Dalai Lama Fellows 2027: Global Leadership Fellowship for Young Changemakers

The Dalai Lama Fellows 2027 application is open to young people working on social change projects around the world.

This year-long leadership programme combines personal development with practical community work. Fellows develop skills in self-awareness, communication, compassion and understanding complex social challenges.

The programme is jointly stewarded by the University of Virginia’s Contemplative Sciences Center and the University of Colorado Boulder’s Renée Crown Wellness Institute. It is non-sectarian and welcomes people from different backgrounds and traditions. 

What the fellowship offers

Participants receive:

• Access to the Head, Heart, Hands online leadership curriculum.
• Individual and small-group coaching.
• Opportunities to learn alongside an international community.
• Continuing connection through the LifeLong Fellows network. Programme benefits.

You apply the learning to a community project while developing your own leadership practices. The programme connects personal reflection with the practical challenges of working with others and supporting social change. Fellowship approach.

The organisers do not provide project funding. Funding information.

Number of places available

The organisers are seeking 15–20 fellows worldwide for the 2027 cohort. Official call.

Eligibility criteria

You must:

• Be 20–36 years old on 1 April 2027.
• Be fluent in written and spoken English.
• Have an ongoing social change project or a clearly developed plan.
• Understand the community and issue your project addresses.
• Remain involved in the project throughout the fellowship.
• Be willing to engage in contemplative practices.
• Commit approximately 12 hours each month to fellowship activities, in addition to project work. Eligibility requirements.

The FAQ requires at least six months of experience with your project community, while one year is preferred. Existing projects receive preference; new projects must launch within the fellowship’s first six months.

You do not need to be a student. Daily contemplative practice is also expected. Project requirements and FAQs.

Required application materials

Prepare:

• Background information about yourself.
• Responses to short essay questions.
• A video submission.
• Your CV or résumé.
• One recommendation letter. Application checklist.

Check the application form for the exact prompts, limits and submission instructions before preparing your final materials.

How to apply

1. Visit the official application portal.
2. Register or sign in with your email address and password.
3. Create your application, complete the required sections and upload the requested materials.
4. Save as DRAFT while preparing your submission.
5. Save the completed application as FINAL and download a copy for your records.

The portal strongly discourages AI-written application responses. Describe your own experiences, motivations and project in your own voice. Official application process.

Application deadline

11 November 2026 at 22:00 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

Your application and all accompanying materials must be submitted by this deadline. Official deadline.

Selection process and programme timeline

Selection considers your learning goals, community understanding and project rationale.

Funding for an in-person closing assembly in June 2028 is still being sought; an in-person gathering is not confirmed. Official selection and programme schedule.

Official information and application

• Current call and FAQs: Dalai Lama Fellows 2027.
• Apply online: Official application portal.
• Programme background: About Dalai Lama Fellows.
• Enquiries: dalailamafellows@virginia.edu.