Applications are OPEN for the 2027 Dalai Lama Fellows program, which is seeking 15–20 changemakers from around the world. The application period runs from October 1, 2026 to November 11, 2026. Applicants must be 20–36 years old as of April 1, 2027, demonstrate current engagement with or well-articulated plans for a social change project, have in-depth knowledge of the community and issue their project addresses, and be interested in learning and engaging in contemplative practices throughout the year.
The Dalai Lama Fellows 2027 program is designed for young changemakers and social innovators working on projects addressing issues such as health and well-being, education, environmental sustainability, cultural understanding, and human rights. Fellows participate in a year-long curriculum, coaching, group learning and contemplative practices while continuing to develop their social innovation projects.
Application Period: October 1, 2026 – November 11, 2026
Application Deadline: November 11, 2026 at 22:00 Coordinated Universal Time
Age Requirement: 20–36 years old as of April 1, 2027
Number of Fellows: 15–20 changemakers
Fellowship Year: April 2027 – March 2028
2027 Dalai Lama Fellows Application
Dalai Lama Fellowship is seeking 15-20 changemakers from around the world for the 2027 Dalai Lama Fellows program. The application period is from October 1, 2026 to November 11, 2026.
Key Dates
- October 1, 2026: Application opens
- November 11, 2026: Application deadline (applications and all accompanying materials must be submitted by 22:00 Coordinated Universal Time)
- January 2027: Finalists are invited for interviews (invitations sent throughout the month)
- February 2027: Fellows are selected and notified
- March 2027: Virtual onboarding of new Fellows
- April 2027: Formal fellowship year begins
- May 2027: Opening Contemplative Leadership Assembly (via Zoom)
- March 2028: Formal fellowship year concludes, Fellows enter LifeLong Fellows global leadership and learning community
- June 2028: Closing Contemplative Leadership Assembly (Dalai Lama Fellowship is currently pursuing funding for an in-person Contemplative Leadership Assembly in 2028)
Eligibility Requirements
In order to fulfill the minimum requirements, through the application a candidate must demonstrate:
- Age requirements: 20-36 years old as of April 1, 2027
- Fluency in written and spoken English
- Current engagement with or well-articulated plans for a social change project and sustained engagement with the project throughout the fellowship year (NOTE: due to the difficulty of launching a social innovation project from scratch, Dalai Lama Fellowship gives preference to applicants who have ongoing projects, but each year Fellows have been selected who have a concrete vision for a project and plans to launch during the fellowship year, given they have the adequate expertise, resources, and community connections at the time of applying)
- In-depth knowledge of the community and the issue that the project is seeking to address, preferably with at least one year of previous experience working with the community
- Interest in learning and engaging in contemplative practices throughout the year
- Commitment to participating in all dimensions of the program, including online learning platform, 1-on-1 coaching calls, group learning calls, etc. (Dalai Lama Fellowship estimates full participation in the fellowship requires about 12 hours per month, not including Fellows’ work on their projects)
- Attendance at the virtual Contemplative Leadership Assembly in May 2027
WHAT THE FELLOWSHIP OFFERS
• Year-long leadership curriculum
• Individual coaching and group learning
• Contemplative leadership practices
• Global Fellows and alumni network
• Professional and personal leadership development
• Peer learning and collaboration opportunities
PROJECT FOCUS
Projects can address areas such as:
• Health and wellbeing
• Education
• Environmental sustainability
• Human rights
• Community development
• Cultural understanding
• Other interconnected social challenges
Dalai Lama Fellows 2027 Application Summary
The application for Dalai Lama Fellows consists of five main parts:
- Applicant background and overview
- Short essay questions
- Video submission
- Resume/CV
- Letter of recommendation
Method of Application
Interested and Qualified candidates should use link below to Apply.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
