Apply to 2027 Dalai Lama Fellowship

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY

DALAI LAMA FELLOWSHIP 2027

Dalai Lama Fellows is inviting applications from young change-makers around the world for its 2027 Fellowship programme.

Founded in 2010 with the inspiration and encouragement of the 14th Dalai Lama, the programme supports an international community of young leaders working to address global challenges through locally adapted solutions.

The fellowship is non-sectarian and open to people from all backgrounds.

AREAS OF FOCUS

Fellows may be working in one or more of the following areas:

1. Health and Well-being
2. Education and Youth Development
3. Social Justice
4. Environment
5. Cultural Understanding
6. Contemplation

WHAT THE FELLOWSHIP PROVIDES

1. A yearlong Head, Heart, Hands online leadership curriculum.
2. One-on-one coaching to support personal development and leadership.
3. Small-group coaching and learning opportunities.
4. A lifelong connection to the Dalai Lama Fellows global learning community.
5. Support for Fellows as they develop and advance social innovation projects.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must:

1. Be between 20 and 36 years old as of April 1, 2027.
2. Be fluent in written and spoken English.
3. Be currently engaged in a social change project or have well-developed plans for a project.
4. Demonstrate sustained commitment to the project throughout the fellowship year.
5. Have in-depth knowledge of the community and issue their project seeks to address.
6. Preferably have at least one year of previous experience working with the relevant community.
7. Demonstrate interest in learning and engaging with contemplative practices throughout the year.
8. Commit to participating fully in the programme, including online learning, individual coaching, group learning calls, and other programme activities.

TIME COMMITMENT

Full participation in the fellowship is estimated to require approximately 12 hours per month, excluding the time Fellows spend working directly on their social change projects.

IMPORTANT AI GUIDANCE

Dalai Lama Fellows emphasizes authenticity and lived experience in its application process.

The programme strongly discourages applicants from using artificial intelligence to write their application responses because it believes AI cannot reproduce an applicant’s authentic voice and lived experience.

KEY DATES

Application opens: October 1, 2026

Application closes: November 11, 2026

WHO SHOULD APPLY

This opportunity is suitable for young change-makers who are actively working to create positive social change in their communities and are committed to developing their leadership, learning from others, and strengthening the impact of their work.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested and eligible candidates should complete the online application through the official Dalai Lama Fellows application portal.

Apply for the Dalai Lama Fellowship

FOR INQUIRIES

Email: dalailamafellows@virginia.edu

APPLICATION DEADLINE

November 11, 2026