Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program 2027 in Chicago
The Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program 2027 is open for the Spring 2027 cohort at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. The programme brings journalists working across different forms of media to Chicago for approximately 12 weeks of classes, seminars, professional exchange, and engagement with the university community. The application deadline is September 20, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. CT Chicago time.
Quick Overview
Programme: Journalists in Residence Program
Opportunity Type: Journalism Programme
Host Organization: Stigler Center, Chicago Booth
Location: Chicago Hyde Park campus, United States
Programme Format: On-campus
Duration: Approximately 12 weeks
Programme Dates: Tentatively March 15 – May 31, 2027
Deadline: September 20, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. CT Chicago time
About the Journalists in Residence Program 2027
The Stigler Center launched the Journalists in Residence Program in 2017 with the aim of shaping leaders in business reporting. The programme is designed for journalists working in all forms of media around the world.
Participants spend approximately 12 weeks on the Chicago Hyde Park campus. During this period, they audit classes, participate in Stigler Center activities, collaborate with peers, and network with university scholars.
Journalists with professional experience, proficient English, and an interest in strengthening their understanding of political economy are encouraged to apply. Editors and freelance journalists are also eligible to apply.
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What the Programme Offers
The Journalists in Residence Program provides financial support together with academic and professional development opportunities.
✓ Reimbursement for economy-class airfare to and from Chicago
✓ Reimbursement of SEVIS and visa application fees
✓ A $14,000 stipend to cover living expenses during the 12-week programme
✓ Opportunities to audit Chicago Booth classes
✓ Participation in seminars and workshops at Chicago Booth and across the university
✓ Opportunity to write for the ProMarket publication
✓ Opportunities to collaborate with Booth faculty, students, and other programme participants
✓ Health insurance through the University of Chicago student/visitor plan
✓ Housing guidance and resources for finding short-term accommodation in Chicago
✓ Certificate of participation after successful programme completion
For international participants, the stipend may be subject to tax withholding of up to 14 percent, depending on the applicable tax treaty. Health insurance is mandatory. Participants using the University of Chicago plan pay for it from the programme stipend unless they provide proof of equivalent coverage.
The stipend may take up to one month after the programme begins to process. The official FAQ advises participants to have approximately USD $3,000–5,000 available for initial living expenses such as housing, food, and transportation.
Programme Expectations
Selected participants are expected to take an active role throughout the programme.
• Audit three classes
• Participate in classes and complete required readings and assignments
• Attend Stigler Center seminars, lectures, conferences, social events, and recommended activities
• Engage respectfully with the programme cohort and the wider university community
• Sign a letter of agreement confirming the programme and university guidelines and expectations
• Have sufficient funds available for initial living expenses while the stipend is being processed
Participants may continue working during the programme. However, the official FAQ notes that the programme has a heavy workload because of classes, assignments, seminars, workshops, events, and other activities.
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Eligibility Criteria
The programme welcomes journalists working in different forms of media.
Applicants should:
• Have at least some years of journalism experience
• Be proficient in English
• Have an interest in developing their knowledge and understanding of political economy
The official FAQ states that strong applicants generally have at least a few years of post-degree professional experience in journalism. Editors and freelance journalists are welcome to apply, and there is no preference for traditional media over newer forms of media.
A basic understanding of economics and accounting can be useful but is not required.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the required materials through the official online application.
• Curriculum vitae
• Personal statements explaining the applicant’s interest and goals for the programme
• Two letters of recommendation submitted directly by the recommenders through the separate portal process
• Three published news articles
• Proof of English proficiency, when applicable
If submitted articles are not in English, applicants must provide translations together with the original articles.
TV and radio journalists should provide links to their video or audio work in a PDF or Word document, together with English transcriptions.
Non-native English speakers must submit evidence of English proficiency. This requirement is waived when the applicant completed an undergraduate or graduate degree at an institution where English was the primary language of instruction.
Examples of accepted evidence listed on the official page include standardized test scores or certificates, an English equivalency certificate, work experience in an English-speaking office, or a letter from an employer or manager confirming English-language skills.
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Application Process
All application materials must be submitted through the official online portal. Materials sent through email, social media, or other submission methods will not be considered.
Applicants should prepare the required documents, complete the online application, and arrange for their two recommenders to submit recommendation letters through the separate portal link provided during the application process.
Important Dates
• Application Deadline: September 20, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. CT Chicago time
• Application Decisions: By the end of December 2026
• Spring 2027 Programme: Tentatively March 15 – May 31, 2027
Official Link
Submit your application through the official application link below.
