Are you a student striving for higher education or a young leader ready to create positive global change — but financial limitations or lack of support are holding you back?
The Dalai Lama Trust is back in 2026 with two life-transforming opportunities — the Dalai Lama Trust Scholarship and the Dalai Lama Fellows Program. Both initiatives are designed to empower students and emerging leaders who embody compassion, integrity, and a commitment to serving humanity.
1# Dalai Lama Trust Scholarship 2026 – For Undergrad & Postgrads
Who is it for?
This fully funded scholarship is open to international Tibetan students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs. It directly supports students who have demonstrated academic dedication, moral strength, and resilience despite economic hardships.
What’s Being Offered?
- 100 Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships – For Tibetan students enrolled in or applying to a 3-year minimum undergraduate or diploma program.
- 5 Fully Funded Postgraduate Scholarships – Reserved exclusively for former Dalai Lama Trust undergraduate scholarship recipients.
- Scholarship Disbursement – Funds are transferred directly into the student’s personal bank account (preferably State Bank of India – SBI).
- Eligible Programs – Only full-degree programs are supported; vocational or certificate programs are not eligible.
Eligibility Criteria
| Category | Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Applicants | Applicants must fulfill one or more of the following conditions: |
| Academic Consistency | Consistently good academic performance despite lower Class XII board exam marks. Requires school recommendation (Form B). |
| Strong Moral Character | Demonstrated honesty, responsibility, and integrity. Requires school recommendation (Form B). |
| Family Hardship | Orphaned, semi-orphaned, or from financially struggling families. Requires verification through Tibetan Settlement Officer (Form A). |
| Additional Conditions | – Must hold a valid Green Book (GB) with contributions up to March 31, 2025. – Must possess 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. – Any gap year must be clearly justified in the application. |
| Postgraduate Applicants | – Open only to previous undergraduate awardees of the Dalai Lama Trust Scholarship. – Must provide complete academic records and certificates. – Must still meet all documentation requirements (GB, RC, etc.). |
2# The Dalai Lama Fellows Program 2026 — For Global Changemakers
The Dalai Lama Fellows 2026 program invites 15–20 emerging global leaders to join a transformative fellowship centered around contemplative leadership and social change. This program empowers individuals who are actively engaged in community-driven initiatives or ready to launch impactful social projects.
Fellowship Dates
- Application Deadline: November 12, 2025 (by 22:00 UTC)
- Fellow Selection: February 2026
- Virtual Onboarding: March 2026
- Fellowship Year Begins: April 2026
- Leadership Assembly: May 2026 (all travel, lodging, and meals covered)
- Program Concludes: March 2027.
Eligibility Requirements
- Age Limit: 20–36 years old as of April 1, 2026.
- Language: Fluency in written and spoken English.
- Project Engagement: Must have an ongoing or clearly defined social change project with demonstrated community involvement (at least 1 year preferred).
- Commitment: Willingness to dedicate approximately 12 hours per month for fellowship activities (group sessions, 1-on-1 coaching, online learning, etc.).
- Mindfulness: Strong interest in contemplative practices and ethical leadership.
- Availability: Must attend the Contemplative Leadership Assembly in May 2026 (fully funded).
Apply: https://www.dalailamafellows.com/apply#dl-fellowship.
Why You Should Apply?
Both the Dalai Lama Trust Scholarship and the Fellows Program 2026 share one purpose — to nurture a generation of ethical, compassionate, and visionary individuals who can lead change through education and empathy. Whether you’re a student in need or a changemaker ready to serve, this is your opportunity to rise.