The Dalai Lama Fellows program is a global fellowship that supports emerging social change leaders who wish to integrate contemplative practices, personal development, and social innovation. The program seeks a cohort of 15–20 changemakers for its 2026 cycle, with the application window open from October 1, 2025, until November 12, 2025 (by 22:00 UTC). Selected Fellows will be notified in February 2026, onboarded virtually in March 2026, begin the formal fellowship in April 2026, participate in a 5‑day in‑person Contemplative Leadership Assembly in May 2026, and complete their fellowship year in March 2027, after which they join the LifeLong Fellows global network.
To apply, candidates must meet eligibility criteria, including being between 20 and 36 years old as of April 1, 2026, fluency in English, demonstrated engagement with a social change initiative (or solid plan to develop one), experience or understanding of their target community, and commitment to participation in all aspects of the fellowship (approximately 12 hours per month). The program covers the costs of travel, lodging, and meals for the Contemplative Leadership Assembly; Fellows are expected to attend. The fellowship includes a structured curriculum (Head, Heart, and Hands model), coaching, group learning, and a field project conceived and executed by the Fellow in their local context.
Selection is based on alignment between the candidate’s project and the fellowship’s approach, capacity for personal growth, and potential to contribute to compassionate leadership. Decision announcements are made in February 2026, and the cohort begins with virtual onboarding in March. Over the year, Fellows engage with contemplative practices, leadership modules, project work, and peer coaching, culminating in the in‑person assembly and continued support as they transition into the LifeLong Fellows network. For questions, applicants may email dalailamafellows@virginia.edu
Show deep engagement with your community, tie contemplative practices to project logic, demonstrate sustainability of your project
