The Dalai Lama Fellows 2027 program is now accepting applications from young social innovators and changemakers around the world. The fellowship is designed for individuals who are working on meaningful social change projects and want to strengthen their leadership through contemplative practices, coaching, community learning, and personal development.

For the 2027 cohort, 15–20 changemakers will be selected from around the world. The application period is open from October 1, 2026, to November 11, 2026, with all applications and supporting materials due by 22:00 UTC on November 11, 2026.

The Dalai Lama Fellows program combines leadership development with practical social innovation. Throughout the fellowship year, participants explore how self-awareness, compassion, relationships, and systems thinking can strengthen their work in their communities.

The program is open to applicants from different educational and professional backgrounds. Applicants do not need to be students, and an interest in Buddhism is not required. The program is described as non-sectarian and inclusive, incorporating ideas and practices from diverse wisdom traditions.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Dalai Lama Fellows 2027, candidates must meet several requirements. Applicants must be 20–36 years old as of April 1, 2027 and must have fluency in written and spoken English.

Candidates should currently be involved in a social change project or have a well-developed plan for launching one during the fellowship. Preference is given to applicants who already have ongoing projects. Applicants should also have in-depth knowledge of the community and issue their project addresses, preferably with previous experience working with that community.

Selected Fellows are expected to participate actively in the program, including online learning, coaching, group learning sessions, and contemplative practices. The organization estimates that participation requires approximately 12 hours per month, excluding time spent working directly on the social innovation project.

What Does the Fellowship Offer?

The Dalai Lama Fellows experience focuses on developing leadership from the “Head, Heart, and Hands” perspective. Participants engage in readings, reflection, coaching, group learning, and practical social innovation work.

The program develops competencies related to connections with oneself, connections with others, and connections with broader ecosystems. Fellows also receive individual coaching and become part of a global community of leaders.

Projects can address areas such as health and well-being, education, environmental sustainability, cultural understanding, and human rights. The fellowship does not provide direct funding for participants’ social innovation projects, so applicants should consider other potential sources of project funding.

Application Process

The Dalai Lama Fellows application consists of five main components: applicant background and overview, short essay questions, a video submission, a resume or CV, and a letter of recommendation.

The fellowship year begins with virtual onboarding in March 2027, followed by the formal fellowship year beginning in April. The program is scheduled to conclude in March 2028, after which Fellows enter the LifeLong Fellows global leadership and learning community.

How to Apply for Dalai Lama Fellows 2027

Interested candidates should review the official eligibility requirements and prepare their application materials before the deadline. The Dalai Lama Fellows 2027 application deadline is November 11, 2026.