JKU Linz and FH Upper Austria are jointly training the next generation of energy systems experts

Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU) and the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria (FH Upper Austria) are jointly introducing a new English-language joint master’s program: Digital Energy Solutions (DES). The State of Upper Austria supports this initiative as a strategically important contribution to the energy transition and to strengthening innovation and economic competitiveness.

With this new program, JKU and FH Upper Austria are setting a strong signal for the future of energy supply. Climate change, global markets, digital technologies, and new regulatory frameworks are transforming energy systems worldwide at a rapid pace. At the same time, demand is growing for professionals who can combine technical expertise, energy economics, and digital skills. This unique program in Austria is positioned precisely at that intersection.

“With the Digital Energy Solutions master’s program, we offer a scientifically grounded specialization that prepares students to tackle challenges in energy policy, global markets, and sustainable transformation,” says Univ.-Prof. Dr. Stefan Koch, Rector of JKU. “JKU stands for excellence in computer science education. With Digital Energy Solutions, we are adding a unique component in Austria: economic and regulatory understanding of sustainable energy systems—always linked to practical technical solutions. Our students will acquire exactly the skills needed to develop new digital technologies and shape their market-ready and socially relevant applications.”

Bringing Digital Technologies, Energy Engineering, and Market Applications Together

FH-Prof. DI Dr. Michael Rabl MBA, President of FH Upper Austria, emphasizes: “At our Hagenberg and Wels campuses, digital technologies, energy engineering, energy trading, and real industrial applications come together seamlessly. Close integration with regional and international businesses is already evident—a needs analysis we commissioned revealed that 85% of companies struggle to find qualified energy experts, and nearly all respondents explicitly welcomed the new program.” The combination of energy technology expertise, IT skills, economic understanding, and transformation competence makes future graduates highly sought-after professionals in industry, energy markets, public administration, and research.

The State of Upper Austria also welcomes the new program as an important driver for advancing the region’s economic and research landscape. Referring to the UpperVision 2030 strategy, Markus Achleitner, State Minister for Economic Affairs and Research, highlights the crucial role of qualified professionals in expanding renewable energy, strengthening supply security, and driving industrial transformation: “The energy future needs experts who can combine technical, economic, and digital know-how. Digital Energy Solutions is exactly the kind of program that makes Upper Austria stronger—as an innovation hub, as an industrial location, and as an international center of excellence for energy and digitalization.”

Unique Multidisciplinary Approach

The project team behind the new master’s program is proud of the exceptionally close and constructive collaboration between the two institutions. Intensive coordination across institutional boundaries has resulted in a program that is as unique in its multidisciplinary approach as it is in combining a solid scientific foundation with highly application-oriented, industry-focused development work. Students will benefit from an educational environment that integrates theory, technology, and practice into a forward-looking offering.

This joint master’s program leverages the strengths of both institutions: academic depth, applied expertise, international orientation, and close ties to industry. Subject to approval by the relevant authorities, the program will be offered in English starting October 2026 and is aimed at students from Austria and abroad who want to actively shape the energy future.

Applications are now open at https://bewerbung.fh-ooe.at.

Interested candidates can learn more about the Digital Energy Solutions master’s program during the FH Upper Austria Online Study Talk on December 18, 2025 (live online) and at the Master Night on January 14, 2026 at the FH Upper Austria Hagenberg Campus, where they can ask questions directly to the program team.