Applications are open for Dalai Lama Fellows 2027, a global programme for young people working on social change projects. The fellowship seeks 15 to 20 changemakers who want to grow as compassionate and responsible leaders.
The programme combines leadership learning, coaching, reflection, and practical community work. Therefore, it suits applicants who already run a social innovation project or have a clear plan to launch one.
Dalai Lama Fellows 2027 benefits
The fellowship helps participants develop both inner leadership skills and practical project skills. In addition, fellows join a long-term global community after completing the programme.
Participants can access:
- A year-long online leadership curriculum.
- One-on-one coaching calls.
- Group learning sessions.
- Small-group learning calls.
- Guidance on social innovation and community work.
- Training in self-awareness, emotional intelligence, resilience, and compassionate leadership.
- A global network of fellows and alumni.
- Continued membership in the LifeLong Fellows community.
- Opportunities to connect personal growth with social change.
However, the programme does not provide project funding. Fellows must find their own funding sources for their social innovation work.opportunitylab
For another leadership and entrepreneurship opportunity, explore the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship 2027 on OpportunityLab.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be between 20 and 36 years old on 1 April 2027.
- Speak and write English fluently.
- Have an active social change project or a well-developed plan to launch one.
- Understand the community and issue connected to the project.
- Preferably have at least one year of experience working with that community.
- Show interest in contemplative practices.
- Commit around 12 hours each month to the programme.
- Attend the virtual Contemplative Leadership Assembly in May 2027.
- Stay actively involved with the project throughout the fellowship year.
Applicants do not need to be students. They also do not need to follow Buddhism because the programme welcomes people from different backgrounds and traditions.
Dalai Lama Fellows 2027 project areas
The programme welcomes social innovation work in areas such as:
- Health and well-being.
- Education.
- Environmental sustainability.
- Human rights.
- Cultural understanding.
- Gender equality.
- Community development.
- Technology for social good.
Applicants do not need to be the founders of their projects. However, they must play a meaningful role and have enough influence to shape the project’s direction and results.
If an applicant has no active project, they must present a strong plan and launch it within the first six months of the fellowship year.
Fellowship Timeline
Important dates include:
- Application opens: 1 October 2026.
- Application deadline: 11 November 2026 at 22:00 UTC.
- Finalist interviews: January 2027.
- Fellows selected: February 2027.
- Virtual onboarding: March 2027.
- Fellowship year begins: April 2027.
- Opening leadership assembly: May 2027.
- Fellowship year ends: March 2028.
Participants will then join the LifeLong Fellows global leadership and learning community.
Dalai Lama Fellows 2027 application
The application includes:
- Applicant background information.
- Short essay questions.
- A video submission.
- A résumé or CV.
- One recommendation letter.
Before applying, prepare clear examples of your community work, leadership experience, and social change goals. Also, explain the issue your project addresses, the people it serves, and how you plan to remain engaged during the fellowship year.
