His father was possibly from a family from Pomerania and served as a notary at Krakow. Matthew attended the University of Prague and received his masters degree in 1357.He later filled several terms in the office of dean at Prague university. 1387 he is documented as professor of theology and is described as the city preacher of Prague. He headed an embassy from his university to pope Urban VI, where he delivered a dissertation in favor of reform. He was invited and joined the University of Heidelberg and a year later he became the rector. From 1395 he aided Ruprecht II Wittelsbach.
In 1400 Ruprecht III Wittelsbach became king in Rome and this occasion started Matthew's career as statesman. King Ruprecht frequently employed him at court and as ambassador and in 1403 Matthew went to Rome to aid Pope Boniface IX. When Innocent VII was elevated to the papal seat in 1404, he was greeted by Matthew on behalf of King Ruprecht. In the same year Matthew was appointed bishop of Worms.
He continued residing in Heidelberg and continued as a professor.He declined the offered honour to become cardinal priest of St. Cyriaci. He travelled for king Ruprecht to the Council of Pisa on behalf of pope Gregory XII.
Matthew of Krakow was a very prolific writer and wrote about theological as well as then current issues.
His most important works are: