Applications are now open for the Spring 2027 Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in the United States.
The program is designed for experienced journalists from around the world who want to deepen their understanding of political economy, business, markets and the interaction between politics and the economy. Participants spend approximately 12 weeks at the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus, where they audit classes, attend Stigler Center events, collaborate with peers and connect with university scholars.
The 2027 program provides a $14,000 stipend, reimbursement for economy-class airfare to and from Chicago, reimbursement for SEVIS and visa application fees, health insurance access, academic participation and a certificate of participation.
Applications for the Spring 2027 cohort close on September 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time in Chicago, with the program tentatively scheduled to run from March 15 to May 31, 2027.
University of Chicago Journalists in Residence Program 2027 at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program |
| Institution | University of Chicago Booth School of Business |
| Center | Stigler Center |
| Country | United States |
| Location | Chicago, Illinois |
| Cohort | Spring 2027 |
| Application status | Open |
| Application deadline | September 20, 2026 |
| Deadline time | 11:59 p.m. CT, Chicago time |
| Program dates | Tentatively March 15–May 31, 2027 |
| Duration | Approximately 12 weeks |
| Stipend | $14,000 |
| Airfare | Economy-class airfare reimbursement |
| Visa support | SEVIS and visa application fee reimbursement |
| Health insurance | Available through UChicago student/visitor plan |
| Academic participation | Audit three classes |
| Certificate | Certificate of participation |
| Target applicants | Journalists from around the world |
| English | Proficiency required |
| Main focus | Political economy, business reporting and markets |
What Is the Journalists in Residence Program?
The Journalists in Residence Program is an international professional development initiative run by the Stigler Center at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
The Stigler Center launched the program in 2017 with the aim of developing leaders in business reporting.
The program focuses on journalism covering the relationship between:
- Politics
- Markets
- Business
- Economics
- Public institutions
The Stigler Center describes the media as playing an important role in gathering and sharing information about market participants and uncovering potential wrongdoing.
Who Can Apply?
The program encourages applications from journalists who have:
- At least some years of professional experience
- Proficient English
- An interest in political economy
The program is open to journalists working across different forms of media around the world.
Is the Program Open to International Journalists?
Yes.
The official source states that the program provides a learning experience for journalists working in all forms of media around the world.
This makes it relevant to journalists from outside the United States, subject to the program’s complete application requirements.
What Types of Journalists Can Apply?
The supplied source does not restrict eligibility to one particular media format.
The program is intended for journalists working in different forms of media.
Depending on professional background, this could include people working in areas such as:
- Newspapers
- Magazines
- Digital journalism
- Broadcast journalism
- Investigative journalism
- Business journalism
- Economic reporting
Applicants should, however, rely on the official application form for the exact current eligibility criteria.
Is a Particular Academic Degree Required?
The supplied program page does not state that applicants must hold a specific academic degree.
The emphasis is instead placed on:
- Journalism experience
- English proficiency
- Interest in political economy
Applicants should avoid assuming that a particular bachelor’s or master’s degree is mandatory unless confirmed in the application instructions.
How Much Is the Stipend?
Participants receive a stipend of:
$14,000
to cover living expenses during the approximately 12-week program.
This is one of the major financial benefits of the fellowship.
Is the $14,000 Stipend Tax-Free?
Not necessarily.
The University of Chicago states that the stipend may be subject to tax withholding of up to:
14% for international participants.
Participants are advised to check whether their home country has an applicable tax treaty with the United States.
Does the Program Cover Airfare?
Yes.
The program provides reimbursement for:
Economy-class airfare to and from Chicago.
The source does not specify a maximum reimbursement amount or airline restrictions.
Are Visa Fees Covered?
Yes.
The program provides reimbursement for:
- SEVIS fees
- Visa application fees
This is particularly important for international journalists who require U.S. immigration documentation to participate.
Does the Program Provide Accommodation?
The program does not state that housing itself is directly provided or paid separately.
Instead, the program offers:
Housing guidance and resources to help participants find short-term accommodation in Chicago.
Participants should therefore plan to use their stipend or other funds to meet housing-related expenses unless otherwise confirmed.
Health Insurance
Participants have access to health insurance through:
The University of Chicago student/visitor plan.
However, the cost is normally paid from the participant’s program stipend.
The requirement may be waived if a participant can provide proof of equivalent insurance coverage.
What Does the Program Include?
The Journalists in Residence Program offers several academic and professional development opportunities.
These include:
- Exclusive seminars
- Study opportunities with University of Chicago faculty
- International networking
- Class auditing
- Workshops
- University events
- Collaboration with faculty and students
- Writing opportunities
- Certificate of participation
Audit Classes at Chicago Booth
Participants are expected to audit:
Three classes.
This gives journalists an opportunity to learn directly from faculty at one of the world’s leading business schools.
Academic Expectations
Participants are not simply expected to sit in on lectures.
They must:
- Participate in classes
- Complete required readings
- Complete assignments
This means applicants should be prepared for a serious academic workload.
Stigler Center Events
Participants are expected to attend:
- Seminars
- Lectures
- Conferences
- Social events
- Other activities recommended by the Stigler Center
These activities are intended to broaden participants’ exposure to academic and policy debates.
Opportunity to Write for ProMarket
Participants may also have an opportunity to write for:
ProMarket
the publication associated with the Stigler Center.
This can provide participants with an additional platform for discussing political economy, markets and related issues.
Networking Opportunities
The program allows journalists to engage with:
- Chicago Booth faculty
- University scholars
- Students
- Fellow journalists
- International peers
The international nature of the cohort may be particularly valuable for journalists looking to expand their professional networks.
Certificate of Participation
Participants who successfully complete the program receive a:
Certificate of Participation.
This is a professional program certificate and should not be confused with a University of Chicago academic degree.
How Long Is the Program?
The program lasts approximately:
12 weeks.
For Spring 2027, the tentative program dates are:
March 15–May 31, 2027.
Applicants should make sure they can remain in Chicago for the full program period.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the Spring 2027 Journalists in Residence Program is:
September 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CT, Chicago time.
Applicants outside the United States should convert this deadline carefully into their local time.
When Will Decisions Be Announced?
Selection decisions are expected to be announced:
By the end of December 2026.
Successful applicants will therefore have approximately two to three months before the tentative March 2027 start.
Program Expectations
Selected journalists are expected to fully participate in the academic and professional experience.
Requirements include:
- Auditing three classes
- Completing required readings and assignments
- Attending Stigler Center activities
- Engaging respectfully with the cohort
- Participating in the wider university community
- Signing a program agreement
Participants Need Funds for the First Month
One important condition concerns the timing of stipend payments.
Participants are expected to have sufficient personal funds to cover living expenses for up to the first month because the stipend can take:
Up to one month to be disbursed.
This is particularly important for international participants planning travel, food, transport and accommodation costs.
Is the Program Fully Funded?
The program provides substantial financial support, including:
- $14,000 stipend
- Economy airfare reimbursement
- SEVIS fee reimbursement
- Visa application fee reimbursement
- Health insurance access
However, it is more accurate to describe the package by its specific benefits rather than simply assuming that every possible cost is covered.
Housing, for example, is not described as directly paid by the program; instead, participants receive guidance to find accommodation and are expected to use available funds to cover living expenses.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
The program is designed for journalists with professional experience and an interest in political economy.
Applicants should therefore prepare to demonstrate:
Journalism Experience
Candidates should clearly explain their journalism background and professional responsibilities.
Interest in Political Economy
The Stigler Center specifically encourages applicants who want to deepen their understanding of political economy.
A strong application should explain why this subject is relevant to the applicant’s reporting.
Professional Goals
Applicants should be able to explain how the 12-week Chicago experience could improve their journalism.
Commitment to the Program
The program requires significant participation in:
- Classes
- Assignments
- Seminars
- University activities
Applicants should show that they can commit fully to the program period.
Why Political Economy?
The Stigler Center focuses on the interaction between:
Politics and the economy.
This can include questions involving:
- Markets
- Regulation
- Competition
- Government policy
- Corporate behaviour
- Public institutions
Journalists reporting on these areas may find the program particularly relevant.
Who Might Benefit Most?
The program may be particularly useful for journalists covering:
- Business
- Economics
- Finance
- Markets
- Public policy
- Regulation
- Corporate affairs
- Government
- Investigations
It may also appeal to journalists seeking to strengthen their ability to interpret economic evidence and policy debates.
What Makes the Program Different?
Unlike a traditional journalism workshop lasting a few days, the Journalists in Residence Program places participants inside the University of Chicago academic environment for approximately three months.
Participants can:
- Audit university classes
- Learn from faculty
- Attend seminars
- Write
- Network
- Exchange ideas with journalists from different countries
This longer format can allow participants to engage more deeply with political economy than a short conference or training event.
Application Mistakes to Avoid
Missing the Chicago-Time Deadline
Applications close at:
11:59 p.m. CT on September 20, 2026.
International applicants should not assume the deadline ends at midnight in their own country.
Assuming Housing Is Fully Provided
The program offers housing guidance but does not state that accommodation is directly provided at no cost.
Spending the Entire Stipend Before Accounting for Health Insurance
Health insurance may need to be paid from the stipend.
Ignoring Possible Tax Withholding
International participants may have up to 14% withheld from the stipend, depending on applicable tax arrangements.
Arriving Without Emergency Funds
Participants are expected to have enough money to cover up to one month of expenses while waiting for stipend processing.
Treating the Program as a Holiday
Participants are expected to attend classes, complete readings and assignments and take part in academic activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program?
It is a professional development program at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business for journalists interested in political economy.
Are applications open for 2027?
Yes. Applications are open for the Spring 2027 cohort.
What is the deadline?
September 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CT, Chicago time.
When does the program start?
The tentative start date is:
March 15, 2027.
When does the program end?
The tentative end date is:
May 31, 2027.
How long is the program?
Approximately 12 weeks.
How much is the stipend?
$14,000.
Is airfare covered?
Economy-class airfare to and from Chicago is reimbursed.
Are visa fees covered?
Yes. SEVIS and visa application fees are reimbursed.
Is accommodation provided?
The program provides housing guidance and resources, but the source does not say that accommodation itself is paid separately.
Is health insurance included?
Health insurance is available through the University of Chicago student/visitor plan, but its cost is generally paid from the program stipend unless equivalent coverage is approved.
Can international journalists apply?
Yes. The program is designed for journalists from around the world.
Is English required?
Yes. Applicants should be proficient in English.
Do I need journalism experience?
The program encourages journalists with at least some years of professional experience.
Do participants attend classes?
Yes.
Participants are expected to audit three classes.
Do participants complete assignments?
Yes. Participants must complete required readings and assignments.
Can participants write for ProMarket?
The program includes an opportunity to write for ProMarket.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Successful participants receive a Certificate of Participation.
When are decisions announced?
By the end of December 2026.
Is the stipend taxable?
It may be. International participants may face tax withholding of up to 14%, depending on treaty arrangements.
Do participants need personal savings?
Yes. Participants are expected to have sufficient money to cover up to the first month because stipend processing may take that long.
Why the University of Chicago Journalists in Residence Program Is Worth Considering
The Stigler Center program combines professional journalism development with access to a major academic institution.
Its main benefits include:
- $14,000 stipend
- Airfare reimbursement
- Visa and SEVIS fee reimbursement
- Approximately 12 weeks in Chicago
- Chicago Booth classes
- Academic seminars
- Workshops
- Networking
- Opportunity to write for ProMarket
- International cohort
- Certificate of participation
For journalists seeking deeper knowledge of economics, markets and public policy, the program offers substantially more academic engagement than a short-term journalism conference.
Final Thoughts
The University of Chicago Booth Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program 2027 offers experienced journalists from around the world an opportunity to spend approximately 12 weeks in Chicago studying political economy and strengthening their professional reporting skills.
Participants receive a $14,000 stipend, reimbursement for economy airfare, reimbursement for SEVIS and visa application fees, access to health insurance and a certificate upon successful completion.
Selected journalists are expected to audit three classes, complete coursework, attend Stigler Center events and actively participate in the wider University of Chicago community.
The Spring 2027 program is tentatively scheduled for March 15–May 31, 2027, while applications close on September 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CT Chicago time.
For journalists looking for an international fellowship-style experience with financial support, academic access and exposure to leading scholars in business and political economy, this is a highly relevant opportunity to consider.
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