1. Who is eligible to apply for an ERA Fellowship – Green Hydrogen?

You are eligible to apply for a fellowship if you are a

• Master student, enrolled at a university in the participating countries (see question 2)
• PhD student, enrolled at a university in the participating countries (see question 2)
• PostDoc working in the field of Green Hydrogen (GH2) from universities or non-university research instutes in the participating countries (see question 2)

2. From which countries am I eligible to apply for the Fellowship?

Applicants from the following countries are eligible to apply for a fellowship: All EU member states, Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Côte d’Ivoire, Faroe Islands, Georgia, Ghana, Island, Israel, Japan, Kosovo, Mexico, Morocco, Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Northern Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Togo, Türkiye, Tunisia, Ukraine, USA, United Kingdom and Uruguay.

3. Which disciplines or the research fields are funded?

Applicants from all scientific disciplines whose study or research focus is clearly related to the topic of “green hydrogen” are eligible to apply.

4. When is the deadline / next call for applications?

Master students can apply between February 17 until March 31, 202.

For international PhD and PostDocs: Applications can be submitted anytime. The fellowship can be commenced at the beginning of each month (1 July not 15 July). Please note that applications have to be submitted at least 4 months before the planned starting date.

5. I don’t have a place to study / an internship yet. Can I still apply?

Yes, you can submit your application without a letter of admission. However, it is mandatory to name at least one University (and study programme).

We highly recommend you to inform yourself about admission requirements at the university/research institute and to get in touch with your selected University as soon as possible.

The actual admission letter can be submitted later – as soon as it is available.

6. I don’t have all the required documents – can I submit my application and upload the missing documents later?

Yes, you can submit your application even though some documents are missing. Please indicate in your application which documents are missing and when you intend to submit them later.

Here you can find all information about submitting documents subsequently: https://www.meindaad.de/en/help/how-can-i-submit-attachments-to-my-application/

7. Is it possible to enroll directly in a PhD programme in Germany?

No, you have to be enrolled in a university in the ERA. A full doctorate in Germany cannot be funded through the programme.

8. How can I find a study place in Germany?

On these websites you can find more information about studying in Germany:

• https://www.myguide.de/en/
• https://www.study-in-germany.de/en/
• https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/

9. Is it possible to get funding for an internship that takes place after I have completed my studies?

If you are still enrolled in your university, then yes. The enrollment at the home university is mandatory for Master and PhD students who intend to do an internship in Germany and would like to receive funding through the GH₂ programme.

10. I have already received a scholarship from DAAD. Can I apply again for a fellowship?

Yes – in general, it is possible to apply for the ERA Fellowships – Green Hydrogen if you have benefitted from another DAAD scholarship programme in the past.

However, there are some conditions to take into consideration. Kindly contact us via Email if you have been sponsored before.

11. Proof of language skills: which language certificates are accepted?

Master students: TOEFEL, TOEIC as well as certificates from the home university are sufficient as proof of language skills. However, these should not be older than two years.

PhD students and PostDocs: An official test is not needed. The author of the invitation letter must confirm that your language skills are sufficient to pursue the research project in Germany.

1. How can I apply?

First, register for the DAAD portal at www.meinDAAD.de. Once registered, you will be able to apply for the DAAD programme “DAAD ERA Fellowships – Green Hydrogen”.

For more information, please have a look at our detailed manuals on how to submit an application.

2. Is it possible to submit my application via e-mail or mail?

No, only applications via the DAAD portal will be accepted.

3. What documents are required for my application?

• For international Master students: please find a check list here
• For international PhD studends: please find a check list here
• For international PostDocs: please find a check list here

4. In what language do I have to submit my application, and do I have to translate documents? For example, my Bachelor Degree?

All documents have to be submitted in English.

​​​1. Who will read and evaluate my application?

The applications will be evaluated by an independent and voluntary selection committee. This committee consist of German and international university teachers and scientists in the field of green hydrogen.

2. What are the main selection criteria?

The academic qualifications, the quality of research project and the potential of the applicant are the main selection criteria. More details can be found in the announcements.

1. ​​​​​​What are the working groups and do I have to choose one?

Four working groups will be formed according to the European Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA): (1) production, (2) transport/infrastructure, (3) market stimulation, (4) cross-cutting issues

These working groups give the fellows the opportunity to mutually benefit from their experiences and insights and gain valuable input from experts and DAAD alumni. They set the framework for your collaboration over the course of the programme. Different events (workshops, lectures, networking events) will be organised for and by the working group members.

Furthermore, members of the workings groups are entitled to get additional financial support for participation in conferences and trainings.

If you want to apply for a fellowship, you have to choose one of the four working groups. Please indicate in your motivation letter in which working group you would like to participate and why.

You can find detailed information here: Green Hydrogen Working Groups

2. What is the role of the fellows in the working groups?

The working groups gives you the unique opportunity to get to know other DAAD Fellows of the programme, to exchange with DAAD Alumni and Experts who are working in the field of green hydrogen already. Through the working groups you will get exclusive insights into the professional environment and will be able to get to know research institutions and employers in the field of GH2.

You as a fellow are encouraged to contribute with your own ideas, for example you can present your current research, organize workshops, pitch ideas and much more.

Process

Interested students can apply directly to the DAAD for the internship in combination with funding (scholarship).
Please enclose a letter of motivation that states your interest in both the internship and the funding for this internship.
After the application deadline (31.03.2025), the applications will be forwarded to the institutions or companies offering internships. They will select who has a chance of getting an internship and ask you for an interview if necessary.
All candidates who receive a general acceptance from the internship provider will be assessed by the GH2 selection committee. If the selection committee makes a positive decision, the candidates will receive the internship with the GH2-funding.
The earliest start date is September/October 2025. If you are interested in starting later, please feel free to apply now.
You can apply directly to the DAAD in the regular call for applications.
Of course you can also apply for the scholarship with a self-organized internship.