How an Indian Scholar Won the Fully Funded Amandus H. Lundqvist Scholarship to Study a Master’s in Sustainable Energy Technology at Eindhoven University of Technology

Disclaimer: This scholarship story is just the beginning, the bottom of the bottom.
There is so much more to achieve, so much left to learn, and so much more I hope to give back to society. This opportunity didn’t mark the end of a journey, but rather the start of a lifelong commitment to grow, contribute, and uplift others the way I was uplifted. What follows is a reflection, not of a destination, but of the steps taken so far on a much bigger path ahead.

My name is Aaradhya, and I come from a small town called Jalandhar in Punjab, situated in the northern part of India. I completed my Master’s degree in Sustainable Energy Technology at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) two years ago. Currently, I’m working at TNO, one of the largest and most respected research institutes in the Netherlands.

My background in engineering, combined with hands-on experience in research and a deep-rooted interest in solar and wind energy, made me a natural fit for the Sustainable Energy Technology program at TU/e. I had already worked on renewable energy projects during my undergraduate studies and even secured an internship at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, which further strengthened my technical foundation and global perspective. TU/e’s research-driven curriculum and interdisciplinary focus aligned perfectly with my academic strengths and long-term ambitions.

Now, through my work at TNO, I continue to build on this foundation by contributing to innovative solutions that address real-world energy and sustainability challenges.

Amandus H. Lundqvist Scholarship Details

In 2021, I was awarded the prestigious Amandus H. Lundqvist Scholarship by Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). This scholarship is part of the ALSP program, which is offered to outstanding international students admitted to a TU/e Master's program. I was fortunate to receive the ALSP scholarship, which provided full coverage of my tuition fees for the two-year duration of my Master's in Sustainable Energy Technology, along with an annual living allowance of €5,000. In total, the scholarship supported me with approximately €48,600, covering both academic and living expenses. This generous funding played a vital role in allowing me to pursue my studies without financial burden and focus entirely on my academic and research goals.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

Yes, in addition to the Amandus H. Lundqvist Scholarship, I was also awarded the Holland Scholarship, which provided a one-time grant of €5,000. This scholarship is offered by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science to support talented international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) pursuing their studies in the Netherlands. Receiving both the ALSP and the Holland Scholarship significantly reduced my financial burden and allowed me to fully focus on my academic and professional development during my time at TU/e.

Educational Background

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Chennai, India, where I graduated with a strong GPA of 9.08/10. During my undergraduate studies, I focused on core engineering subjects such as mechanical design, renewable energy, heating networks, and fluid mechanics. My interest in sustainable energy technologies began here, where I was involved in several technical projects and published research papers, including work on HCCI engines and welding parameter optimization. I also served as the captain of my university’s aero-design team, which deepened my technical and leadership skills.

Building on this foundation, I pursued a Master’s degree in Sustainable Energy Technology at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), completing it in 2023. The program’s interdisciplinary structure, particularly the Technology, Innovation & Society track, was a perfect fit for my passion for solar and wind energy. My thesis, conducted at TNO, focused on prospective life cycle assessment (LCA) of cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar panels using future background scenarios. This marked the beginning of my journey into environmental modeling, sustainability assessments, and circularity research, a field I have continued to grow in through my current role as an LCA specialist at TNO.

Altogether, my educational background gave me a strong technical foundation and research mindset, preparing me well for a career that bridges technology and sustainability in the energy transition.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Eindhoven University of Technology?

I began preparing for my master’s applications in September 2020, a year before I intended to start. I applied to several prestigious institutions across Europe, including TU Eindhoven, TU Delft, TU Twente, KTH Sweden, and Chalmers, and I was fortunate to receive admission offers from all of them. I also took the GRE and IELTS exams, as I was initially considering pursuing my master’s in the United States. However, I later decided to focus on Europe due to the stronger opportunities in the field of sustainability, especially in countries like the Netherlands and Sweden.

My decision was also shaped by financial considerations. I had applied for an education loan but was unable to get approval at that time because I hadn’t yet received my graduation certificate. This made it even more important for me to secure a scholarship, and receiving the ALSP scholarship from TU Eindhoven in April played a pivotal role in finalizing my decision to study there. By February, I was already convinced that I wanted to pursue my master’s in the Netherlands, but it was the scholarship that helped me choose TU Eindhoven over the others.

I prepared for the GRE and IELTS exams entirely through self-study. I purchased prep books and began preparing around four months in advance, though in hindsight, that much time isn’t necessary, especially for IELTS. English was never my strongest subject, so I made a conscious effort to practice regularly and improve my vocabulary and writing. Beyond test prep, I paid close attention to compiling strong application documents, including a well-crafted motivation letter and a complete set of academic records. The application phase was stressful, especially given the financial uncertainty, but I stayed focused on my goals and kept working toward them with clarity and determination.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Scholarship?

Applying for scholarships was one of the most important and challenging parts of my application journey, especially because I knew from the beginning that financial support would be essential for me to pursue my studies abroad. Once I had shortlisted the programs I was interested in, I carefully researched the scholarships offered by each university. For TU Eindhoven, I came across the Amandus H. Lundqvist Scholarship Program (ALSP) and the Holland Scholarship, both of which matched my academic profile and goals.

My preparation involved a combination of self-reflection, strategic planning, and document readiness. I spent time thoroughly researching TU Eindhoven, not just its academic offerings but also the type of students it supports, the research culture, and the focus areas of the scholarship. This helped me tailor my application to highlight the aspects of my background that aligned best with the university’s vision. I paid close attention to my motivation letter, making sure I communicated my passion for sustainability, my previous research experiences, and how the scholarship would empower me to focus fully on my education without financial worries.

One key aspect that helped me throughout was simply being authentic. I made sure that my application genuinely reflected who I was, my journey, my goals, and my challenges. I believe that being honest and grounded in your purpose resonates more than trying to fit into a mold. Ultimately, it was this combination of detailed research, personal clarity, and honest storytelling that helped me secure both the ALSP and the Holland Scholarship.

How Is (was) Your Experience at Eindhoven University of Technology?

My experience at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) was truly transformative, both personally and professionally. Coming from a small town in India, being part of such a diverse and research-intensive environment helped me grow in ways I hadn’t imagined. The program in Sustainable Energy Technology was rigorous and intellectually stimulating, and it gave me the technical foundation and critical thinking skills needed to work at the intersection of energy and sustainability.

What stood out most was the collaborative and open academic culture. Professors were approachable, and there was a strong emphasis on independent research and interdisciplinary learning. I had the opportunity to work on several meaningful projects related to energy systems, sustainability transitions, and life cycle assessments, which directly shaped my career path. My thesis at TNO, which began as a university-industry collaboration, eventually led to my full-time role there, something I’m extremely grateful for.

Beyond academics, TU/e provided a strong support system for international students. The scholarship support, the mentorship from faculty, and the sense of community made me feel valued and supported, especially during times of uncertainty. Overall, TU/e gave me not just a degree, but a direction, and a belief that I could meaningfully contribute to global sustainability efforts.

How Do You Rate Eindhoven University of Technology Academically and Why?

I would rate TU Eindhoven very highly academically. The curriculum is research-driven, interdisciplinary, and aligned with real-world challenges. The faculty is approachable and deeply involved in cutting-edge research, and the academic environment encourages both critical thinking and innovation, especially in sustainability and energy systems.

How Does Eindhoven University of Technology Support International Students?

TU Eindhoven offers excellent support for international students, from visa assistance and housing guidance to orientation programs and language courses. There’s a strong international

community, and both academic and mental health support services are easily accessible.

Are your classes conducted in English or Dutch?

All my classes were conducted in English. TU/e offers complete English-taught Master's programs, and the faculty and most students are very comfortable communicating in English, making it easy for international students to adapt.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out was a clear sense of purpose and alignment between my academic background, personal motivation, and the values of the institution. I had a consistent track record in sustainability-related projects and research during my undergraduate studies, including publications and an international internship at Nanyang Technological University. I also invested time in crafting a sincere and focused motivation letter that highlighted not just my achievements but also the challenges I faced, particularly the financial barriers, and how receiving the scholarship would impact my journey.

Most importantly, I think being authentic and showing a genuine passion for renewable energy and societal impact helped my application resonate with the selection committee. I wasn’t trying to portray perfection; I was honest about my goals, my limitations, and my determination to grow through the opportunities at TU/e.

As one of my favorite quotes says, “It’s not about being the best. It’s about being better than you were yesterday.” That mindset guided my preparation, and I believe it showed in my application.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were to go through the process again, I would start preparing my financial documents much earlier. At the time, I underestimated how important timely loan approvals and official graduation certificates would be for international applications. That caused a lot of last-minute stress, especially since funding was a critical factor for me. I would also apply for more scholarships beyond the university-specific ones, as every bit of support makes a difference.

Apart from that, I would remind myself to stress less and trust the process more. I now realize that being clear about your goals and staying authentic in your application goes a long way, and I would focus even more on that, without overthinking every step.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My biggest advice to anyone applying for a scholarship like ALSP is this: know why you want it, and want it badly. Scholarships like these are not just awarded based on grades or test scores; they recognize determination, clarity of purpose, and the ability to rise despite limitations.

When I applied, I didn’t have financial backing. My education loan didn’t pass, and I didn’t have my graduation certificate in hand. What I did have, though, was an unwavering belief in what I wanted to do, and a fire in me to not let anything, including money, stop me from pursuing it. I was honest in my application. I didn’t try to sound perfect. I simply explained my story, my goals, and why this scholarship wasn’t just support, it was my lifeline.

“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

That quote from The Alchemist truly defined my journey. But the universe only starts conspiring after you start showing up, day after day, for your own dream.

Do your research thoroughly. Know the program, the people, and the projects. Take time to write your motivation letter with care, let it sound like you, not what you think they want to hear. Be prepared, but don’t let imperfect English or fear of failure hold you back. I wasn’t the most fluent speaker, and I had doubts. But I gave myself permission to try, and that made all the difference.

And most importantly, believe this: if I could do it, so can you. I came from a small town in Punjab, with no connections and no backup. What got me here wasn’t privilege, it was persistence. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be authentic, committed, and ready to fight for your future.

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe.
And keep going, because your story is powerful, and your dream is worth it.