California Institute of Technology (Caltech) was established in 1891. It is a top-ranked private research university located in Pasadena, California, USA. Caltech’s most recent Common Data Set reports an estimated acceptance rate of 2.6%. The institute primarily admits students for the Fall intake. With a student-to-faculty ratio of about 3:1, Caltech offers a highly personalized and close-knit academic environment.
Caltech offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs. Popular programs include Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Information & Data Sciences.
Annual UG Fees: USD 65,622 (INR 60.2 L)
Annual PG Fees: USD 65,622 + $2,379 mandatory fees (INR 62.3 L)
Estimated Cost of Attendance: USD 93,912-111,090 (INR 86.4-1.1 Cr)
Scholarships: Caltech follows a need-based financial aid model. Eligible international students may receive full tuition support, along with grants as part of their financial aid package.
There is no officially stated minimum percentage requirement for admission at Caltech. Indian applicants are recommended to aim for 90-95%. Required English Proficiency scores are TOEFL iBT: 100, IELTS: 7.0, and Duolingo: 130. Applicants will need to submit official transcripts, LORs, and essays to make their application strong. Caltech is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world, with recent rankings including #10 in QS World University Rankings. Students on Collegedunia rated Caltech a 7.9/10.
Students’ review from Reddit:
- Students on Reddit frequently mention that Caltech has an intense workload, with problem sets taking up a large part of the week and academics requiring consistent effort.
- Despite the rigor, many students highlight a strong collaborative environment where peer support, office hours, and faculty interaction help students succeed academically.
- Students mention that Caltech’s small campus can feel quiet, especially on weekends, which may not appeal to those looking for a lively college atmosphere.
- Some Reddit commenters express dissatisfaction with campus housing conditions and feel the administration is not always responsive to student concerns.
- One Reddit user noted that if you qualify for aid, Caltech covers a large portion of costs, making it more affordable than it initially seems.
Note: As of January 27, 2026, USD 1 = 91.79 is used throughout the article for currency conversion.
Caltech Popular Courses and Fees 2026
At Caltech, the tuition for all undergraduate and graduate programs is $65,622 per year; for graduate students, mandatory fees of approximately $2,379 are added, bringing the total billed amount to $68,001 per year.
| Programs | Annual Fees in USD | Annual Fees in INR | Notes for Indian Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Computer Science | USD 68,001 | 62.3 L | Highly competitiveResearch-focused with a strong CS/math background needed. |
| MS Electrical Engineering | USD 68,001 | 62.3 L | Research-orientedGood for IIT/background applicants. |
| MS Mathematics | USD 68,001 | 62.3 L | The GRE Math Subject Test can strengthen your profile. |
| MS Civil Engineering | USD 68,001 | 62.3 L | Research-focused with emphasis on structures, geotechnics, environmental/interdisciplinary aspects. |
| MS Mechanical Engineering | USD 68,001 | 62.3 L | Good fit for applicants with a strong IIT/background in mechanical engineering. Prepare for rigorous core requirements in math/physics. |
| MS Astrophysics | USD 68,001 | 62.3 L | Very research-heavy with limited spots. Strong physics/math required. |
| BS Information and Data Sciences | USD 65,622 | 60.2 L | Very competitive for Indian applicants. Excellent for data/tech careers. |
| BS Mechanical Engineering | USD 65,622 | 60.2 L | Rigorous core curriculum (math/physics heavy). Extracurriculars/research can boost the chances. |
| BS Chemical Engineering | USD 65,622 | 60.2 L | Strong chemistry/math foundation needed. Apply early and demonstrate need. |
| BS Computer Science | USD 65,622 | 60.2 L | Extremely competitive for Indians. Excellent tech career outcomes. Coding/math background essential. |
Also read: Caltech Courses & Fees 2026
California Institute of Technology Intakes
Caltech follows an academic calendar with three terms per year (Fall, Winter, Spring), with an optional Summer research term:
- Fall Term: Mid-September to early December
- Winter Term: Early January to mid-March
- Spring Term: Late March to early June
- Summer Term: June to late August (optional research/activities)
The fall term is considered Caltech’s main intake period for both UG and PG students.
To know about the admission process & deadlines, visit Caltech Admissions 2026.
Caltech Admission Requirements 2026
Caltech does not publish a specific percentage required for admission to the institution. However, Indian applicants are advised to have a score of 90-95%. Caltech does not formally list precise numeric minimum English scores for admissions in its official graduate admissions checklist.
| Particulars | Undergraduates | Postgraduates |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Completion of Indian Class 12 (CBSE/ISC/State Boards/IB/A-Levels) with strong math & science preparation. | Completed a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution. |
| English Proficiency (Course-Specific) |
TOEFL iBT: 100 | IELTS: 7.0 | Duolingo: 130 | |
| Transcripts & Documents |
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California Institute of Technology Campus
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has one main campus, located in Pasadena, California (USA). All the academic buildings, research centers, student housing, and recreational facilities are all located within a single, connected area. Caltech manages Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). It is a separate facility located about 7 miles away from the main campus.
- 124 acres at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains
- 50+ research centers and institutes
- 10 miles from downtown Los Angeles
- 30 minutes from the beach
- 77-degree average high temperature
- 0 snow days
California Institute of Technology campus facilities:
- The campus also supports over 50 research centers and institutes, which focus on science and engineering areas.
- There are 11 residence houses and halls on campus for undergraduates, which also serve as social and academic communities.
- Dining halls such as Bechtel Dining Hall serve meals to students.
- Caltech maintains comprehensive facilities services that support its academic mission, including campus utilities, safety, sustainability programs, and parking/transport services.
- Caltech’s campus includes community spaces such as the Throop Memorial Garden (turtle pond), Olive Walk and San Pasqual Walk, the Athenaeum (The Ath) for social and cultural activities, cafes like the Red Door Cafe, and open outdoor areas for relaxation and gatherings.
Caltech Accommodation
At Caltech, the On-campus and Off-campus Undergraduate and postgraduate accommodations differ annually. Here is a breakdown tabulated below:
| Type (On/Off‑Campus) | Room / Description | Annual Cost (USD) | Annual Cost (INR) | Notes for Indian Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-Campus(Undergraduate Housing) | Standard residential houses | $12,105 | 11 L | Most undergraduates live on campus; housing cost is uniform across houses and include basic amenities. Good for first‑year students. |
| On‑CampusGraduate Caltech Housing (Catalina Apartments) | Furnished apartments | $13,320 | 12.2 L | Convenient and close to classes; includes furnished living space, but utilities may be extra. Budget accordingly. |
| Off‑Campus (Caltech-Owned) | Apartments near campus | $14,340 | 13.1 L | Good option if on‑campus housing is full; often near campus and quieter. Utilities are not always included, so plan a bit extra. |
| Off‑CampusIndependent Rentals (Private) | Private apartments or shared rentals in Pasadena | $33,600 | 30.8 L | Can be costlier but offer more space/privacy. Not managed by Caltech. Search listings (Zillow, Craigslist). |
Note: Platforms like Zillow, Craigslist, Apartments.com, or local real estate listings are commonly used in Pasadena to look for apartments or rooms.
Caltech Scholarships
Caltech does not offer separate merit-based scholarships. All institutional financial aid, including scholarships and grants, is need-based and determined as part of the overall financial aid package. Awards are based on each student’s demonstrated financial need and are not fixed in amount or structure.
| Type of Aid / Award | Eligibility | Official Description (Caltech) | Application / Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Need-Based Institutional Aid | All admitted students who apply for aid | includes grants and scholarships (gift aid that doesn’t need to be repaid). Amount varies with demonstrated financial need | Submit financial aid application forms by priority deadlines (March 16, 2026, for regular admission). |
| Grants & Scholarships (Gift Aid) |
Undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need | These are automatically considered when you apply for financial aid and are need-based. | Same as financial aid application deadlines (linked to admission application cycle). |
| Named/Endowed Scholarships (Internal) |
For students with significant financial need | There is no separate application process. Caltech automatically considers eligible students based on financial need and internal criteria. | No separate deadline; awarded within the overall aid package. |
Check out other US external scholarships for Indian students
Note: Indian students applying to Caltech as first-year undergraduate applicants are eligible for need-based financial aid, while international transfer students are not eligible for institutional scholarships.
Caltech Rankings 2025-2026
The table below highlights Caltech’s global rankings as published by major international ranking bodies, based on the latest available data.
| Ranking Body | Ranks |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | #10 (Global) |
| Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings | #7 (Global) |
| US News & World Report – Best Global Universities | #23 (Global) |
| Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU / ShanghaiRanking) | #9 (Global, most recent public data, 2025 published) |
Also check: California Institute of Technology Rankings
FAQs
Ques: Does Caltech offer rolling admissions?
Ans: No, admissions at the California Institute of Technology are considered in the Fall term only.
Ques: What percentage do I need to have if I want to take admission in Caltech?
Ans: Caltech does not publish any official Indian % cut-off or conversion. However, applicants are advised to have 90-95%.
Ques: What is InitialView? Is it mandatory to submit?
Ans: InitialView is an optional video interview platform used by some universities and programs to get to know applicants beyond their written application. It typically includes short video questions about your background, motivation, and experiences. It is not mandatory at most universities unless explicitly stated in the application instructions. Submitting it can, however, enhance your application by showcasing your personality and communication skills.
California Institute of Technology Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
MS Computer Science 1 year | USD 65,622 /Yr | 100 | GPA: 3.5, TOEFL : 100, IELTS : 7.5, Duolingo : 120 | |
| USD 65,622 /Yr | 75 | IELTS:- 7, Duolingo:- 130, TOEFL:- 100 | ||
M.S Astrophysics 1 year | Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (1st May 2026) Application Deadline For Winter 2026 Intake (1st Oct 2026) | USD 65,622 /Yr | 100 | TOEFL : 100, IELTS : 7, Duolingo : 130 |
B.S Mechanical Engineering 4 years | USD 65,622 /Yr | 75 | TOEFL : 100, IELTS : 7, Duolingo : 130 | |
B.S Computer Science 4 years | USD 63,402 /Yr | 75 | TOEFL : 100, IELTS : 7, Duolingo : 130 | |
B.S Electrical Engineering 4 years | USD 65,622 /Yr | 75 | TOEFL : 100, IELTS : 7, Duolingo : 130 | |
| USD 65,622 /Yr | 75 | TOEFL : 100, IELTS : 7, Duolingo : 130 | ||
B.A/B.S Economics 4 years | New Applicants Regular Decision Application Deadline For 2026 Intake (16th Mar 2026) Continuing Applicants Regular Decision Application Deadline For 2026 Intake (20th May 2026) | USD 62,622 /Yr | 75 | TOEFL : 100, IELTS : 7, Duolingo : 130 |
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Important Alerts
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Economics New Applicants Regular Decision Application Deadline For 2026 Intake | Closing in 27 days |
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California Institute of Technology comparison
| University Name | California Institute of Technology | University of California | Stanford University | Princeton University | Harvard University | University of California | Georgia Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 8.3 Out of 10 | 7.8 Out of 10 | 9.3 Out of 10 | 8.3 Out of 10 | 10 Out of 10 | 8.4 Out of 10 | 6.1 Out of 10 | 9 Out of 10 |
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| Acceptance Rate | 3.0 % | 9.0 % | 4.0 % | 5.0 % | 3.0 % | 11.7 % | 14.0 % | 4.5 % |
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| - | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison |
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Overall 6 out of 824 in Global Ranking
Overall 10 out of 1401 in Global Ranking
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California Institute of Technology Reviews
3 Reviews Found
Likes
- I chose Caltech because a faculty was present there which had similar interests to my field of research.
Overview
Research focused, very well connected and nice weather throughout the year.
Campus Life
Almost all the facilities, including WiFi, libraries and sports are top-notch.
Overview
Caltech is very strong in what I do (electrical engineering) and other domains of science. It is a highly reputed institution and very selective.
Fees
Around $50k
Overview
My sister who lived in the USA had suggested me to take admission in this college. An online application form was submitted by me with an application fee $75 to get admission. They even asked me to show my undergraduate mark-sheet where I got 9.5 GPA.
Fees
The tuition cost I paid was $52,000 plus a fee of $2000 was also charged form me. Other than this my books supplied and miscellaneous expenses got close to $1200 and $1800. Thankfully I received the financial aid of $10,000 which I had applied during the process of admission.
California Institute of Technology Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific |
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California Institute of Technology Exam Scores
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
California Institute of Technology Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 | - | - | - |
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Comments
Found 11 Comments
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We will definitely work on it.
Can I be eligible for MS with 6 bands?
Caltech has a minimum IELTS Academic test score requirement of 7.0 overall for admission to most graduate programs. However, you can explore the Caltech courses to learn more about the curriculum, fees, and other details.
I want to apply to MIT and California Institute of Technology but fear my IELTS score.
Caltech requires a minimum score of 7.0 on the IELTS Academic test. However, you can explore the Caltech courses to learn more about the curriculum, fees, and other details.