The Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program 2027 at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business offers working journalists an opportunity to spend approximately 12 weeks in Chicago researching and developing journalism projects while engaging with academics, researchers, and fellow journalists.
The program provides a $14,000 living stipend, eligible round-trip airfare reimbursement, visa-related support, health insurance, and access to Chicago Booth’s academic environment.
Program Overview & Quick Eligibility
- Opportunity Type: Journalism Fellowship / Research Residency
- Organizer: Stigler Center, University of Chicago Booth School of Business
- Study Level: Not applicable; designed for professional journalists
- Eligible Nationalities: Open to journalists worldwide
- Age Limit: No specific age limit stated
- Education Requirement: No specific degree requirement stated
- Work Experience: Early- and mid-career working journalists; applicants may work in print, broadcast, digital, or freelance journalism
- Nomination Required: No
- University Admission: Not required
- Funding: $14,000 living stipend + eligible round-trip airfare reimbursement + visa/SEVIS fee support + health insurance
- Application Fee: $0
- Location: University of Chicago, Hyde Park, Chicago, USA
- Duration: Approximately 12 weeks
- Program Dates: Tentatively March 15 – May 31, 2027
- Deadline: September 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT
Who Can Apply?
The program is designed for working journalists from around the world, including professionals working in:
- Print journalism
- Broadcast journalism
- Digital media
- Freelance journalism
Applicants should be interested in developing reporting or research projects connected to the program’s academic and policy environment.
English Language Requirement
Applicants are expected to have strong English proficiency.
Non-native English speakers may be asked to provide evidence of proficiency, such as:
- TOEFL
- IELTS
- Duolingo
- Employer letter or other accepted evidence
What Does the Program Cover?
$14,000 Living Stipend
Each selected journalist receives a $14,000 stipend intended to support living expenses during the approximately 12-week residency.
Important: Fellows should be prepared for initial personal expenses because the stipend may take time to be disbursed.
Travel Support
Eligible fellows receive reimbursement for round-trip economy-class airfare to and from Chicago.
Visa & SEVIS Support
The program provides support for eligible SEVIS and visa application fees.
International applicants should still review the official terms carefully for any expenses that are not covered.
Health Insurance
Selected fellows receive health insurance through the University of Chicago visitor plan.
Academic Access
Journalists in residence can benefit from Chicago Booth’s academic environment, including the opportunity to audit eligible classes and interact with academics, researchers, and other fellows.
What Will Fellows Do?
During the residency, journalists have the opportunity to:
- Develop and research journalism projects
- Engage with University of Chicago faculty and researchers
- Attend relevant academic activities
- Audit eligible Chicago Booth courses
- Exchange ideas with other journalists and fellows
- Build professional and academic connections
Important Financial Consideration
Applicants should not assume that the $14,000 stipend is paid immediately.
The program information indicates that the stipend may take up to a month to be disbursed. International fellows should therefore have sufficient funds available for initial expenses such as accommodation deposits, food, local transportation, and other setup costs.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
This program is particularly valuable for journalists looking to combine professional reporting with academic research and gain access to a leading business-school environment.
It can be a strong fit for journalists interested in economics, business, markets, public policy, regulation, competition, and related issues.
Never Miss Out on Hidden Gems!
Want daily verified listings for top global fellowships, grants, and career accelerators sent straight to your feed? Subscribe to Potenue right now so you never miss an update!