Many researchers are searching about the India–Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme right now. And honestly, it makes sense.

It’s new. It’s high-impact. And it directly connects to India’s green hydrogen future.

The programme was officially launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) on February 6, 2026. And if you’re reading this in February… the deadline is very close.

So let’s not waste time. I’ll explain everything clearly.

What is the India–Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme?

This is a specialised international fellowship designed to support India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission by training Indian researchers in the advanced hydrogen ecosystem of the Netherlands.

The Netherlands is home to Europe’s first Hydrogen Valley, and one of the key collaborating institutions in this fellowship is the University of Groningen.

The idea is simple — train Indian PhD scholars, postdocs, and faculty members in advanced hydrogen research, then bring that expertise back to India.

It’s strategic. Not just academic.

2026 Application Timeline

If you are seeing this in February 2026, the application window is currently open.

But the deadline is close.

Call Opening Date: February 6, 2026
Application Deadline: March 6, 2026 (11:59 PM IST)
Evaluation Period: Expected March–April 2026

One month window only. That’s short.

So don’t delay.

Fellowship Categories & Benefits

This programme focuses mainly on collaboration with the University of Groningen and Dutch hydrogen research ecosystem.

Here are the categories:

1. Doctoral Fellows

Target Group: Registered PhD scholars in India
Duration: 12 Months
Monthly Stipend: €1,500 + €375 top-up

2. Postdoctoral Fellows

Target Group: PhD holders (within last 4 years)
Duration: 12 Months
Monthly Stipend: €2,000

3. Faculty Fellows

Target Group: Regular Assistant / Associate Professors
Duration: Up to 12 Months
Monthly Stipend: €1,000

Additional Support

Round-trip airfare
Visa fees
Health insurance

(Primarily for Doctoral and Postdoctoral fellows.)

The “Double Degree” Opportunity

This is actually one of the most interesting parts.

The programme facilitates Joint (Double) PhD and Joint Postdoc positions between the University of Groningen and 19 partner IITs in India.

So this is not just a visit. It can lead to structured long-term collaboration.

Eligibility Criteria

Let’s keep it simple.

Must be an Indian citizen
Field of study: Engineering, Basic Science, Social Sciences, Economics, or Public Policy (related to Hydrogen sector)

The Important Part – Conditional Approval

Before applying on the DST portal, you must first get a Conditional Approval or Invitation from the University of Groningen.

Without that, your application will not move forward.

You need to email them and discuss your proposal first.

This step is mandatory.

Thesis Constraint (For Doctoral Fellows)

Your PhD thesis must be submitted at least 8 months after completing the fellowship.

So if you are about to submit soon, check timeline carefully.

Priority Research Areas

Applications should focus on real hydrogen economy challenges like:

Hydrogen Production (electrolyzers, bio-hydrogen)
Storage & Transport (liquefaction, shipping, hydrogen carriers)
Digital Twinning (simulating hydrogen networks for cost optimization)
Safety & Policy (life-cycle assessment, regulatory frameworks, port integration models)

They are looking for applied, impact-oriented research. Not just theoretical ideas.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Contact Host

Email the University of Groningen. Discuss your research idea and obtain conditional approval.

Step 2: Online Submission

Once you receive approval, apply through the DST Online Portal (e-PMS system).

Step 3: Upload All Documents

The entire process is digital. No hardcopies required.

Make sure all annexures and documents are uploaded before March 6, 2026 (11:59 PM IST).

Portal may get slow on last day. Better submit earlier.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying without conditional approval
Submitting incomplete annexures
Weak hydrogen relevance in proposal
Ignoring thesis submission rule
Waiting till final day

This is a competitive and policy-linked fellowship. Proposal quality matters a lot.

Quick FAQs

Q. Is this fully funded?
Yes, stipend plus travel, visa, and insurance support (mainly for Doctoral and Postdoc).

Q. Can final-year PhD students apply?
Yes, but thesis must be submitted at least 8 months after fellowship ends.

Q. Is it only for engineering students?
No. Social Sciences, Economics, and Public Policy related to Hydrogen are also eligible.

Q. Is conditional approval mandatory?
Yes. Without it, application will not be accepted.

India–Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme 2026 – Deadline & How to Apply