Chicago Booth Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program 2027

The Chicago Booth Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program 2027 gives experienced journalists an opportunity to spend about 12 weeks at the University of Chicago in the United States. The program combines academic study, journalism, seminars, workshops and networking.

Participants explore political economy, business, markets and public policy while taking classes at Chicago Booth. The program is designed for journalists who want to develop a deeper understanding of economic and political issues and use that knowledge in their reporting.

Quick Highlights

About the Journalists in Residence Program

The Stigler Center’s Journalists in Residence Program has been running since 2017. It brings journalists to the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus for an intensive residential experience focused on economics, business and political economy.

Participants attend Chicago Booth classes and Stigler Center activities while interacting with faculty, researchers and other journalists. The program welcomes journalists working in different media formats, including freelancers and editors.

The goal is not to earn a degree. Instead, participants gain academic knowledge, professional connections and a better understanding of issues that can strengthen their journalism.

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Financial Benefits

The program provides significant financial support, but it is important to understand what is and is not covered.

• $14,000 stipend: Participants receive a $14,000 stipend for living expenses during the program.
• Airfare: Economy-class airfare to and from Chicago is reimbursed.
• Visa and SEVIS fees: Visa application and SEVIS fees are reimbursed for international participants.
• Health insurance: Health insurance is required. Participants can use the University of Chicago’s U-SHIP plan, with the cost deducted from the stipend, or waive it by showing proof of equivalent coverage.
• Accommodation: Free accommodation is not provided. The program offers housing guidance and resources, while participants use their stipend to pay for housing and other living costs.
• Tax: International participants may have up to 14% withheld from the stipend, depending on the applicable U.S. tax treaty.

The university recommends having around $3,000 to $5,000 in personal funds available. The first stipend payment can take up to one month to process, so participants may need money for initial housing, food and transportation expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

The program is intended for journalists who have professional experience and a strong interest in political economy or related areas.

• Professional experience: Applicants should have at least some years of professional journalism experience. Candidates with a few years of post-degree experience are generally stronger applicants.
• Media background: Journalists from different forms of media can apply, including print, digital, broadcast, photojournalism, freelance journalism and editing.
• English proficiency: Applicants must be proficient in English. Non-native English speakers may need to provide evidence of proficiency unless they qualify for an exemption.
• Academic background: A specific journalism or economics degree is not required.
• Subject interest: Applicants should demonstrate an interest in political economy and issues involving markets, business, government and public policy.
• Economics knowledge: Previous economics or accounting coursework is helpful but not required.
• Residency: Selected participants are expected to participate in person at the University of Chicago throughout the program.

Applicants should also be prepared to follow the university’s program rules and sign the required agreement if selected.

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What Participants Do

The program combines academic learning with practical journalism activities.

Participants audit three Chicago Booth classes, subject to instructor approval, available seats and any course prerequisites. They are expected to complete the relevant readings and assignments.

They also participate in Stigler Center seminars, workshops, lectures, conferences and other activities. These events provide opportunities to meet academics, researchers and journalists.

Participants may also contribute articles to ProMarket, the Stigler Center’s online publication. Writing for ProMarket is an opportunity rather than a compulsory requirement.

The program does not award an MBA or another university degree. Participants who successfully complete the program receive a certificate of participation.

Required Documents

Applicants need to prepare several materials for the online application.

• CV or resume: Include relevant journalism and professional experience.
• Personal statement: Explain your goals and why the program is relevant to your journalistic work.
• Three published news articles: These should demonstrate your best journalism. Articles related to political economy or Stigler Center topics are preferred but are not mandatory.
• Two recommendation letters: Your recommenders must submit their letters directly through the designated system.
• English proficiency evidence: Required where applicable. Accepted forms can include recognized tests or other evidence permitted by the program.

Applicants whose articles were published in another language should provide English translations together with the original work. Broadcast journalists can submit links to their audio or video work with English transcriptions.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official Stigler Center Journalists in Residence application page.
2. Complete the online application form.
3. Prepare and submit your CV, personal statement and three work samples.
4. Enter the information for your two recommenders so they can submit their letters directly.
5. Provide English proficiency evidence if required.
6. Review all information and submit the application before the deadline.

Applicants should use the official online application system. Recommendation letters must be submitted by the recommenders rather than uploaded by the applicant.

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Important Dates

The key dates for the 2027 program are:

• Application deadline: September 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT
• Selection results: By the end of December 2026
• Program dates: March 15 to May 31, 2027, tentatively

International applicants should allow sufficient time for visa processing after receiving an offer.

Frequently Asked Questions