Are you an international PhD student passionate about renewable energy and climate innovation? The DAAD ERA Green Hydrogen Fellowships 2025 offer a prestigious, fully funded opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research or internships in Germany focused on green hydrogen technologies. This program supports the next generation of scientific leaders as they contribute to Europe’s transition toward climate neutrality.
Funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and managed by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), this initiative aligns with Germany’s and the EU’s vision for a sustainable, hydrogen-powered future. If you're ready to take your research global and contribute to energy transformation, this fellowship is for you.
What Does the Fellowship Fund?
This program provides generous financial support and structured academic integration through two key tracks:
1. Research Fellowships:
● For conducting research at a German university or research institution.
● Duration 1 to 12 months.
● Must relate to your doctoral dissertation or broader GH₂ topics.
2. Internships:
● Self-organized internships in companies, research labs, or universities working on green hydrogen.
● Duration 2 to 6 months.
● Ideal for gaining practical insights or applying theoretical knowledge.
Note: Internships abroad exceeding 3 months may require individual review to comply with local labor laws.
Fellowship Benefits:
The DAAD ERA Fellowship for Green Hydrogen 2025 offers extensive financial coverage to support your stay in Germany:
Base Financial Support:
● Monthly stipend based on host country or city.
● Travel allowance to and from the host country.
● Health, accident, and personal liability insurance.
● Monthly research allowance of €102 (only for research stays).
Additional Benefits (Depending on Circumstances):
● Family allowance for dependents.
● Language course support to improve German or another working language.
● Local travel subsidy if essential to your project.
● Support for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses.
● Tuition fee reimbursement (for research fellows only).
● Green Mobility Bonus or carbon offset refund for air travel.
● Funding to attend a green hydrogen conference.
● These benefits ensure that international students have the financial and logistical support needed to focus fully on their research.
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Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible for the ERA Green Hydrogen Fellowship 2025, applicants must meet the following conditions:
● Be formally admitted as a PhD candidate at a German university by the time of application.
● If you are not formally admitted yet, submit proof of your dissertation topic assignment.
● Have started your doctoral studies no more than 3 years ago.
● Non-German citizens are eligible.
● Must have strong English language skills (B2 or higher); no formal test required.
● Additional language skills are needed only if the host institution uses a different working language.
Who Can Apply for the ERA Green Hydrogen Fellowship?
The DAAD ERA Green Hydrogen Fellowship 2025 is open to international PhD students who are:
● Enrolled at a German university, university of applied sciences, or non-university research institution.
● Working on any topic related to green hydrogen (GH₂).
● Interested in contributing to one of four dedicated international working groups:
1. Production – Researching clean hydrogen production methods using renewable energy.
2. Transport and Infrastructure – Developing systems for hydrogen storage, pipelines, and distribution.
3. Market Stimulation – Exploring economic models and policies to foster a hydrogen economy.
4. Cross-Cutting Issues – Analyzing legal, regulatory, and socio-economic frameworks supporting hydrogen integration.
Regardless of your specific academic background engineering, science, law, policy, or economics if your PhD work connects to green hydrogen solutions, you are eligible.
Application Documents:
Applicants must upload the following to the DAAD online portal in English (non-certified scans accepted):
● Completed online application form.
● CV in tabular format (max. 3 pages).
● Letter of motivation (max. 3 pages) explaining your goals and preferred working group.
● Detailed project proposal (5–8 pages), including current state of research, methodology, and objectives.
● Timeline/schedule of your research or internship (monthly or weekly format).
● University degree certificates and transcripts.
● Proof of admission as a PhD candidate, or confirmation of topic assignment.
● Host institution confirmation (space, supervision, or internship letter).
● Summary of your most recent thesis (1 page).
● Language certificate, if required (DAAD form or other recognized test).
● One letter of recommendation from a university professor (dated within the last 6 months).
If certain documents are not ready by the deadline upload a written explanation and submit them before your fellowship begins.
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Why Apply for the ERA Green Hydrogen Fellowship?
This fellowship is not just financial support it's a strategic career boost and an opportunity to participate in Germany’s green energy future. You will:
● Work with world-class researchers and institutions in Germany.
● Become part of global GH₂ working groups even after your funding ends.
● Expand your professional network across the EU and internationally.
● Contribute to Europe’s climate-neutral energy goals.
● Strengthen your CV with international experience in a high-growth field.
Selection Process and Criteria:
Applications are reviewed by a panel of university professors and research experts appointed by DAAD. While DAAD staff organize the process, final decisions rest with the academic committee.
1. Academic Qualifications:
● Grade point average and academic progress.
● Publications or conference presentations (if applicable).
● Language proficiency in English or host institution’s working language.
2. Quality of Research Proposal:
● Relevance and innovation of the proposed topic.
● Integration with your current doctoral research.
● Clear planning, feasibility, and realistic timelines.
● Justification for the need to conduct the research or internship abroad.
3. Applicant Potential and Motivation:
● How well your background fits the program goals.
● Potential to contribute actively to one of the working groups.
● Interpersonal skills, extracurricular engagement, and leadership traits.
4. Equal Opportunities:
Applicants can voluntarily share any information supporting equal access to this fellowship opportunity.
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Duration and Deadline:
● Fellowship duration ranges from 1 to 12 months for research and 2 to 6 months for internships.
● The program is open for participation until the end of 2026.
● You must apply at least 4 months before your planned start date.
● Fellowships begin on the 1st of any month, offering year-round flexibility.
● Extensions are not allowed.
Conclusion:
The DAAD ERA Green Hydrogen Fellowship 2025 is a unique opportunity for international PhD students looking to advance their research, gain practical experience, and join a global movement toward sustainable energy. With full financial support, integration into thematic working groups, and access to Germany’s green hydrogen ecosystem, this fellowship is your gateway to meaningful impact. Whether you're developing innovative hydrogen production systems or exploring regulatory frameworks for a green economy, this program supports your vision with funding, structure, and community. So to apply and know more visit DAAD ERA Green Hydrogen Fellowship 2025 official link here.