Dalai Lama Fellows 2027: Year-Long Leadership Fellowship for Young Change-Makers | Apply by 11 November 2026

Overview

The Dalai Lama Fellows 2027 programme is an international leadership initiative designed for young change-makers tackling local community challenges. Founded in 2010 with the inspiration of the 14th Dalai Lama, the non-sectarian programme supports individuals working across areas such as health, education, social justice, environmental protection, and cultural understanding. The fellowship aims to cultivate locally adapted solutions to global challenges by combining practical action, personal development, and a commitment to the well-being of others.

Who can apply

Candidates must be between 20 and 36 years old as of 1 April 2027 and must demonstrate fluency in both written and spoken English. Applicants need to have an active social change project or well-developed plans for one to pursue during the fellowship year, along with a strong understanding of the targeted community and issue. Having at least one year of previous experience working with the target community is a preferred qualification. Candidates must also show an interest in contemplative practices and be willing to commit approximately 12 hours per month to programme activities, excluding time spent on their individual projects.

What you get

Participants gain access to the Head, Heart, Hands online leadership curriculum throughout the fellowship year, designed to build emotional awareness, thinking skills, and practical action. Fellows receive individual and small-group coaching sessions to reflect on their leadership journeys, navigate challenges, and advance their social innovation projects. Additionally, participants join an international learning community that provides ongoing connection, collaboration, and mutual support with other change-makers worldwide.

Key dates

Applications opened on 1 October 2026 and the final deadline to apply is 11 November 2026.