Deadline: October 1, 2025
The Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program 2026 at Chicago Booth is a prestigious and transformative opportunity for journalists from around the world to immerse themselves in the study of political economy and related disciplines. Designed to equip participants with deeper insights into economic and policy issues, the programme offers a 12-week, fully funded residency at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Hyde Park campus.
Since its launch in 2017, the programme has hosted leading journalists from globally renowned outlets including the BBC, Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, CNN, The Economist, and Reuters, offering them a unique environment for professional and intellectual growth.
About the Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program
The Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program is aimed at journalists seeking to enhance their knowledge in political economy through academic engagement, networking, and professional development. During the 12-week residency, participants have the opportunity to audit graduate-level courses, attend seminars and workshops, and engage directly with leading scholars, policymakers, and peers.
Core offerings include:
- Fully covered travel costs: Economy-class airfare, SEVIS fee, and visa application fee reimbursements.
- Generous stipend: $14,000 to cover living expenses during the programme, subject to up to 14% tax withholding for international participants.
- Academic enrichment: Audit graduate-level Chicago Booth classes led by world-class faculty.
- Exclusive access: Participation in high-level seminars, workshops, lectures, and social events hosted by the Stigler Center.
- Professional development: Opportunities to contribute articles to ProMarket, the Stigler Center’s publication on economics and public policy.
- Workspace: A dedicated study environment on campus.
Expectations of Participants
Participants in the Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program are expected to:
- Audit three graduate-level courses during the term.
- Complete assigned readings and participate actively in classes.
- Attend Stigler Center events, including seminars, lectures, and conferences.
- Engage professionally and respectfully with peers, faculty, and the wider University of Chicago community.
- Sign a formal letter of agreement outlining mutual commitments.
Programme Timeline and Application Deadline
The Spring 2025 application cycle closed on October 13, 2024. The next available intake will be Spring 2026.
Key dates for the 2026 cohort:
- Application Deadline: 1 October 2025 at 11:59 p.m. CT
- Programme Dates (tentative): 18 March – 29 May 2026
Eligibility
While there are no rigid formal criteria, applicants are typically:
- Practising journalists with a demonstrated interest in political economy, economics, or public policy.
- Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
- Experienced in producing analytical and impactful journalism.
Past Participants and Impact
Since 2017, the programme has welcomed journalists from diverse backgrounds, representing print, broadcast, and digital media across the globe. Notable alumni include:
- Stephen Carroll (JIR ’19) – Gained valuable insights from conversations with Nobel Prize–winning economists.
- Tanya Thomas (JIR ’22) – Learned about ethics and decision-making in business leadership training.
- Blaž Zgaga (JIR ’21) – Described the experience as “transformational” in understanding global economic trends.
The 2024 cohort featured journalists from BBC, ABC News, Financial Times, News 24/7 (Uganda), and The New York Times (Taiwan), among others.
Quick Reference Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12 weeks (Spring term) |
| Stipend | $14,000 (minus up to 14% tax for international participants) |
| Costs Covered | Airfare, SEVIS fee, visa fee |
| Academic Component | Audit 3 graduate-level courses |
| Professional Activities | Contribute to ProMarket, attend seminars, workshops, and events |
| Application Deadline | 1 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. CT) |
| Programme Dates | 18 March – 29 May 2026 (tentative) |
Why Apply?
The Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program 2026 offers unmatched access to academic resources, high-level networking, and the time to reflect and develop professionally. It’s an opportunity to step away from the daily newsroom grind and engage deeply with the ideas shaping economics, politics, and society.
To apply for the 2026 programme, visit the official application portal here: Apply Now
To read more about the programme, visit the Stigler Center’s official page: Read More
(Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining, and review.)
