University of Chicago Is Looking for Journalists: A 12-Week International Opportunity in the United States

Experienced journalists from around the world can now apply for a unique opportunity to spend approximately three months at the University of Chicago and explore the connections between politics, economics and business.

For journalists who want to move beyond daily news and gain a deeper understanding of how economic and political forces shape society, an international opportunity is now available in the United States.

The Stigler Center for the Study of the Economy and the State at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business has opened applications for its Journalists in Residence Program 2027.

The initiative was launched in 2017 with the goal of helping develop stronger leaders in business journalism and encouraging better public discussion about the relationship between politics and the economy.

Spend 12 weeks in Chicago

Those selected for the program will spend approximately 12 weeks at the University of Chicago's Hyde Park campus in Chicago.

But this is not simply a traditional journalism course.

During their stay, journalists can audit university classes, attend Stigler Center events, collaborate with other journalists and build connections with professors and researchers at the university.

The program creates an environment where journalists can examine economic and political questions from a different perspective while learning alongside people from different professional and cultural backgrounds.

Why political economy matters to journalists

Modern journalism increasingly requires an understanding of economics.

Government decisions can affect companies and markets. Corporate decisions can influence communities. Political developments can have significant economic consequences.

Understanding these connections can help journalists produce more informed reporting and investigate complicated stories more effectively.

The Stigler Center's program is therefore particularly relevant to journalists interested in business, economics, finance, politics, public policy and investigative reporting.

Who is eligible?

The program is aimed at journalists who already have professional experience.

Applicants should have:

• Several years of journalism experience;
• Strong English-language skills;
• An interest in political economy and the relationship between politics and markets;
• A desire to expand their professional and academic knowledge.

Journalists working in different types of media are encouraged to apply.

This includes professionals working in newspapers, magazines, websites, television, radio and other forms of media.

What must applicants submit?

The application process requires several important documents.

Candidates need to provide:

A CV
An up-to-date curriculum vitae describing their professional experience and education.

Personal statements
Applicants must explain why they want to participate in the program and what they hope to achieve.

Two recommendation letters
The letters must be submitted directly by the recommenders through the designated recommendation portal.

Three published journalism pieces
Applicants must submit three examples of previously published news articles.

If the articles were originally written in a language other than English, English translations must also be provided.

Television and radio journalists can submit links to their work in a PDF or Word document together with English transcripts.

English-language requirement

Applicants whose native language is not English may be required to provide evidence of English proficiency.

Possible forms of proof include recognized tests and certificates such as TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge and Duolingo, among others.

Professional experience in an English-speaking workplace or a letter from an employer or manager confirming English-language skills may also be considered.

The requirement can be waived for applicants who completed an undergraduate or graduate degree at a university where English was the primary language of instruction.

The deadline is approaching

The application deadline for the Spring 2027 Journalists in Residence Program is:

September 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Chicago time

Applicants are expected to receive decisions by the end of December 2026.

The program is tentatively scheduled to take place from:

March 15 – May 31, 2027

Because the deadline is approaching, journalists interested in the opportunity should begin preparing their CV, personal statements, published articles and recommendation letters as soon as possible.

Applications must be submitted online

One important detail should not be overlooked: the Stigler Center requires applicants to submit their materials through the official online application system.

Applications or documents sent by email, social media or other methods will not be considered.

Ready to apply?

The 2027 Journalists in Residence Program is now accepting applications.

Start the official application

Read the official program information

Application deadline: September 20, 2026
Program: March 15 – May 31, 2027
Location: University of Chicago, Hyde Park, Chicago

For experienced journalists looking for an international academic experience and a chance to strengthen their understanding of economics, politics and business, the program could be a valuable step in their professional development.

https://www.chicagobooth.edu/research/stigler/education/journalists-in-residence-program/jir-apply