HSZG presents new semiconductor study programs to global player TSMC and its subsidiary ESMC.
In fall 2026, the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG) will launch the new degree programs "Mechatronics for Manufacturing" and "Semiconductor Processes and Materials Chemistry". In February 2026, the HSZG presented these courses to global player TSMC and its subsidiary ESMC.
"The Free State of Saxony is Europe's largest location for information and communication technologies and microelectronics. Every third chip produced in Europe bears the label 'Made in Saxony'," reports the Saxony Economic Development Corporation. The companies Robert Bosch GmbH, GlobalFoundries Inc, Infineon Technologies AG and, from 2025 and 2027 respectively, Jenoptik AG and TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) operate some of the most modern production facilities for microchips and semiconductors in Dresden. The Dresden-Rähnitz site is also currently Saxony's largest construction site. The joint venture ESMC - European Semiconductor Manufacturing Company - (TSMC, Bosch, Infineon, NXP Semiconductors are involved) aims to create 5,000 jobs there and to link the European and Asian sites more closely together from 2027 - for pioneering future technologies, innovation and regional and international competitiveness.
The semiconductor industry is a "pull factor" for companies, local authorities and scientific institutions alike. East Germany and the Free State of Saxony have obviously learned from the quote often attributed to Mikhail Gorbachev: "Life punishes those who arrive too late". And the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG) has reacted promptly and proactively by setting up new courses of study in the semiconductor industry and has positioned itself very well for the tailor-made training of future national and international specialists in the semiconductor industry.
Together with the district of Görlitz, international exchange formats such as the Taiwan Day 2024 and the International Business Conference 2025 have been initiated in the past. In September 2025 and January 2026, delegation trips to Asia - especially to Taiwan and other Asian countries- were organized together with the Saxon economy, science and state politics. Another asset: as part of its high-tech strategy, the university is currently developing two new, practical Bachelor's degree courses: "Semiconductor Processes and Materials Chemistry" and "Mechatronics for Manufacturing". The courses will start in fall 2026 - a fitting time to present these courses to the joint venture ESMC and its parent company, the Taiwanese semiconductor giant TSMC, in February 2026.
Networking with leading companies such as TSMC and ESMC strengthens the international visibility of Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences and provides valuable impetus for our teaching and research. With the new Mechatronics for Manufacturing and Semiconductor Processes and Materials Chemistry degree programs, we are making a concrete contribution to securing skilled workers in a key industry and positioning the HSZG for the future in teaching, research and transfer. For the region and beyond.
”The "Mechatronics for Manufacturing " degree program focuses on the networked and digital manufacturing of tomorrow. Other key points: a) training the next generation of engineers in the fields of robotics, mechatronics and digital manufacturing in semiconductor production, b) developing specialists who combine technology, practical experience and internationality, c) enabling students to develop innovative mechatronic systems and robotic solutions, d) building an international network of expertise by closely interlinking academic training and practical experience and - last but not least - e) providing companies with access to highly qualified young talent and innovative ideas.
A special feature of "Mechatronics for Manufacturing" is its binational structure and cooperation with the Technical University of Liberec (TUL) in the Czech Republic. Students can obtain a double degree from both universities. Zittau is the place of study for the first three semesters - the language of instruction is German. In the fourth and fifth semesters, students change location and study in English. This international focus strengthens language skills and prepares future graduates for jobs in global companies.
"The semiconductor industry is considered a key sector in the digital transformation and is represented in Silicon Saxony by numerous semiconductor companies and their suppliers. For the HSZG, the cooperation with leading semiconductor companies at the start of the 'Mechatronics for Manufacturing' degree program opens up access to state-of-the-art technology and establishes the university as a relevant partner in a global market of the future. The exchange of information enables the HSZG to sharpen the semiconductor-specific course content and adapt it to the technical needs of the semiconductor industry," says Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Kästner, university lecturer and course director in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the HSZG, summarizing the characteristics of the course.
The "Semiconductor Processes and Materials Chemistry" degree program combines basic scientific knowledge and skills with specific skills required in the semiconductor industry. In addition to the basics, specific knowledge of semiconductor processes is taught in modules that cover both the chemical-physical processes of semiconductor production and logistical control processes. The degree course is aimed at anyone who combines an interest in science with a desire for technical design. Students actively contribute to the development of energy-efficient technologies and help shape the digital transformation. The close integration of theory and practice creates a solid basis for challenging activities in a dynamic environment. The course combines three central areas of expertise: a) Materials chemistry and materials: structure, bonding and surface properties of materials, b) Semiconductor process technology: coating, structuring, etching processes and characterization methods and c) Production and quality management: process control, sensor technology, data science and lean approaches.
"The aim of the degree program is to train specialists for the chemical/physical process landscape and logistical control processes in semiconductor production. The first three semesters of the foundation course take place at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences and teach the relevant technical basics. The course is designed in such a way that future graduates can write their thesis in German or English. Prior to this, students have the opportunity to gain important practical insights into semiconductor production directly in the company from the fourth semester onwards," says Prof. Dr. Gerd Fischer from the Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences at the HSZG and course director of the upcoming course in "Semiconductor Processes and Materials Chemistry".
"Both degree programs, Mechatronics for Manufacturing and Semiconductor Processes and Materials Chemistry, are very compatible with TSMC/ESMC's strategic goals. They address key skill areas that are essential for building and maintaining a highly skilled semiconductor workforce in Europe. We see great potential for collaboration with the HSZG in developing practice-oriented talent pipelines that are aligned with industry needs," says Constantin Diederichs, Human Resources Project Manager, Talent Acquisition and University Relations at TSMC.
And in the future! - "Another dialog meeting between the HSZG and TSMC/ESMC is being planned in the near future. Furthermore, an information event will be held in the coming months specifically with the companies TSMC and ESMC for students and pupils to highlight career opportunities in the semiconductor industry. TSMC/ESMC will also use university events such as the University Information Day and the 'Open University Day' to introduce themselves. In the long term, HSZG and TSMC/ESMC want to examine the potential of a Master's degree course, which will be offered to students as a further qualification option," says Prof. Dr.-Ing.
Text: Frank Leberecht
Photos: HSZG
