Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program

The Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program is organised by the Stigler Center at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Launched in 2017, the programme aims to strengthen business journalism by helping journalists deepen their understanding of the relationship between politics and the economy.

The Spring 2027 cohort will spend approximately 12 weeks at Chicago Booth’s Hyde Park campus. Participants will audit classes, attend Stigler Center events, seminars and workshops, collaborate with fellow journalists, and engage with university faculty and scholars.

The programme is designed for working journalists across different forms of media who want to strengthen their knowledge of political economy and improve the quality and depth of their reporting. Editors and freelance journalists are also eligible to apply.

Participants are expected to audit three Chicago Booth classes, complete required readings and assignments, attend programme events and engage actively with their cohort and the wider university community.

The 2027 programme is tentatively scheduled to run from 15 March to 31 May 2027. Successful applicants will receive financial support for living expenses and eligible travel and visa-related costs.

• Applicants may be journalists from any country.
• Applicants should be working in journalism across any form of media.
• Freelance journalists and editors are eligible to apply.
• Applicants should have professional journalism experience.
• Strong applicants generally have at least a few years of post-degree working experience in journalism.
• Applicants should demonstrate an interest in political economy, business reporting or related issues.
• Applicants must have sufficient English proficiency to participate fully in classes, seminars and programme activities.
• Non-native English speakers must provide proof of English proficiency unless their undergraduate or graduate degree was completed at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
• Basic knowledge of economics or accounting is useful but not required.

• USD 14,000 stipend to cover living expenses during the approximately 12-week programme.
• Reimbursement for economy-class airfare to and from Chicago.
• Reimbursement of visa application fees.
• Reimbursement of SEVIS fees.
• Opportunity to audit classes at Chicago Booth.
• Participation in seminars and workshops at Chicago Booth and across the University of Chicago.
• Opportunity to write for the ProMarket publication.
• Networking and collaboration with Booth faculty, students and fellow programme participants.
• Housing guidance and resources for finding short-term accommodation in Chicago.
• Access to the University of Chicago student/visitor health insurance plan, subject to the programme’s insurance arrangements.
• Certificate of participation upon successful completion.

• Curriculum vitae.
• Personal statements describing the applicant’s interest in and goals for the programme.
• Two letters of recommendation submitted directly by the recommenders through the separate recommendation portal.
• Three published news articles.
• English translations of published articles if the originals are not in English.
• For television or radio journalists, links to video or audio work in a PDF or Word document, accompanied by English transcriptions.
• Proof of English proficiency, where applicable.

• Quality and depth of professional journalism experience.
• Demonstrated interest in political economy and business-related reporting.
• Strength of the applicant’s personal statements and programme goals.
• Quality of submitted published journalism work.
• Strength and relevance of recommendation letters.
• Ability to participate effectively in an academically demanding English-language environment.
• Overall alignment with the programme’s aim of developing stronger business and political-economy journalism.

• Gain advanced knowledge of political economy and business reporting.
• Study alongside Chicago Booth students through audited classes.
• Learn from leading University of Chicago academics and experts.
• Strengthen reporting skills through seminars, workshops and academic study.
• Build an international professional network with journalists from different countries.
• Gain exposure to a globally recognised business school and research environment.
• Develop new perspectives that can strengthen future journalism and investigative work.
• Access opportunities to contribute to ProMarket and engage with Booth faculty and students.