Chicago Booth Journalists in Residence Program 2027 | $14,000 Stipend + Airfare Support

The Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program 2027 at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business is now accepting applications from experienced journalists from around the world.

The program offers a unique opportunity for journalists to spend approximately 12 weeks at the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus, audit three Chicago Booth classes, participate in seminars and workshops, collaborate with leading academics and journalists, and deepen their understanding of political economy, business, markets and public policy.

For the Spring 2027 cohort, the application deadline is September 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT (Chicago time). The program is tentatively scheduled to run from March 15 to May 31, 2027.

Chicago Booth Journalists in Residence Program 2027 – Quick Overview

The program has been running since 2017 and is designed to develop the next generation of leaders in business reporting.

What Is the Chicago Booth Journalists in Residence Program?

The Journalists in Residence (JIR) Program is an intensive professional development opportunity operated by the Stigler Center at Chicago Booth.

It brings journalists from different countries and media organizations to Chicago for an immersive academic and professional experience.

Participants spend approximately 12 weeks on the University’s Hyde Park campus, where they can:

• Audit Chicago Booth courses
• Attend seminars and lectures
• Participate in workshops
• Engage with university scholars
• Collaborate with journalists from around the world
• Develop business and economic reporting skills
• Explore political economy and market-related issues
• Participate in Stigler Center activities

The program is intended for journalists who want to develop a deeper understanding of the economic and political forces behind the stories they report.

Who Can Apply?

The program is designed for working journalists from around the world.

Chicago Booth encourages journalists who have at least some years of professional media experience, are proficient in English and are interested in deepening their understanding of political economy.

The program is not restricted to traditional newspaper journalists.

According to the official FAQ, freelancers and editors can also apply, and journalists working across different forms of media are welcome.

Ideal Applicants

The program may be particularly suitable for:

• Business journalists
• Economic journalists
• Financial journalists
• Political journalists
• Investigative journalists
• Newspaper reporters
• Magazine journalists
• Television journalists
• Radio journalists
• Digital journalists
• Freelance journalists
• Editors
• Journalists covering markets and public policy

What Does the Program Offer?

One of the biggest attractions of the Chicago Booth Journalists in Residence Program is its combination of financial support, academic learning and professional networking.

$14,000 Stipend

Selected participants receive a $14,000 stipend intended to cover living expenses during the 12-week program.

For international participants, the stipend can be subject to tax withholding of up to 14%, depending on applicable U.S. tax treaty provisions.

Economy-Class Airfare

The program provides reimbursement for economy-class airfare to and from Chicago.

Visa and SEVIS Fees

The program also provides reimbursement for SEVIS and visa application fees.

International participants are generally issued J-1 visas, according to the program FAQ.

Health Insurance

Participants receive access to the University of Chicago’s student/visitor health insurance plan.

The cost of mandatory coverage is paid from the program stipend unless the participant can provide proof of equivalent coverage.

Academic Access

Participants can audit three Chicago Booth classes during the program.

They participate in classes, complete required readings and assignments, and can choose courses based on availability, prerequisites and permissions.

Certificate

Participants who successfully complete the program receive a certificate of participation.

Is Housing Provided?

The program does not state that free accommodation is provided.

However, Chicago Booth provides housing guidance and resources to help participants find short-term accommodation in Chicago for the duration of the program.

Applicants should therefore budget carefully for housing and other living costs.

What Will Participants Study?

The program focuses on the intersection of:

• Politics
• Economics
• Business
• Markets
• Regulation
• Competition
• Public policy
• Corporate behavior

Basic knowledge of economics and accounting can be useful, although the official FAQ states that it is not required.

The program is particularly valuable for journalists who want to understand the economic fundamentals behind complex business and political stories.

What Are the Program Expectations?

The Journalists in Residence Program is an intensive academic experience.

Participants are expected to:

1. Audit three classes.
2. Participate actively in classes.
3. Complete required readings and assignments.
4. Attend Stigler Center seminars and lectures.
5. Participate in conferences, workshops and social events.
6. Engage respectfully with the cohort and university community.
7. Sign a letter of agreement regarding program expectations.
8. Have sufficient funds to cover living expenses during the first month because stipend disbursement can take up to one month.

Can Journalists Publish During the Program?

Yes.

Participants have an opportunity to write for ProMarket, the Stigler Center’s digital publication.

Writing for ProMarket is an opportunity rather than a mandatory requirement.

Can Freelance Journalists Apply?

Yes.

The official FAQ specifically states that freelance journalists and editors are welcome to apply.

This makes the program relevant not only to journalists employed by major media organizations but also to experienced independent journalists.

What Articles Should Applicants Submit?

Applicants should submit three published news articles as part of the application.

The program recommends submitting articles that represent the applicant’s strongest work.

Articles related to political economy and Stigler-related topics are preferred but not mandatory.

For television or radio journalists, applicants can provide links to video or audio work along with English transcriptions.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following through the online application portal:

1. Curriculum Vitae

A professional CV highlighting your journalism career and relevant experience.

2. Personal Statements

Applicants must provide personal statements explaining their:

• Interest in the program
• Professional goals
• Reasons for applying

3. Two Recommendation Letters

Applicants need to submit two letters of recommendation.

4. Three Published Articles

Three examples of published journalism work are required.

If the articles are not in English, applicants should submit English translations along with the original articles.

5. English Proficiency

Non-native English speakers must provide proof of English proficiency unless they obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree at a university where English was the primary language of instruction.

Accepted examples may include:

• TOEFL
• IELTS
• SAT
• ACT
• Cambridge
• Duolingo
• English-language academic qualifications
• Relevant work experience
• Employer confirmation of English proficiency

Can Young or Recent Journalism Graduates Apply?

The program is primarily designed for working journalists with several years of experience.

The official FAQ recommends applicants have at least a few years of post-degree professional experience.

Therefore, a recent journalism graduate whose only experience consists of internships may not be the strongest fit.

Is There an Age Limit?

The official program information does not specify an age limit.

Selection is primarily focused on professional journalism experience, English proficiency, interest in political economy and the overall strength of the application.

Is This a Fully Funded Program?

The program provides substantial financial support, including:

• $14,000 stipend
• Economy-class airfare reimbursement
• SEVIS fee reimbursement
• Visa application fee reimbursement
• Health insurance through the UChicago plan
• Academic access to Chicago Booth

However, because accommodation is not stated as being directly provided, it is more accurate to describe this as a funded professional development program with a stipend and travel support, rather than simply calling it “fully funded.”

Chicago Booth Journalists in Residence Program 2027 Deadline

The application deadline for the Spring 2027 cohort is:

September 20, 2026

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT Chicago time.

The University expects to announce decisions by the end of December 2026.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the official online application portal.

Application materials sent by email, social media or other methods will not be considered.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Prepare your CV.

Step 2: Write your personal statements explaining your goals and interest in the program.

Step 3: Request two strong recommendation letters.

Step 4: Select three of your best published articles.

Step 5: Prepare English translations if your articles are not in English.

Step 6: Prepare proof of English proficiency if required.

Step 7: Submit everything through the official online application portal.

Step 8: Submit before September 20, 2026.

Tips for a Strong Application

Demonstrate Your Journalism Experience

The program is designed for working journalists, so clearly explain your professional experience.

Submit Your Best Published Work

Choose articles that demonstrate:

• Strong reporting
• Research ability
• Analytical thinking
• Originality
• Clear writing
• Investigative skills

Explain Why Political Economy Matters to Your Reporting

A strong application should show how understanding economics, business and political institutions could improve your journalism.

Make Your Career Goals Specific

Explain what you want to accomplish after completing the program.

For example:

• Investigative business reporting
• Economic journalism
• Financial reporting
• Public-policy journalism
• Anti-corruption reporting
• Competition and market reporting

Choose Strong Referees

Your recommendation letters should ideally come from editors, senior journalists, managers or other professionals who understand your journalism work.

Why Is the Chicago Booth Program Valuable for Journalists?

The program provides journalists with an opportunity to temporarily step outside the newsroom and develop a deeper understanding of the subjects they cover.

Participants interact with:

• Chicago Booth faculty
• Researchers
• Students
• Journalists from other countries
• Stigler Center experts
• Other members of the university community

The program’s alumni include journalists associated with organizations such as Financial Times, Reuters, BBC, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CNN and other major media outlets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Chicago Booth Journalists in Residence Program?

It is a 12-week professional development program for journalists operated by the Stigler Center at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Where is the program held?

It is held on the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus in Chicago, Illinois.

When is the 2027 program?

The Spring 2027 program is tentatively scheduled for March 15 to May 31, 2027

What is the application deadline?

September 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT. (Chicago Booth)

How much is the stipend?

Selected participants receive a $14,000 stipend for living expenses over the 12-week program. (Chicago Booth)

Does the program cover airfare?

Yes. The program provides reimbursement for economy-class airfare to and from Chicago.

Does it cover visa expenses?

Yes. SEVIS and visa application fees are reimbursed according to the program’s published benefits.

Is accommodation free?

The program provides housing guidance and resources, but the official information does not state that accommodation itself is free.

Can freelancers apply?

Yes. Freelance journalists and editors are welcome to apply.

Can journalists from outside the United States apply?

Yes. The program is designed for journalists from around the world. International participants are generally issued J-1 visas. (Chicago Booth)

Do I need an economics degree?

No. An economics or accounting background is useful but not required.

Do I need several years of journalism experience?

The program encourages journalists with some years of professional media experience, and its FAQ recommends at least a few years of post-degree experience.

What do I need to submit?

You need:

• CV
• Personal statements
• Two recommendation letters
• Three published news articles
• English translations where necessary
• English proficiency evidence where applicable

Key Facts at a Glance

• Program: Journalists in Residence Program
• Institution: University of Chicago Booth School of Business
• Center: Stigler Center
• Location: Chicago, USA
• Duration: Approximately 12 weeks
• Cohort: Spring 2027
• Dates: March 15 – May 31, 2027
• Deadline: September 20, 2026
• Stipend: $14,000
• Airfare: Economy-class reimbursement
• Visa/SEVIS: Reimbursement
• Health Insurance: UChicago student/visitor plan
• Classes: Audit 3 Chicago Booth courses
• Experience: Several years of journalism experience encouraged
• Applicants: Journalists worldwide
• Freelancers: Eligible
• Certificate: Yes
• Application: Online

Conclusion

The Chicago Booth Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program 2027 is a highly valuable opportunity for experienced journalists who want to strengthen their understanding of business, economics, markets, political economy and public policy.

The program combines an approximately 12-week academic experience at the University of Chicago, access to Chicago Booth classes and faculty, international journalist networking, a $14,000 living-expense stipend, airfare reimbursement and visa/SEVIS fee support. (Chicago Booth)

For journalists looking to move into deeper business, economic or investigative reporting, this can be an especially strong professional development opportunity.