Are you working to solve a social challenge in your community and want to develop the leadership skills to create lasting change? The Dalai Lama Fellowship 2027 is inviting applications from young changemakers around the world who want to strengthen their social impact through contemplative leadership, mentoring and a global learning community. The programme plans to select 15–20 Fellows for its 2027 cohort. If you are between 20 and 36 years old and already leading a social change initiative, this could be an opportunity to take your work further.

What Does the Dalai Lama Fellowship Offer You?

Unlike conventional scholarships, this is a leadership development fellowship focused on helping you become a more thoughtful and effective social innovator. Throughout the fellowship year, you will engage with a structured curriculum, individual coaching, group learning and contemplative practices. The programme includes a leadership and learning curriculum focused on social change alongwith one-on-one coaching and group learning sessions. You will also have access to an international community of changemakers and opportunities to strengthen your existing social impact project.

The fellowship does not provide direct funding for your social change project. Fellows are encouraged to identify other funding sources, with guidance from their programme coaches.

Who Can Become a Dalai Lama Fellow? 

This global leadership fellowship 2027 is open to applicants from all countries who are between 20 and 36 years old as of April 1, 2027. You need to demonstrate fluency in written and spoken English and be actively involved in a social change project or present a well-developed plan to launch one. Applicants must understand the community and social issue their project addresses, preferably with at least one year of relevant experience. You have to show interest in contemplative practices and commit to participating in the programme.

You should also need to dedicate approximately 12 hours per month to fellowship activities, in addition to your work on the project. Attendance at the virtual Contemplative Leadership Assembly in May 2027 is required.

How to Apply for Dalai Lama Fellowship 2027?

The application has five main components: applicant background, short essay questions, a video submission, your résumé or CV, and a letter of recommendation.

Your application should communicate more than an interest in social change. Explain the problem you are addressing, your connection with the affected community, the progress of your initiative and how the fellowship could strengthen your leadership. Applicants with ongoing projects are preferred, although candidates with concrete and well-supported plans to launch initiatives may also be considered.

Submit your application through the Dalai Lama Fellows official application portal.

Key Details at a Glance

Detail	Information
Fellowship	Dalai Lama Fellowship 2027
Number of Fellows	15–20
Eligible applicants	Young changemakers worldwide
Age requirement	20–36 years
Application opens	October 1, 2026
Application deadline	November 11, 2026
Finalist interviews	January 2027
Selection results	February 2027
Fellowship begins	April 2027
Fellowship concludes	March 2028

Why You Should Apply Before the Deadline

Applications close on November 11, 2026, at 22:00 UTC. You need to submit your application and all supporting materials by this time. Shortlisted candidates will get an invitation for interviews in January 2027, with final selections announced in February.

If you are already creating positive change in your community, use this opportunity to strengthen your approach, learn from experienced coaches and connect with changemakers worldwide. Visit the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

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