Green Hydrogen Fellowships 2025 in Germany is Now Open

Patricia Eaton2 days ago

If you’re a postdoctoral researcher passionate about sustainable energy, the ERA Green Hydrogen Fellowship by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is your gateway to cutting-edge research, global collaboration, and direct contribution to Europe’s climate neutrality vision. Backed by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), this initiative aims to build a strong international community of experts in green hydrogen — the future fuel for a climate-neutral planet.

What Is the ERA Green Hydrogen Fellowship?

This prestigious fellowship supports international postdoctoral researchers to conduct independent research or academic training in Germany in the field of Green Hydrogen (GH2). The program also integrates scholars into one of four thematic working groups that continue networking and collaborative work even after the funding period ends.

These working groups include:

Production
Transport and Infrastructure
Market Stimulation
Cross-cutting Issues (e.g., regulation, socio-economic, and legal frameworks).

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants must:

Hold a PhD (completed within the last 6 years).
Be affiliated with a university or non-university research institute.
Reside in one of the eligible countries (including all EU member states, USA, UK, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Canada, South Africa, and many others).
Not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months before applying.
Have very good English language skills (a test is not mandatory, but your host must confirm proficiency).

What Does this Green Fellowship Offer?

Fellows receive:

€2,800/month stipend.
Travel allowance based on origin country.
Health, accident, and liability insurance coverage.
Optional extras:
- Disability or chronic illness subsidies.
- Carbon offset reimbursements (Green Mobility Top-Up).
- Support to attend conferences.

Duration and Timeline

Duration: 1 to 18 months (non-extendable).
Start Date: Flexible — you can begin on the 1st of any month.
Deadline: Rolling applications — apply at least 4 months before your intended start date.
Funding runs until end of 2026.

What Kind of Projects Are Funded?

You can carry out:

A new research project.
Advanced academic training.
Collaborative work at a German university or non-university institute, with a local host agreeing to supervise your research and provide a workplace.

Working group participation is mandatory and continues beyond your funded stay in Germany.

Required Application Documents

You must submit the following in English via the DAAD portal:

Online application form.
CV (max. 3 pages).
List of publications (up to 10 pages, optional).
Motivation letter (1–3 pages) explaining goals and which working group you wish to join.
Research proposal and description of prior work (up to 10 pages).
Research schedule.
Confirmation letter from a German academic host.
Supervisor’s declaration form (on safety/ethics) Download here.
Copies of your most recent degree certificate and transcript.
Letter of recommendation from a university professor.
Additional supporting documents (e.g. certificates, internships, proof of training or volunteering).

Tip: If some documents (like your degree or admission letter) are not ready, include a statement explaining why and when they’ll be available.

Selection Criteria

The selection panel evaluates:

Academic qualifications and track record.
Relevance and quality of the proposed project.
Your active fit with a working group.
Clarity and feasibility of your timeline.
Long-term potential for contributing to global green hydrogen research.
Equal opportunity considerations.

How to Apply?

Submit your application through the DAAD application portal. Letters of recommendation can either be uploaded with your documents or directly submitted by your referee through this DAAD reference portal.