both of the programme’s tracks. Staff from PK KUT’s Project Support Centre assisted the faculties in preparing the grant application.
Photo credit: STUST / IRO PK KUT
Translation by: Marcin Bielowicz
