- The Gaden Phodrang Foundation has opened applications for the Dalai Lama Graduate Scholarship 2026/27, supporting Tibetan students pursuing Master’s or Doctoral degrees abroad (excluding the Indian subcontinent).
- The scholarship covers full-time studies in Europe, the Americas, Australia, and Asia, awarding students who demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to community service.
- Applications close on April 19, 2026, and can be submitted online at the foundation’s official website, with final selections announced in early July 2026.
The Gaden Phodrang Foundation of the Dalai Lama has opened applications for the Dalai Lama Graduate Scholarship for the 2026/27 academic year, offering a remarkable opportunity for Tibetan students aiming to pursue advanced studies abroad. The scholarship is designed to support full-time graduate students seeking Master’s or Doctoral degrees in universities across Europe, the Americas, Australia, and Asia, excluding the Indian subcontinent.
This initiative underscores the foundation’s ongoing commitment to nurturing Tibetan talent and empowering the next generation of leaders who are dedicated to the welfare of their communities and the broader world. Established by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in 2015, the Gaden Phodrang Foundation works to promote universal human values, religious harmony, the preservation of Tibetan culture, and environmental stewardship.
Over the years, the Dalai Lama Graduate Scholarship has become a cornerstone of this mission, providing financial support to students who demonstrate both academic excellence and a commitment to making a positive impact. Since its inception, the program has awarded over USD 2.75 million to more than 270 Tibetan students, enabling them to study at leading institutions in diverse fields such as Medicine, Law, Engineering, International Affairs, and beyond.
Applicants to the scholarship must provide proof of enrollment or acceptance into a recognized graduate program for the 2026/27 academic year in the eligible regions, along with documentation confirming their Tibetan heritage. Renewal applicants are required to submit a separate application, as renewals are limited to two years per program and are not automatically granted.
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A dedicated and independent selection committee carefully reviews all submissions to ensure that the process remains transparent, fair, and merit-based. Incomplete or late applications are not considered, and applicants will receive a confirmation email once their application has been successfully submitted.
The deadline for applications is April 19, 2026, at 11:59 pm Zurich time (GMT+1), and only online applications will be accepted. Those advancing past the initial round can expect notification in early June 2026 regarding their selection for the second stage of the process. Final decisions on scholarship awards will be communicated individually in early July 2026, allowing recipients ample time to prepare for their academic journey abroad.
The Dalai Lama Graduate Scholarship is more than just a financial grant; it represents an investment in the future of the Tibetan community. By supporting scholars who are committed to contributing positively to society, the program seeks to create a ripple effect, encouraging education, leadership, and service that extends far beyond the classroom.
For Tibetan students with aspirations of pursuing world-class education while making a meaningful difference, this scholarship provides not only the resources but also the encouragement to pursue their dreams on a global stage. Applications can be submitted online through the foundation’s official website. With its focus on merit, community service, and leadership, the Dalai Lama Graduate Scholarship continues to be a beacon of opportunity for Tibetan students eager to shape their futures and contribute to the well-being of Tibetans and communities worldwide.
