Applicants from Uganda and other countries worldwide may apply. Candidates must be between 20 and 36 years old on April 1, 2027, demonstrate fluency in written and spoken English, and be actively engaged in a social change project or have a well-developed plan to launch one. Applicants must demonstrate meaningful knowledge of the community they serve, preferably supported by at least one year of experience, and maintain sustained engagement with that community. Applicants must be willing to practise contemplative leadership and participate in approximately 12 hours of fellowship activities monthly. There is no specific degree requirement.

Dalai Lama Fellows supports emerging social change leaders working with communities on challenges involving education, health, environmental sustainability, social justice and cultural understanding. The year-long programme develops contemplative leadership, emotional intelligence, community engagement and sustainable approaches to social innovation.

Benefits
The fellowship provides a year-long Head, Heart and Hands leadership curriculum delivered through an online learning platform, individual coaching, group coaching, peer learning and participation in a global community of social innovators. Fellows participate in a virtual opening Contemplative Leadership Assembly in May 2027 and receive lifelong access to the Fellows\' leadership network after completing the programme. The formal fellowship runs from April 2027 to March 2028. The programme does not provide direct grants or financing for Fellows\' social change projects. An in-person closing assembly for 2028 is dependent on additional funding and is not guaranteed.

Requirements
Applicants must complete the online application with personal and professional background information, short essays, a video submission, a curriculum vitae or résumé and one recommendation letter. The application must explain the social change project, the community served, the applicant\'s experience, leadership motivation and commitment to contemplative learning. Candidates must demonstrate English fluency and availability for the required online activities.

How to apply
Register on the official Dalai Lama Fellows application platform and create an applicant profile. Complete the background questions and essays, upload the required video, résumé and recommendation letter, and provide details of the community project. Review all sections and save the application as final before November 11, 2026, at 22:00 UTC. Finalists may be invited to interviews in January 2027.