About California Institute of Technology

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a prestigious private research university located in Pasadena, California. Established in 1891, Caltech has gained a reputation for its strong focus on science and engineering disciplines, as well as its groundbreaking research and contributions to various fields.

California Institute of Technology Ranking

US Ranking: 7

California Institute of Technology Acceptance Rate

Admission to the California Institute of Technology for the 2023 intake is highly competitive, boasting an acceptance rate of just 6.7%. To gain admission, prospective students must meet specific program requirements and adhere to application deadlines.

International Outreach

Undergraduate Enrollment 982

How To Apply for Admission

Program Selection	Choose the specific program you wish to apply for (e.g., undergraduate major, graduate program, or specialized program of interest).
Apply Portal	Completing the Common Application or the California Institute of Technology Application.
Pay Application Fees	$75 non-refundable application fee
GPA or Aggregate	4.19 GPA or higher
Test Scores	SAT 1570
	ACT 36
Letters of Reference	From a counselor
Personal Statement	Required
List of Extracurricular Activities and Community Service Participation	Required
Audition or Portfolio (for College of Visual and Performing Arts Majors)	Required

Explore the SAT Course   Book a Free Trail Session 

California Institute of Technology Scholarship

To be considered a domestic student for financial aid purposes, you must be either a US Citizen, US permanent resident, or qualify under another eligible noncitizen status. If you do not meet the requirements to be considered a domestic student, then you will apply for financial aid as an international student.

Students who have one of the following statuses will be considered a domestic student for financial aid purposes:

• US Citizen or national
• US permanent resident
• Conditional resident alien
• Refugee
• Asyle

Applying for Financial Aid

International students who want to apply for financial aid must do so as an incoming first-year. If you do not apply for aid as a first-year, or if you apply but do not qualify for aid as a first-year, you will not be permitted to apply for aid in subsequent years at Caltech. There is no financial aid available for international students who apply for admission as a transfer or 3/2.

If you are applying for aid as an international student, you must disclose that you are planning to apply for financial aid on your admissions application.

Federal Student Aid
International students are not eligible for Federal Student Aid funds. Therefore, they cannot receive the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) or Federal Work-Study, and they cannot apply for additional loan assistance through the Federal Direct Stafford Loan or Federal Direct PLUS Loan programs. International students should expect to be offered Caltech Work-Study instead of Federal Work-Study.

Financial Aid Policies & Application
Aside from the restrictions listed above, financial aid policies are mostly the same for international students as for domestic students, so most of the information on this website is valid for international students as well. However, the financial aid application requirements for international students differ from those of domestic students. Use the links below to find out what documents to submit to apply for aid as an international student.

California Institute of Technology Fees Structure

The first-year tuition fee for international students for B.E. / B.Tech  44.8 L - 48 L

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q 1: What is Caltech known for?
Ans. Caltech is renowned for its strong emphasis on science and engineering education and research, making it a top choice for students interested in these fields.
Q 2: Can international students apply to Caltech?
Ans. Yes, international students are welcome to apply to Caltech's undergraduate and graduate programs.
Q 3: What majors and programs does Caltech offer?
Ans. Caltech offers a range of majors and programs in fields like physics, biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, and more. You can explore the various options on their official website.
Q 4: Are there financial aid opportunities for international students?
Ans. Yes, Caltech offers need-based financial aid to both domestic and international students. However, it's important to research and understand the specific financial aid policies and deadlines.
Q 5: Is English proficiency required for admission?
Ans. Yes, international students are typically required to demonstrate English proficiency through standardized tests like TOEFL or IELTS, unless they come from an English-speaking country or have studied in English-medium institutions.
Q 6: What's the campus environment like?
Ans. Caltech's campus offers a collaborative and close-knit community. The small student-to-faculty ratio fosters meaningful interactions between students and professors.
 Q 7: Can international students work on campus?
Ans. Yes, international students on F-1 visas are usually allowed to work on campus during their studies, up to a certain number of hours per week. There might also be opportunities for research or internships.
 Q 8: How can international students adjust to life at Caltech?
Ans. Caltech provides various resources to help international students adjust, including orientation programs, cultural events, and support services.
Q 9 : Are there international student organizations?
Ans. Yes, there are several international student organizations and clubs at Caltech that offer a chance to connect with fellow students from around the world and celebrate different cultures.
Q 10:What's the process for obtaining a student visa?
Ans. Once admitted, Caltech's International Student Programs team will guide you through the process of obtaining an F-1 student visa, including providing necessary documentation for the visa application.