ICT opens 2027 applications for WIPTA Lodi Gyari fellowships

ICT opens 2027 applications for WIPTA Lodi Gyari fellowships

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Washington Internship Program for Tibetan Americans opens 2027 applications

The International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) is now accepting applications for its 2027 Washington Internship Program for Tibetan Americans (WIPTA). This initiative, which functions as a core component of the organization’s Lodi Gyari Tibetan Empowerment Programs, provides students with a structured pathway into the heart of the U.S. political process. By placing fellows in congressional offices and democracy-focused institutions, the program aims to bolster Tibetan American representation in public life.

The fellowship is named in memory of Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari, who served as President of the International Campaign for Tibet from 1991 to 1999 and later as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors until 2014. According to the International Campaign for Tibet, the program is designed to honor his legacy by equipping the next generation with the professional networks and policy experience necessary to advocate for their community’s future.

Eligibility and internship requirements

Candidates must be either U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program. To qualify, applicants are required to have completed at least one year of academic study by the time the internship begins. While the ICT facilitates placements, the organization also allows students who have independently secured an internship with a federal agency or congressional office to apply for the fellowship, provided they meet the program’s broader requirements.

The fellowship period spans six to eight weeks during the summer. Beyond their daily responsibilities at their respective host offices, participants—designated as Lodi Gyari Fellows—are expected to engage in ICT orientations, perform regular check-ins, and maintain weekly journals. The organization supports these students by covering round-trip airfare within the continental United States and providing a stipend intended to offset housing and living expenses during their time in Washington, D.C.

Application timeline and selection process

The window for submission closes on January 22, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Following the application deadline, the review process and the selection of finalists will take place throughout February 2027. Prospective fellows should be aware that being named a finalist does not equate to a guaranteed internship placement; the subsequent months of March and April are reserved for interviews with potential host offices, which hold the final authority over placements.

Applicants must submit an online form that includes a resume and written prompts. Those with specific inquiries regarding the application process or program requirements are encouraged to contact the organization directly at the email address provided in their official program documentation. As the 2027 cycle approaches, the program remains a practical entry point for students looking to move from academic study into the complexities of Washington policymaking.

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