Dalai Lama Fellows 2026 (Fully Funded Global Fellowship for Changemakers)
Applications are now open for the Dalai Lama Fellows 2026 — a prestigious, fully funded global program for young leaders committed to compassionate social change.
In a world facing complex social and environmental challenges, leadership rooted in compassion has never been more critical. The Dalai Lama Fellows 2026 Program offers a transformative year-long journey for emerging leaders who wish to create positive change while cultivating inner awareness, resilience, and wisdom.
Every year, 15–20 changemakers from around the world are selected for this fully funded fellowship. The program combines intensive personal development, mentorship, and real-world project engagement — creating a powerful intersection of “Head, Heart, and Hands” leadership practice.
As seen in the inspiring journey of Danny Su from Toronto Metropolitan University, transformative leadership often begins with self-discovery and community-driven service — the very principles that define the Dalai Lama Fellows initiative.
About the Dalai Lama Fellows Program
The Dalai Lama Fellows (DLF) program, based at the University of Virginia, is a global fellowship cultivating the next generation of leaders who integrate inner values with social innovation. The program emphasizes compassion-in-action, cross-cultural collaboration, and mindfulness-based leadership.
Fellows from over 60 countries have worked on projects related to education, environmental sustainability, gender equality, human rights, healthcare, and cultural inclusion. DLF does not only fund projects — it invests in the personal transformation of the leaders behind them.
- Program Duration: April 2026 – March 2027
- Application Deadline: November 12, 2025 (22:00 UTC)
- Fellowship Type: Fully Funded
- Eligible Age Range: 20–36 years (as of April 1, 2026)
- Number of Fellows Selected: 15–20
Program Focus: Head, Heart, and Hands
The Dalai Lama Fellows curriculum is built around three pillars that strengthen both personal and collective leadership capacities:
- Head — Self-Awareness: Develop clarity of vision and mindfulness-based understanding of leadership challenges.
- Heart — Compassion and Connection: Strengthen empathy and the ability to lead across differences with deep human connection.
- Hands — Action and Innovation: Apply leadership learning through real-world social innovation projects that benefit communities.
Fellowship Benefits
The Dalai Lama Fellows 2026 program offers more than funding — it provides an immersive ecosystem of learning and mentorship. Fellows receive:
- ✔️ Full coverage of travel, accommodation, and meals for the Contemplative Leadership Assembly (May 2026)
- ✔️ Access to a global network of like-minded changemakers
- ✔️ Personalized coaching and group learning calls
- ✔️ A structured Head, Heart, and Hands curriculum
- ✔️ Entry into the LifeLong Fellows global leadership community
- ✔️ Certificate upon successful completion of the fellowship year
Note: The fellowship does not provide direct funding for social projects. Instead, it empowers Fellows with tools, networks, and coaching to attract sustainable resources.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must demonstrate leadership potential and a clear commitment to social change. To qualify, candidates should meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be aged between 20–36 years by April 1, 2026.
- Be fluent in written and spoken English.
- Be actively engaged with, or have concrete plans for, a social change project.
- Have in-depth knowledge of the community and issue they are addressing.
- Show readiness to participate in contemplative and reflective learning practices.
- Be committed to full participation (approx. 12 hours/month).
- Be available for the 5-day Contemplative Leadership Assembly (May 2026).
Fellowship Timeline
| Key Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | October 1, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | November 12, 2025 |
| Fellows Notified | February 2026 |
| Virtual Onboarding | March 2026 |
| Fellowship Year Begins | April 2026 |
| Leadership Assembly | May 2026 |
| Fellowship Year Concludes | March 2027 |
Application Process
The Dalai Lama Fellows application is highly competitive and structured to identify candidates who combine social purpose with personal reflection. The process consists of the following parts:
- 🧾 Background Information: Candidate’s personal and professional profile.
- 🖊️ Short Essay Questions: Assess motivations, leadership approach, and social impact vision.
- 🎥 Video Submission: A short self-introduction reflecting authenticity and clarity.
- 📄 Resume/CV: Highlights leadership, volunteerism, or project experience.
- 📨 Letter of Recommendation: Supports the applicant’s character and leadership potential.
What Makes This Fellowship Unique?
Unlike traditional leadership programs focused only on measurable results, the Dalai Lama Fellows emphasize inner transformation as the foundation of external impact. Fellows explore how compassion, awareness, and self-connection can reshape their approach to leadership and innovation.
Graduates of the program report a deeper understanding of human connection, emotional intelligence, and the balance between social service and self-care — lessons that empower them to sustain long-term community initiatives.
Examples of Past Fellows’ Projects
Previous Dalai Lama Fellows have led inspiring projects worldwide, addressing issues of justice, health, and equality. Examples include:
- Stephen Ogweno (Kenya): Launched Stowelink, a youth-led healthcare initiative using technology and art to combat non-communicable diseases and gender-based violence.
- Bhagya Wijayawardane (Sri Lanka): Founded Anybody Can Grow to create equitable, safe food systems and educate communities about sustainable gardening.
- Roseline Adewuyi (Nigeria): Created STEMFILLES to encourage young girls to pursue STEM education and challenge gender bias in science and technology.
- Abinash Mohanty (India): Led Project Anwesha to generate renewable electricity from horse manure for low-income communities in Bihar.
These projects reflect the program’s belief that small, compassionate actions can trigger global transformation.
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship welcomes applicants from any country or background who:
- Have an ongoing or clearly envisioned social project.
- Desire to deepen their self-awareness and resilience as leaders.
- Are open to cross-cultural collaboration and contemplative learning.
- Are passionate about integrating compassion into leadership.
Important Notes for International Applicants
International students and young professionals are strongly encouraged to apply. The program provides all necessary travel arrangements for the in-person assembly and supports online participation throughout the year. No university enrollment is required — applicants may be students, professionals, or independent social innovators.
There is no application fee, and Dalai Lama Fellows will cover all travel, lodging, and meal expenses related to the in-person component.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply if I’m not affiliated with a university?
Yes. You do not need to be a student. Many Fellows are professionals or community activists.
2. Do I need prior funding for my project?
No. The program focuses on leadership and transformation rather than direct project funding. Fellows are guided on finding sustainable funding sources.
3. What if my project is still an idea?
Applicants with well-developed plans and the capacity to launch during the fellowship year are welcome. Many successful fellows began with new projects.
4. Is the fellowship religious?
No. Dalai Lama Fellows is a non-sectarian, inclusive program. It draws wisdom from diverse traditions without promoting any specific faith.
5. Can my project be remote?
Yes. Virtual or hybrid projects are allowed as long as they maintain meaningful engagement with the target community.
Official Website and Application Link
To learn more and apply directly, visit the official Dalai Lama Fellows website:
🔗 https://www.dalailamafellows.org/apply
For inquiries, you can email: [email protected]
Final Thoughts
The Dalai Lama Fellows 2026 is more than a leadership opportunity — it’s an inner journey. It challenges emerging leaders to align their personal growth with social transformation, blending mindfulness and action into a single force for good.
If you are a young changemaker between 20 and 36, with a deep desire to build compassionate solutions for your community, this program is your invitation to lead with heart, courage, and clarity.
