Dalai Lama Fellows Programme 2027: International Leadership Fellowship for Young Changemakers
Applications are now open for the 2027 Dalai Lama Fellows Programme, an international leadership fellowship seeking 15–20 young changemakers from around the world who are committed to creating positive social change.
The programme supports emerging social innovators working to address challenges in areas such as health, education, environmental sustainability, cultural understanding and human rights.
Selected fellows will participate in a year-long leadership development programme focused on personal growth, compassionate leadership, social innovation and community impact.
The fellowship is open to applicants aged 20–36 from any country who are actively involved in a social change project or have a well-developed plan to launch one.
Fellowship Overview
- Programme: Dalai Lama Fellows
- Cohort: 2027
- Location: International / Virtual
- Number of Fellows: 15–20
- Eligible Countries: All countries
- Age Requirement: 20–36 years
- Programme Duration: April 2027 – March 2028
- Application Opens: 1 October 2026
- Application Deadline: 11 November 2026
- Time Commitment: Approximately 12 hours per month, excluding project work.
About the Dalai Lama Fellows Programme
The Dalai Lama Fellows Programme is an international leadership initiative designed to develop young people who are committed to making the world a better place.
The programme combines leadership education, contemplative practices, individual coaching and collaborative learning to help participants become more effective social innovators.
Its approach focuses on three dimensions of leadership: Head, Heart and Hands.
Through this approach, fellows develop self-awareness, emotional intelligence, resilience and the ability to work collaboratively with communities to address complex social challenges.
The programme is non-sectarian and welcomes applicants from different cultural, religious and professional backgrounds.
What Does the Fellowship Offer?
Selected fellows participate in a year-long leadership development experience that includes:
- A structured online leadership curriculum.
- Individual coaching sessions.
- Monthly group learning sessions.
- Quarterly small-group learning calls.
- Personal reflection and reading activities.
- Training in contemplative leadership practices.
- Membership in a global community of social innovators.
- Opportunities to connect with experienced fellows and mentors.
The programme encourages participants to integrate personal development with practical social change work.
Important: The programme does not provide direct funding for fellows’ social innovation projects. Its principal support includes curriculum, coaching and access to a global leadership community.
Fellowship Focus Areas
The programme welcomes social innovation projects addressing a range of challenges, including:
Health and Well-being: Initiatives improving access to healthcare, public health education and community well-being.
Education: Projects expanding educational opportunities and addressing inequalities in learning.
Environmental Sustainability: Innovations promoting environmental protection and sustainable communities.
Cultural Understanding: Initiatives strengthening relationships, inclusion and understanding across communities.
Human Rights: Projects addressing discrimination, inequality and barriers to social justice.
Applicants should demonstrate a strong understanding of the communities and challenges their projects seek to address.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the 2027 Dalai Lama Fellows Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Age: Must be between 20 and 36 years old as of 1 April 2027.
- Language: Must demonstrate fluency in written and spoken English.
- Social Innovation Project: Must currently be engaged in a social change project or have a well-developed plan to launch one.
- Community Knowledge: Must have in-depth knowledge of the community and the issue being addressed. At least one year of previous community experience is preferred.
- Leadership Development: Must demonstrate an interest in contemplative practices and personal development.
- Programme Commitment: Must be able to participate in all programme activities, including coaching, online learning and group sessions.
Applicants do not need to be university students. Both working professionals and individuals pursuing academic studies are welcome to apply.
Application Requirements
The application consists of five main components:
- Applicant background and personal information.
- Short essay questions.
- Video submission.
- Updated CV or resume.
- Letter of recommendation.
Applicants should use their application to demonstrate their commitment to social change, understanding of their communities and potential for personal and collective leadership development.
Fellowship Timeline
The 2027 programme follows this schedule:
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 1 October 2026 |
| Application deadline | 11 November 2026 |
| Finalist interviews | January 2027 |
| Fellow selection | February 2027 |
| Virtual onboarding | March 2027 |
| Fellowship begins | April 2027 |
| Opening leadership assembly | May 2027 |
| Fellowship concludes | March 2028 |
| Closing leadership assembly | June 2028 |
The formal fellowship year concludes in March 2028, after which fellows join the LifeLong Fellows global leadership and learning community.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should complete the online application through the official Dalai Lama Fellows website.
Before applying, ensure that you meet the age and language requirements and can demonstrate meaningful engagement with a social innovation project.
Previous applicants can log in using their existing credentials.
Application Deadline
11 November 2026 at 22:00 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
The programme is seeking 15–20 changemakers from around the world for its 2027 cohort.
Explore more international fellowships, leadership programmes, scholarships and development opportunities through ResearchJobsHub.
