The India–Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme 2026 is a prestigious international research fellowship launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, to strengthen global collaboration in clean hydrogen technologies and energy transition research. This fellowship enables Indian doctoral researchers, postdoctoral scholars, and academic faculty to conduct advanced hydrogen research in the Netherlands at the University of Groningen, one of Europe’s leading hydrogen innovation hubs. Through this programme, selected fellows will gain hands-on exposure to hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and utilization systems, while contributing to India’s long-term clean energy transition and hydrogen economy development. The fellowship supports collaborative research, skill development, and technology transfer between India and the Netherlands.

India-Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship 2026-Overview

• Host Country: Netherlands
• Host Institution: University of Groningen
• Fellowship Categories: Doctoral, Postdoctoral, Faculty
• Duration: Up to 12 Months
• Funding Agency: Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India
• Monthly Fellowship: €1500 (Doctoral), €2000 (Postdoctoral), €1000 (Faculty)
• Additional Support: €375 monthly top-up for Doctoral fellows from University of Groningen
• Application Deadline: 10 April 2026

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Available Research Fields / Areas for Fellowship in Netherlands

Applicants can propose research aligned with hydrogen technologies and energy systems, including:

• Low-carbon hydrogen production systems
• Hydrogen storage and transport technologies
• Hydrogen compression and refueling infrastructure
• Digital twins and simulation for hydrogen networks
• Fuel cells and hydrogen utilization pathways
• Hydrogen safety, standards, and testing frameworks
• Techno-economic analysis of hydrogen systems
• Life-cycle assessment (LCA) of hydrogen technologies
• Hydrogen export infrastructure and port logistics
• Hydrogen policy, regulatory, and governance frameworks
• Socio-economic impact of hydrogen deployment
• Hydrogen supply chain optimization and modeling

These research themes are designed to support India’s hydrogen mission and sustainable energy goals.

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Eligibility Criteria for Hydrogen Research Fellowship

To apply for the India–Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme, applicants must meet the following conditions:

General Requirements

• Must be an Indian citizen
• Working in fields related to engineering, energy systems, hydrogen technologies, public policy, economics, or safety engineering
• Must hold a Master’s or PhD degree depending on the fellowship category
• Experience in hydrogen or clean energy research is advantageous

Doctoral Fellowship

• Must be registered PhD scholars at an Indian university or research institute
• Must obtain conditional acceptance from the University of Groningen
• Must provide a recommendation letter from their PhD supervisor
• Expected thesis submission must be at least 8 months after fellowship completion

Postdoctoral Fellowship

• Must have obtained a PhD within the last 4 years
• Must be currently working as a postdoctoral researcher in India
• Must submit a Statement of Purpose describing research objectives
• Must have at least one publication in a reputed journal

Faculty Fellowship

• Must be a full-time Assistant or Associate Professor
• Must be engaged in teaching or research related to hydrogen technologies
• Must obtain conditional acceptance from the host institution

Applicants must also obtain a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from their Indian parent institution.

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Application Process for India-Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship

Interested applicants must follow these steps to secure the fully funding opportunity to study in Europe with Fellowships in Netherlands:

Step 1: Visit the Official call for India – Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme 2026 and review the fellowships guidelines carefully.

Click Here to Visit the India – Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship in Europe

Step 2: Contact the University of Groningen with your proposed research area. Email your research interest to:

dstfellowships.groningen@rug.nl

Step 3: Obtain a conditional acceptance letter from the University of Groningen.

Step 4: Submit your fellowship application through the DST online portal along with all required documents for European Fellowships in Netherlands.

Click Here to Apply Online for India-Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship 2026

Step 5: Email a PDF copy of your application to:

ranjith.krishnapai@gov.in

Note: Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.

Fellowship Benefits / Financial Coverage

Selected fellows will receive several financial and academic benefits.

Financial Support

• Monthly fellowship:
  • €1500 for Doctoral Fellows
  • €2000 for Postdoctoral Fellows
  • €1000 for Faculty Fellows
• Additional €375 monthly top-up for doctoral fellows from the University of Groningen
• One-time lump-sum grant for travel, visa, and relocation (doctoral/postdoctoral fellows)
• Access to research facilities and laboratories

Academic Benefits

• Joint research supervision by Indian and Dutch institutions
• Participation in advanced hydrogen research projects
• Access to international hydrogen innovation clusters
• Opportunity for joint doctoral or postdoctoral certification

The fellowship also provides access to world-class hydrogen research infrastructure in the Netherlands, including Hydrogen Valley initiatives and advanced hydrogen systems laboratories.

Apply Now-Study and Work in Europe

The India–Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme 2026 offers an outstanding opportunity for Indian researchers to gain international experience in hydrogen technologies and contribute to the development of a global clean energy ecosystem.By collaborating with world-class institutions like the University of Groningen, fellows will develop advanced skills in hydrogen systems, techno-economic analysis, and sustainable energy technologies. If you are working in hydrogen research, energy systems, or sustainability studies, this fellowship could significantly strengthen your academic profile and research impact.

Click Here to Explore Official Call for India – Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the India–Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship fully funded?

The fellowship provides a monthly stipend, travel grant, and research support, but applicants must maintain their existing salary or fellowship from their Indian institution.

Who can apply?

Indian PhD scholars, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty members working in hydrogen energy or related fields.

Where will the research take place?

All fellows will conduct research at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.

Do I need an acceptance letter first?

Yes. Applicants must obtain conditional acceptance from the University of Groningen before submitting the fellowship application.

How long is the fellowship?

The fellowship duration is up to 12 months.

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