Applications are open for the 2027 Dalai Lama Fellows programme, which will select approximately 15–20 changemakers from around the world for a year-long leadership development experience centred on social innovation, self-awareness and compassionate leadership.
The programme supports emerging leaders who are already working on — or have well-developed plans for — projects addressing challenges in their communities.
Rather than focusing only on conventional measures of growth and scale, Dalai Lama Fellows combines social innovation with the personal development of the individual leading that work.
What the Fellowship Offers
Beginning formally in April 2027, Fellows will participate in the programme’s Head, Heart and Hands curriculum, designed around connections to self, relationships with others, and the wider systems in which social change takes place.
Participants receive:
- A year-long online leadership curriculum
- One-to-one coaching
- Small-group and cohort learning
- Guidance in contemplative and reflective leadership practices
- A global community of social innovators
- Lifelong membership in the Dalai Lama Fellows community after completing the programme
Most fellowship activities take place remotely. The opening Contemplative Leadership Assembly in May 2027 will be held virtually.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be 20–36 years old as of April 1, 2027 and fluent in written and spoken English.
They should also:
- Be actively engaged in a social change project or have a clear and realistic plan to launch one
- Demonstrate strong knowledge of the community and issue they are addressing
- Ideally have previous experience working with that community
- Be interested in contemplative and reflective leadership practices
- Commit approximately 12 hours per month to fellowship activities, excluding time spent implementing their project
- Participate fully in coaching, online learning and group sessions
Applicants do not need to be students or founders of their projects. People who hold meaningful roles and can influence the direction and outcomes of an initiative can also apply.
Projects may address areas including health and well-being, education, environmental sustainability, social justice, cultural understanding and human rights.
Application Requirements
The application consists of:
- Applicant background and project overview
- Short essay responses
- Video submission
- Resume/CV
- Letter of recommendation
Applicants without an existing social innovation project may still apply, but they should have a well-developed plan and be prepared to launch the project within the first six months of the fellowship.
The programme does not provide funding for Fellows’ projects. Its primary support is through leadership development, coaching, curriculum and community.