“I am deeply honored to receive the Dalai Lama Graduate Scholarship, which affirms my commitment to serving others with compassion and integrity. Raised by parents who dedicated over 25 years to the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, I was taught that true leadership lies in service. This award is an investment in my vision to provide mental health care for communities affected by displacement and conflict. It brings me closer to living out the values of my family and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. I look forward to contributing to a world rooted in healing, hope, and compassion.”
Tenzin Palmo
MA Social Work, University of Chicago
Scholarship recipient 2025-26
“I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Human Performance, focusing my research on respiratory training strategies to improve health and performance in postmenopausal women. I am profoundly grateful to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, whose vision continues to guide my commitment to addressing the underrepresentation of women in scientific studies. This scholarship enables me to advance knowledge that directly impacts the well-being of women in our society. My aspiration is to give back to my community through research and scientific contributions that foster long-term health and resilience. It is a true honor to receive this support as I work toward a future rooted in service and academic excellence.”
Tenzin Yangchen
PhD in Exercise Physiology, Indiana University Bloomington
Scholarship recipient 2025-26
“I am grateful for this prestigious scholarship, which enables me to conduct 12 months of fieldwork in Ladakh for my dissertation in Geography. My research examines the politics of solar energy development, focusing on the aspirations and political ecologies that shape the Indo-Tibetan borderland. By contributing to conversations on energy justice and Indigenous sovereignty, I hope to shed light on pathways for a renewable energy transition that are truly justice-oriented. Ultimately, my work aims to support the future of Indigenous and marginalized communities both in the Himalayan region and globally.”
Tenzin Yangkey
PhD Geography, University of Colorado Boulder
Scholarship recipient 2025-26
“After specializing in human rights, I am now focusing on migration policy to bridge the gap between legal frameworks and the lived realities of migrants. My goal is to advance humane migration systems that uphold dignity and justice, deeply guided by His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teachings on compassion. Alongside my studies, I am committed to empowering Tibetan youth to counter external narratives and embrace their identity with pride. Receiving this scholarship is both an honor and a responsibility that strengthens my resolve to combine academic excellence with activism. I hope to inspire the next generation to see themselves as active contributors to a more just and inclusive global society.”
Tenzin Kunsel Rinchen Dorjee
MA Migration Policy, London School of Economics
Scholarship recipient 2025-26
“My academic journey began at the Tibetan Homes School in Mussoorie, eventually leading me from a Bachelor’s in Pharmacy to my current Master’s studies in the USA. I am focusing on the regulation of medicines and medical devices to ensure their safety, efficacy, and global accessibility. My goal is to apply this expertise to improve healthcare access and safety within the Tibetan community in the future. Receiving support from the Gaden Phodrang Foundation has not only alleviated my financial burden but also deeply motivated me to give back to our community. I am honored to pursue this path, grounded in the values of service and dedication.”
Pema Tsuiltrim
Master in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs, Northeastern University
Scholarship recipient 2025-26
“As a first-generation medical student and the daughter of Tibetan immigrants, I am incredibly honored to receive this scholarship. My journey is shaped by the values of compassion, resilience, and service, which drive my goal to become a physician for underserved populations and an advocate for health equity. This support reinforces my commitment to uplifting my community while staying connected to the Tibetan values that guide me. I am deeply grateful to His Holiness and the Gaden Phodrang Foundation as I begin the rigorous path of medical education. My aspiration is to serve as a compassionate and righteous physician, building meaningful connections with every patient I treat.”
Tenzin Tsetan
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Scholarship recipient 2025-26
“My journey in Computer Science has led me to explore how technology can address critical community needs, particularly in the field of mental health. Currently pursuing my Master’s in Germany, I am researching how AI can improve access to support and create digital tools that empower marginalized communities. I aspire to develop technology that heals and uplifts, grounded in the belief that meaningful change begins from within. Receiving the Dalai Lama Graduate Scholarship is a blessing that inspires me to lead with purpose. This support strengthens my commitment to combining technical innovation with deep compassion.”
Tenzin Phende
MA Computer Science International, University of Rostock
Scholarship recipient 2025-26
“Receiving the Dalai Lama Graduate Scholarship is an incredible honor. I’m pursuing a career as a researcher/engineer dedicated to developing technologies and policies with a positive social impact. His Holiness’s emphasis on the oneness of humanity and the importance of compassion has profoundly shaped my perspective, guiding me to not only push the boundaries of what’s possible but also to carefully consider the real-world consequences of my work.”
Tenzin Gyaltsen
SM Candidate in Technology and Policy at MIT
Scholarship recipient 2025-26
“My journey has been shaped by resilience and a deep commitment to social justice. Focusing on the intersection of international energy law and environmental justice, I am dedicated to exploring how legal frameworks can hold states and corporations accountable for environmental harm. Receiving the Dalai Lama Graduate Scholarship is a humbling honor that reaffirms the importance of serving vulnerable communities through ethical legal change. This support strengthens my resolve to use the law as a tool for justice, rooted in compassion and the Tibetan spirit of resilience. I am grateful for this encouragement to use my education in service of a more equitable world.”
Lhakpa Dhondup
Master’s in Energy Transition Law, University of Aberdeen
Scholarship recipient 2025-26
“As a proud Tibetan woman and first-generation college student, receiving this prestigious scholarship is a profound honor and a tribute to my family’s sacrifices. Through my graduate studies, I am gaining essential analytical skills to build a successful career in finance and design financial literacy programs that empower individuals to build long-term economic resilience. Inspired by His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s call to compassion and service, I am committed to giving back to the Tibetan community. I strive to carry forward a legacy of integrity and resilience, fostering positive change both within our community and beyond.”
Scholarship
Scholarship Recipients 2025/26
What does this scholarship mean to you?
“I am deeply honored to receive the Dalai Lama Graduate Scholarship, which affirms my commitment to serving others with compassion and integrity. Raised by parents who dedicated over 25 years to the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, I was taught that true leadership lies in service. This award is an investment in my vision to provide mental health care for communities affected by displacement and conflict. It brings me closer to living out the values of my family and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. I look forward to contributing to a world rooted in healing, hope, and compassion.”
“I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Human Performance, focusing my research on respiratory training strategies to improve health and performance in postmenopausal women. I am profoundly grateful to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, whose vision continues to guide my commitment to addressing the underrepresentation of women in scientific studies. This scholarship enables me to advance knowledge that directly impacts the well-being of women in our society. My aspiration is to give back to my community through research and scientific contributions that foster long-term health and resilience. It is a true honor to receive this support as I work toward a future rooted in service and academic excellence.”
“I am grateful for this prestigious scholarship, which enables me to conduct 12 months of fieldwork in Ladakh for my dissertation in Geography. My research examines the politics of solar energy development, focusing on the aspirations and political ecologies that shape the Indo-Tibetan borderland. By contributing to conversations on energy justice and Indigenous sovereignty, I hope to shed light on pathways for a renewable energy transition that are truly justice-oriented. Ultimately, my work aims to support the future of Indigenous and marginalized communities both in the Himalayan region and globally.”
“After specializing in human rights, I am now focusing on migration policy to bridge the gap between legal frameworks and the lived realities of migrants. My goal is to advance humane migration systems that uphold dignity and justice, deeply guided by His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teachings on compassion. Alongside my studies, I am committed to empowering Tibetan youth to counter external narratives and embrace their identity with pride. Receiving this scholarship is both an honor and a responsibility that strengthens my resolve to combine academic excellence with activism. I hope to inspire the next generation to see themselves as active contributors to a more just and inclusive global society.”
“My academic journey began at the Tibetan Homes School in Mussoorie, eventually leading me from a Bachelor’s in Pharmacy to my current Master’s studies in the USA. I am focusing on the regulation of medicines and medical devices to ensure their safety, efficacy, and global accessibility. My goal is to apply this expertise to improve healthcare access and safety within the Tibetan community in the future. Receiving support from the Gaden Phodrang Foundation has not only alleviated my financial burden but also deeply motivated me to give back to our community. I am honored to pursue this path, grounded in the values of service and dedication.”
“As a first-generation medical student and the daughter of Tibetan immigrants, I am incredibly honored to receive this scholarship. My journey is shaped by the values of compassion, resilience, and service, which drive my goal to become a physician for underserved populations and an advocate for health equity. This support reinforces my commitment to uplifting my community while staying connected to the Tibetan values that guide me. I am deeply grateful to His Holiness and the Gaden Phodrang Foundation as I begin the rigorous path of medical education. My aspiration is to serve as a compassionate and righteous physician, building meaningful connections with every patient I treat.”
“My journey in Computer Science has led me to explore how technology can address critical community needs, particularly in the field of mental health. Currently pursuing my Master’s in Germany, I am researching how AI can improve access to support and create digital tools that empower marginalized communities. I aspire to develop technology that heals and uplifts, grounded in the belief that meaningful change begins from within. Receiving the Dalai Lama Graduate Scholarship is a blessing that inspires me to lead with purpose. This support strengthens my commitment to combining technical innovation with deep compassion.”
“Receiving the Dalai Lama Graduate Scholarship is an incredible honor. I’m pursuing a career as a researcher/engineer dedicated to developing technologies and policies with a positive social impact. His Holiness’s emphasis on the oneness of humanity and the importance of compassion has profoundly shaped my perspective, guiding me to not only push the boundaries of what’s possible but also to carefully consider the real-world consequences of my work.”
“My journey has been shaped by resilience and a deep commitment to social justice. Focusing on the intersection of international energy law and environmental justice, I am dedicated to exploring how legal frameworks can hold states and corporations accountable for environmental harm. Receiving the Dalai Lama Graduate Scholarship is a humbling honor that reaffirms the importance of serving vulnerable communities through ethical legal change. This support strengthens my resolve to use the law as a tool for justice, rooted in compassion and the Tibetan spirit of resilience. I am grateful for this encouragement to use my education in service of a more equitable world.”
“As a proud Tibetan woman and first-generation college student, receiving this prestigious scholarship is a profound honor and a tribute to my family’s sacrifices. Through my graduate studies, I am gaining essential analytical skills to build a successful career in finance and design financial literacy programs that empower individuals to build long-term economic resilience. Inspired by His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s call to compassion and service, I am committed to giving back to the Tibetan community. I strive to carry forward a legacy of integrity and resilience, fostering positive change both within our community and beyond.”