- Fully FundedFunding
- ~15-20 awards per yearNumber of Awards
- 1-year programDuration
- Ages 20-36 (est.)Age Requirement
- Global EligibilityNationality
- Focus on social change projectsKey Focus
At a glance
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Funding
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Rolling
Deadline
All countries
Country
Dalai Lama Fellows
Provider
The Dalai Lama Fellowship Programme is a one-year, fully funded leadership development initiative for emerging changemakers worldwide, sponsored by Dalai Lama Fellows (DLF). Established to cultivate leadership practices rooted in awareness, compassion, and integrity, the program provides a comprehensive curriculum, coaching, and group learning to help Fellows apply these principles to their social impact projects. Each year, the program aims to select between 15 and 20 Fellows who will implement an original field project addressing a local challenge, enhancing their capacities in self-awareness, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence. The interdisciplinary and deeply contemplative program supports Fellows through online learning platforms, one-on-one coaching, and group calls, requiring an estimated 12 hours per month for participation. Fellows also receive instruction in contemplative practices to foster a deeper connection to self, others, and ecosystems, enriching their ability to create positive change within their communities. The program culminates in formal fellowship conclusion in March 2028, after which Fellows join a lifelong global leadership and learning community. The fellowship strongly prefers applicants with ongoing social innovation projects but also considers those with concrete visions and plans to launch a project during the fellowship year, provided they have adequate expertise and community connections. The 2027 program invites applications from diverse backgrounds, reflecting a commitment to global changemaking. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
What's covered
- Program Curriculum — Comprehensive interdisciplinary and contemplative curriculum
- Coaching — One-on-one coaching to support personal and project development
- Group Learning — Participation in group learning calls and activities
- Contemplative Leadership Assembly — Attendance at the virtual Contemplative Leadership Assembly in May 2027, with potential for an in-person assembly in June 2028 (funding dependent)
- Online Learning Platform Access — Access to dedicated online resources and learning platforms
- Financial Support — The program is described as fully funded to the Contemplative Leadership Assembly, implying coverage for program costs and participation, though no specific monetary stipend like ~USD 1,000 is stated.
How to apply
The application process for the Dalai Lama Fellowship Programme involves submitting several components, including personal background, essay responses, a video, a resume, and a letter of recommendation.
- Access the Application Portal — Begin by accessing the official application portal for the Dalai Lama Fellowship Programme when applications open.
- Complete Applicant Background — Fill out all required sections detailing your background and an overview of your profile.
- Submit Short Essay Questions — Respond thoughtfully to the short essay questions provided as part of the application.
- Upload Video Submission — Prepare and submit a video as specified by the application guidelines.
- Provide Resume/CV and Letter of Recommendation — Attach your updated Resume/CV and ensure a letter of recommendation is submitted on your behalf.
- Submit Application by Deadline — Ensure all application materials are submitted by the stated deadline, November 11, 2026, at 22:00 Coordinated Universal Time.
Eligibility
Age20-36 years old as of April 1, 2027
Language ProficiencyFluency in written and spoken English
Project EngagementCurrent engagement with or well-articulated plans for a social change project, with sustained engagement throughout the fellowship year. Preference given to ongoing projects.
Community KnowledgeIn-depth knowledge of the community and issue the project addresses, preferably with at least one year of previous experience.
Contemplative PracticesInterest in learning and engaging in contemplative practices throughout the year.
Program ParticipationCommitment to participating in all program dimensions (online platform, coaching, group calls), requiring an estimated 12 hours per month, and attendance at virtual assemblies.
While preference is given to applicants with ongoing projects, candidates with a concrete vision and plans to launch a project during the fellowship year may be considered if they possess adequate expertise, resources, and community connections.
Eligible countries
All countries
Deadlines
Main intake2026-11-11
Selection
Selection for the Dalai Lama Fellowship Programme is based on a comprehensive review of applications, assessing candidates' alignment with eligibility requirements, the quality of their social change project proposals, and their commitment to contemplative practices. Finalists are invited for interviews in January 2027. The program seeks between 15 and 20 changemakers who demonstrate the potential to cultivate leadership rooted in awareness, compassion, and integrity, with preference given to applicants with ongoing projects.
Verified sources
- Dalai Lama Fellowship Programme 2027 for emerging changemakersopportunitiesforafricans.comofficial
About the provider
Dalai Lama Fellows (DLF) is an organization dedicated to nurturing ethical and contemplative leaders for a more compassionate world. It was founded to support emerging changemakers in developing leadership practices rooted in awareness, compassion, and integrity.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the Dalai Lama Fellowship Programme?
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The Dalai Lama Fellowship Programme is a one-year, fully funded leadership development program for emerging changemakers globally, focused on cultivating leadership practices rooted in awareness, compassion, and integrity to address local social challenges.
What does the Dalai Lama Fellowship cover?
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The fellowship covers program costs, including curriculum, coaching, group learning, access to an online platform, and participation in the virtual Contemplative Leadership Assembly. It is described as fully funded to the Assembly.
What is the value of the award?
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The program is 'fully funded' for its components and the Contemplative Leadership Assembly. Specific monetary award amounts beyond program coverage are not detailed on the official page, but all program elements are provided without cost to the Fellow.
Who is eligible for the Dalai Lama Fellowship?
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Eligible candidates are emerging changemakers aged 20-36 as of April 1, 2027, who are fluent in English. They must be engaged in or have concrete plans for a social change project and demonstrate interest in contemplative practices.
Which countries are eligible for this fellowship?
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The Dalai Lama Fellowship Programme is open to changemakers from around the world, making it globally accessible to eligible candidates from all countries.
Which study levels are eligible?
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The fellowship targets 'emerging changemakers' who are implementing social projects, rather than those pursuing specific academic degrees. Therefore, there are no specific degree level requirements for applicants.
What is the application deadline for the next cycle?
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The application deadline for the 2027 Dalai Lama Fellowship Programme is November 11, 2026, by 22:00 Coordinated Universal Time.
How do I apply for the Dalai Lama Fellowship?
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To apply, you must submit five main parts: applicant background, short essay questions, a video submission, your Resume/CV, and a letter of recommendation through the online portal.
What documents are required for the application?
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Required documents include details of your background, responses to short essay questions, a video submission, your Resume/CV, and a letter of recommendation.
How are fellows selected?
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Fellows are selected based on their application, including their project engagement, community knowledge, and commitment to the program. Finalists undergo interviews in January 2027, and 15-20 fellows are notified in February 2027.
What is the duration of the fellowship and is it renewable?
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The fellowship is a one-year program, formally beginning in April 2027 and concluding in March 2028. Upon completion, Fellows enter a lifelong global leadership and learning community, but the fellowship itself is not explicitly renewable.
Where can I confirm current details about the fellowship?
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You can confirm all current-cycle details, including eligibility, application procedures, and deadlines, by visiting the official webpage of the Dalai Lama Fellowship Programme.