Daugavpils University (DU) has submitted a new short-cycle professional higher education study programme, “Electronics,” for licensing. Developed in close collaboration with entrepreneurs and industry experts, the programme offers students the opportunity to obtain a Level 5 professional qualification – “Electronics Specialist.”
The programme was designed to meet the growing demand in the Latgale region for highly qualified specialists in electronics and optoelectronics. It has been developed alongside high-tech companies operating within the Latgale Special Economic Zone (Latgale SEZ) – Regula Baltija, Pulsar Optics, SMD Baltic, Nexis Fibers, Ceram Optec – as well as Axon Cable, Latvijas Maiznieks, and other industry representatives who actively contributed to the curriculum and provided internship opportunities.
Objective: Competitive Specialists for the Latgale Region
The aim of the programme is to prepare competitive electronics specialists capable of working with modern technologies, designing, testing, and maintaining electronic devices, and engaging in production and innovation processes.
Studies are based on the principle of “work-based learning,” with a significant portion of the coursework delivered in a practical format within companies. This ensures students acquire real-world professional skills. Lectures and practical training will be conducted by both DU academic staff and industry professionals.
The programme spans two years (totaling 123 ECTS credit points) and covers both general education and specialised courses, including:
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Fundamentals of electronics and materials science;
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Optoelectronics and photonics;
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Microcontrollers and embedded systems;
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Programming (C++ and Python);
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Wireless communications and the Internet of Things (IoT);
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Smart electronics;
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Fundamentals of automation and control.
Students will complete two extensive internships and a qualification thesis. Partner companies will provide internship placements, and leading industry specialists will lead specialised courses to ensure graduates meet current labour market requirements.
Upon completion, graduates will be awarded a Level 5 qualification (LQF/EQF) and will have the opportunity to continue their studies in bachelor’s programmes in Latvia or abroad.
“DU Electronics’ programme is a significant step towards the technological development of the Latgale region. It will attract young talent, ensure knowledge transfer between academia and industry, and strengthen Latgale’s position in high-tech sectors,” notes Māris Bozovičs, Chairman of the DU Council.
Latgale SEZ – A Bridge Between Education and Industry
The Latgale SEZ Administration actively cooperates with regional vocational and higher education institutions to promote skill sets aligned with market needs and to ensure a long-term qualified workforce for regional companies.
Late last year, the Latgale SEZ Administration hosted a meeting between optoelectronics companies and Daugavpils University to discuss the development of this new programme. Iveta Maļina-Tabūne, Head of Administration of Latgale Planning Region and Latgale Special Economic Zone, emphasises:
“The Latgale SEZ Administration has become a cooperation platform between the educational institution and leading high-tech companies in the region, facilitating dialogue on the development of a study programme that meets labour market needs. These discussions allowed university representatives to understand employers’ expectations, while companies were able to contribute to shaping the study content, strengthening the link between education and industry.”
She adds:
“In this process, the Latgale SEZ acts as a bridge between education and business—we ensure that what is taught at the regional university corresponds to what companies actually need.”
Young People in Daugavpils Explore Latgale’s High-Tech Potential
The first activities related to the new study programme began already in March this year, when young people from Daugavpils had the opportunity, over two days, to visit leading high-tech companies in the Latgale SEZ – Pulsar Optics and Regula Baltija. During these visits, students became acquainted with production processes and world-class products that are primarily exported to markets around the globe.
The key takeaway for the participants was that these companies are not merely production facilities—they are proof that world-class products are created in Latgale.
For example, Pulsar Optics develops versatile thermal imaging devices and digital day and night vision optics used in hunting, maritime, and security industries. The company is a pioneer in civilian thermal imaging, exporting its products to more than 70 countries worldwide, with key markets in the United States and Europe. It is also one of the few manufacturers offering a full production cycle, with a portfolio of more than 200 products.
Students from Secondary Schools and Vocational Education Institutions Visit Pulsar Optics:
Meanwhile, Regula Baltija specialises in the production of equipment used for verifying the authenticity of security documents, such as identity cards, passports, banknotes, driver’s licences, and vehicle number plates. The company also develops software for operating its devices and databases of travel documents. Its products are exported to more than 140 countries worldwide.
Students from Secondary Schools and Vocational Education Institutions Visit Regula Baltija:
These activities provide young people with a better understanding of the high-tech sector in Latgale and gradually introduce them to internship opportunities that will be offered within the new “Electronics” study programme at Daugavpils University, where strong emphasis will be placed on practical skills and cooperation with industry.
Following successful licensing, Daugavpils University plans to launch student admissions for this programme. Additional information will be published on the university’s website: www.du.lv.
Additional Information
Latgale SEZ Administration
Phone: +371 29957750
Email: lsez@lpr.gov.lv
