Dalai Lama Fellowship Program 2027
About the Organization:
The Dalai Lama Fellows Program is a highly selective international leadership fellowship for young changemakers leading or launching social innovation and social change projects worldwide. The program develops leaders who combine inner transformation with real-world action, supporting projects in areas such as education, health, sustainability, human rights, and community development.
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Dalai Lama Fellowship Program 2027
Program Overview:
Program Name: Dalai Lama Fellows Program
Host Organization: Dalai Lama Fellows
Fellowship Type: Leadership & Social Innovation
Duration: 1 year
Mode: Hybrid (virtual learning + in-person assembly)
Number of Fellows: 15–20 annually
Location: Worldwide
Fellowship concludes with lifelong membership in the LifeLong Fellows Global Leadership Community
Degree Level Requirement:
No specific degree required
Open to individuals with or without university enrollment
Applicants may be undergraduate students, graduate students, or professionals
Focus Areas & Social Innovation Projects:
Fellows work on projects addressing:
Health and well-being
Education and youth development
Environmental sustainability
Gender equity and inclusion
Cultural understanding and peacebuilding
Human rights and social justice
Projects may be community-based, national, or global, conducted in person or fully online.
Benefits:
Year-long leadership development curriculum
Training in self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and resilience
One-on-one professional coaching
Access to a global network of social innovators
Fully funded participation in the Contemplative Leadership Assembly (travel, accommodation, meals covered)
Lifelong access to the Dalai Lama Fellows community
Emphasis on personal transformation for sustainable social impact
Eligible Nationalities:
Open to applicants from all countries
Non-US citizens fully eligible
Eligibility Criteria:
Age: 20–36 years old (as of April 1 of the fellowship year)
Fluency in spoken and written English
Applicants must demonstrate:Active involvement in, or a well-developed plan for, a social change project
Strong knowledge of the community and issue their project addresses
At least one year of community work experience (preferred)
Commitment to contemplative and reflective practices
Willingness to dedicate approximately 12 hours per month
Availability for the in-person Contemplative Leadership Assembly
Openness to coaching, group learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration
Note: Preference is given to applicants with ongoing projects, though strong plans for new projects are considered
Application Procedure:
Applicant background and profile
Short essay responses
Video submission
Resume or CV
One letter of recommendation
All materials submitted online by the deadline
Selection Process:
Initial application review
Shortlisting of finalists
Interviews with selected candidates
Final selection based on alignment with fellowship values, depth of community engagement, leadership potential, and openness to learning and reflection
Why Apply:
Designed for emerging global leaders
Focuses on inner development and outer impact
Welcomes applicants regardless of academic or professional background
Supports long-term leadership growth