Dalai Lama Fellowship 2026 for Young Leaders Driving Social Change (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the 2026 Dalai Lama Fellowship, a fully funded one-year program for young people who want to make a positive difference in their communities while growing in self-awareness and compassion.

The fellowship brings together young leaders from around the world to explore a more balanced approach to leadership, one that connects personal growth with meaningful action. Over twelve months, each Fellow designs and leads an original field project that addresses a local challenge, supported by personal coaching, guided learning, and a global community of changemakers.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know: who can apply, what the program offers, how to submit your application, and the key dates to keep in mind as you prepare to apply.

What the Dalai Lama Fellowship is about

The Dalai Lama Fellowship (DLF) is a one-year leadership program that helps emerging changemakers bring compassion and mindfulness into the way they lead social change. It’s not just about learning new skills, but about deepening your understanding of yourself, others, and the systems you want to transform.

As a Fellow, you’ll design and lead a project that addresses a pressing societal challenge within your community. Throughout the year, you’ll engage in guided reflections, personalised coaching, and group learning sessions that help you apply these lessons directly to your work.

As part of the fellowship, you’ll also attend the Contemplative Leadership Assembly, a five-day, fully funded retreat where Fellows from around the world come together to learn, share, and reconnect. This immersive experience is a core part of the program, helping you strengthen your leadership practice and build meaningful connections with others who share your purpose.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the 2026 Dalai Lama Fellowship, applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Be between 20 and 36 years old as of April 1, 2026
• Be fluent in written and spoken English
• Be currently involved in, or have a clear plan for, a social change project that you can maintain throughout the fellowship year
• Have a strong understanding of your community and the issue your project addresses, preferably with at least one year of prior experience
• Be open to participating in contemplative practices such as mindfulness, reflection, and emotional awareness during the year
• Commit to full participation in all fellowship activities, including coaching sessions, online learning, and group calls, which typically require about 12 hours per month (not including project work)
• Be available to attend the Contemplative Leadership Assembly in May 2026. All travel, meals, and lodging are fully covered by the fellowship

Also Apply:
Echidna Global Scholars Program 2026 for Education Leaders

What You’ll Gain

The Dalai Lama Fellowship is designed to help you grow as a leader while making a meaningful impact in your community. As a Fellow, you will benefit from:

• A comprehensive curriculum that blends contemplative leadership with systems thinking
• Personalized coaching to guide your growth and support your project development
• Group learning sessions and peer support from Fellows around the world
• Access to the Contemplative Leadership Assembly, fully funded by the fellowship
• Membership in a lifelong global network of leaders committed to compassionate social change

This program helps you strengthen your skills as a changemaker while cultivating balance, empathy, and clarity in both your work and everyday life.

How to Apply

Applying for the Dalai Lama Fellowship is straightforward, but it requires careful preparation. Follow these steps to ensure your application stands out:

1. Visit the Official Application Page

Start by going to the Dalai Lama Fellows Application Portal. Take time to review the eligibility requirements carefully before you begin.

2. Prepare Your Application Materials

The application has five main components:

• Applicant background and overview
• Short essay responses
• A short video introduction
• Resume or CV
• One letter of recommendation

3. Craft Thoughtful Responses

Use your essays and video to share your story, your motivation for leading change, and what drives your project. Be clear, honest, and authentic. DLF values genuine reflection as much as strong ideas.

4. Submit Your Application

Double-check that all components are complete. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.

5. Wait for the Results

Selected applicants are typically notified by February 2026. Onboarding begins shortly after, and the fellowship year officially starts in April 2026.

Also Apply for:
The 2025 Global Leadership Challenge

Application Timeline

Here’s the full timeline for the 2026 cycle:

• November 12, 2025: Application deadline (by 22:00 UTC)
• February 2026: Selected Fellows notified
• March 2026: Virtual onboarding begins
• April 2026: Fellowship year officially starts
• May 2026: Contemplative Leadership Assembly (in person)
• March 2027: Fellowship year concludes, Fellows join the LifeLong Fellows community

Apply for The Dalai Lama Fellowship 2026