Fellowship Fully funded

Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program 2027

Applications closed 20 September 2026

Business
Journalism
Policy

Programme details

The Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business is an approximately 12-week, on-campus programme for journalists from around the world who want to deepen their understanding of political economy and the relationship between politics and the economy. Launched in 2017, the programme aims to shape leaders in business reporting by giving journalists access to Chicago Booth classes, Stigler Center programming, university scholars and an international cohort of media professionals.

Participants spend the programme at Chicago Booth’s Hyde Park campus in Chicago. They audit three classes, complete course readings and assignments, attend seminars, workshops, lectures, conferences and social events, and collaborate with faculty, students and fellow journalists. Participants may also write for the Stigler Center’s ProMarket publication. The Spring 2027 cohort is tentatively scheduled for 15 March to 31 May 2027. Application decisions are expected by the end of December 2026. International participants are usually issued J-1 visas.

Be a working journalist. Journalists working in all forms of media from around the world are encouraged to apply.
Editors and freelance journalists are eligible to apply.
Have professional journalism experience. The Stigler Center states that strong applicants have at least a few years of post-degree working experience in the field.
Be proficient in English.
Have an interest in deepening your knowledge and understanding of political economy and the interactions between politics and the economy.
Have sufficient personal funds to cover living expenses for up to the first month of the programme while the stipend is being processed. The Stigler Center recommends approximately USD 3,000–5,000 for housing, food, transportation and other initial living expenses.
Maintain health insurance for the duration of the programme, either through the University of Chicago plan or comparable existing coverage that qualifies for a waiver.
Participants are expected to audit three Chicago Booth classes, participate in class, complete required readings and assignments, and attend Stigler Center seminars, lectures, conferences, social events and other recommended activities.
Participants must engage respectfully with their cohort and the wider university community and sign a letter of agreement covering programme and university guidelines.
Estimated age fit: approximately 25–65 based on the career stages and profiles of past participants. Chicago Booth does not publish an official minimum or maximum age, so this range is an editorial estimate rather than a formal eligibility restriction.

USD 14,000 stipend to cover living expenses over the approximately 12-week programme.
Reimbursement for economy-class airfare to and from Chicago.
Reimbursement of SEVIS and visa application fees.
Opportunity to audit three classes at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Participation in seminars and workshops at Chicago Booth and across the University of Chicago.
Opportunities to collaborate and network with Booth faculty, students, university scholars and journalists from around the world.
Opportunity to write for the Stigler Center's ProMarket digital publication; publication is optional.
Access to the University of Chicago student/visitor health insurance option. Health insurance is mandatory; if a participant enrolls in U-SHIP, its cost is deducted from the programme stipend, while comparable existing coverage may qualify for a waiver.
Housing guidance and resources to help participants find short-term accommodation in Chicago.
Certificate of participation upon successful completion of the programme.
For international participants, the stipend may be subject to 14 percent tax withholding depending on the applicable tax treaty.

Important dates

20 Sep 2026
Application deadline
15 Mar 2027
Tentative programme begins
31 May 2027
Tentative programme ends

Required documents

Curriculum vitae
Personal statements

Personal statements describing your interest in and goals for the programme.
Two letters of recommendation

The two letters must be submitted directly by your recommenders through the separate portal link provided during the application process. Letters submitted by the applicant on behalf of a recommender are not accepted.
Three published news articles

Submit three examples of your best published work. Political economy and Stigler-related articles are strongly preferred but not required. If an article is not in English, submit an English translation together with the original. TV and radio journalists should provide links to video or audio files in a PDF or Word document together with English transcriptions.
Proof of English proficiency Optional

Required for non-native English speakers unless an undergraduate or graduate degree was obtained at a college or university where English is the primary language of instruction. Accepted examples include standardized test scores or certificates, an English-equivalency diploma or certificate, work experience in an English-speaking office, or a letter from an employer or manager affirming English-language skills.