The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for structuring a semiconductor substrate. In one embodiment, a method of substrate structuring includes applying a resist layer to a substrate optionally disposed on a carrier. The resist layer is patterned using ultraviolet radiation or laser ablation. The patterned portions of the resist layer are then transferred onto the substrate by micro-blasting to form desired features in the substrate while unexposed or un-ablated portions of the resist layer shield the rest of the substrate. The substrate is then exposed to an etch process and a de-bonding process to remove the resist layer and release the carrier.