The 2026 Dalai Lama Fellows programme is looking for 15 to 20 global changemakers. The deadline for applications is October 1, 2025, to November 12, 2025.
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When is the Application Deadline:
📅 12 November 2025 (by 22:00 UTC)
Tell Me About The Award:
The Dalai Lama Trust is offering two life-changing opportunities for 2026 — the Dalai Lama Trust Scholarship and the Dalai Lama Fellows Program.
These programs are designed to empower students and emerging leaders who embody compassion, ethics, and service to humanity.
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The Dalai Lama Trust Scholarship supports financially challenged Tibetan students pursuing higher education, while the Dalai Lama Fellows Program brings together changemakers from around the world for a year-long journey in contemplative leadership and social impact.
Which Fields are Eligible?
All undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs are eligible for the Dalai Lama Trust Scholarship (excluding short-term or certificate courses).
For the Fellows Program, applicants can come from any field or discipline, provided they are working on or planning a social change project.
Type:
🎓 Undergraduate & Postgraduate Scholarship (Dalai Lama Trust)
🌍 Global Fellowship for Social Innovators (Dalai Lama Fellows)
Who Can Apply?
For Dalai Lama Trust Scholarship (Students):
- Must be a Tibetan student enrolled in or applying for a minimum 3-year undergraduate or diploma program.
- 100 undergraduate scholarships and 5 postgraduate scholarships are available.
- Postgraduate scholarships are only for previous Dalai Lama Trust undergraduate awardees.
- Must hold a valid Green Book (GB) with contributions up to March 31, 2025, and a valid Registration Certificate (RC).
- Applicants from Nepal, Bhutan, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, or Gangtok must submit verification from the local Tibetan Settlement Officer.
- Must not be receiving any other scholarship.
- Gap years (if any) must be clearly explained.
- Applicants should demonstrate academic consistency, moral integrity, and financial need.
For Dalai Lama Fellows Program (Changemakers):
- Must be 20–36 years old as of April 1, 2026.
- Must be fluent in written and spoken English.
- Must have a social change project (either ongoing or ready to launch) with community engagement.
- Must have at least 1 year of prior community experience related to the project.
- Must be willing to commit around 12 hours per month to fellowship learning activities.
- Must be interested in contemplative practices and ethical leadership.
- Must attend the 5-day Contemplative Leadership Assembly in May 2026 (all expenses covered).
How Are Applicants Selected?
- Scholarship recipients are selected based on academic merit, moral character, and financial need, verified through official documentation.
- Fellows are selected for their leadership potential, project impact, community knowledge, and commitment to compassionate leadership.
- Final selections for the Fellows Program are made in February 2026 after a thorough application review.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- Dalai Lama Trust Scholarship: Tibetan students from India, Nepal, Bhutan, and other Tibetan settlements worldwide.
- Dalai Lama Fellows Program: Open to applicants from all countries around the world.
Where Will the Award Be Taken?
- Scholarship: Any recognized university or college where the student is enrolled.
- Fellowship: Conducted virtually with a 5-day in-person Contemplative Leadership Assembly in May 2026 (location to be announced).
How Many Awards?
| Program | Number of Awards |
| Dalai Lama Trust Undergraduate Scholarship | 100 |
| Dalai Lama Trust Postgraduate Scholarship | 5 |
| Dalai Lama Fellows Program | 15–20 changemakers |
What is the Benefit of the Award?
Dalai Lama Trust Scholarship:
✅ Fully funded tuition support
✅ Direct disbursement to student’s bank account
✅ Covers both undergraduate and postgraduate studies
✅ Encourages moral and academic excellence among Tibetan youth
Dalai Lama Fellows Program:
✅ One-year fully funded leadership fellowship
✅ Travel, lodging, and meals covered for the Leadership Assembly
✅ Global mentorship, contemplative training, and coaching
✅ Lifetime membership in the LifeLong Fellows Global Network
How Long Will the Award Last?
- Scholarship: For the full duration of the enrolled program (3–4 years for undergraduate, 2 years for postgraduate).
- Fellowship: Runs from April 2026 to March 2027, followed by lifetime inclusion in the Dalai Lama Fellows network.
How to Apply:
For the Dalai Lama Trust Scholarship:
📥 Applications must include all required forms (Form A/B) and verification from the Tibetan Settlement Officer.
Funds are deposited directly into the student’s personal account after approval.
Applications and detailed instructions are available via the Dalai Lama Trust Office or relevant educational branches.
For the Dalai Lama Fellows Program:
1️⃣ Visit: https://www.dalailamafellows.com/apply#dl-fellowship
2️⃣ Submit your online application, which includes:
- Applicant background
- Short essay responses
- Video submission
- Resume/CV
- Letter of recommendation
3️⃣ Applications close 12 November 2025 (22:00 UTC)
