Restructuring Finance Program

The University of Chicago is launching the Restructuring Finance Program: a selective, two-year-long pre-professional program designed to prepare undergraduates for a career in restructuring investment banking. The restructuring specialty in investment banking is critical to support distressed companies in today’s economy, and this program will provide students with the experience and interdisciplinary skillset they need to secure roles in this rapidly growing area of finance.

This program will provide students with specialized training in the three key competencies of restructuring investment banking: finance, law, and operations / management. During their second year, students would focus on building core financial skills such as financial statement analysis, modeling, valuation, etc. During their third year, students would shift to focus on learning key legal concepts (e.g., bankruptcy, securities case law) and operations and management skills (e.g., change management in a sensitive environment).

Student Outcomes

Graduates of the Restructuring Finance Program will:

  • Receive training in financial modeling, valuation, credit analysis, and financial accounting for distressed companies.

  • Develop fluency in legal considerations of restructuring and the operational aspects of creating effective change.

  • Network with key players in the restructuring finance industry through employer site visits and exclusive treks.

  • Gain access to internships and other hands-on opportunities.

Eligibility for Restructuring Finance Program

Students can apply into the program prior to their second year and must commit to participating in programming throughout their second and third years.

There is no academic major requirement; however, you must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to apply. Transfer students and students returning from a leave of absence are also eligible to apply.

Applying

Interested students can apply using this form. The following materials will be required for a complete application to the Restructuring Finance Program:

  • One-page resume

  • Application Questionnaire

  • Unofficial UChicago Transcript (A 3.0 GPA or higher from first year at UChicago or other institution for transfer students)

Applicants should demonstrate:

  • Strong interest in restoring financial health to distressed businesses.

  • Academic excellence and intellectual curiosity.

  • Leadership potential and collaborative spirit.

2025-26 Application Timeline

  • Application Opens: September 15, 2025

  • Deadline: October 3, 2025

  • Decisions Released: October 10, 2025

  • Program Kickoff: October 16, 2025

For any questions, please contact Fatima Chughtai at fchughtai@uchicago.edu.