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Caltech Admissions 2025: Application Deadline, Requirements & Costs
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International students can either select the Common App or the QuestBridge Application to apply for California Institute of Technology admission in 2025. Mentioned below are the application deadlines for UG and PG admission at the university:
- Early Decision Caltech deadline for undergraduate admission is Nov 01, 2025
- Caltech University admission deadline for graduate admission varies by program
- Caltech Admission Overview 2025
- Caltech Eligibility and Fees 2025
- Caltech Admission Process 2025
- Caltech Application Process 2025
- Caltech University Enrollment Statistics 2025
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Caltech Admission Overview 2025
According to Shiksha Popularity Rankings, the California Institute of Technology is ranked #6 in the USA and #9 in the world. First-year international students can apply for Caltech University admissions either by the Restrictive Early Action or the Regular Decision deadlines. Applicants must apply by the program deadline to get admission to the university. They can use the Common App or QuestBridge Application for UG admissions at the university. For PG courses, the students have to apply via the official portal (applyweb.com/caltgapp/index.ftl). The California Institute of Technology acceptance rate is around 3.14%, which makes admission highly competitive for international students.
Below are the key considerations and requirements for the California Institute of Technology Admissions:
- Academic Excellence: One of the most important factors in the Caltech application is the academic record of an applicant. Caltech seeks students with a proven academic track record, including a high GPA, strong performance in standardized tests like the SAT and ACT.
- Standardized Tests: There is no minimum standardized test score requirement; however, some of the successful applicants often get a score of 700 or higher on each section of the SAT or 30 or higher on all ACT sections.
- GPA: The applicants are advised to have a near-perfect GPA of 4.19, as Caltech is extremely competitive with just a 3.1% acceptance rate.
- Extracurriculars: The California Institute of Technology looks for well-rounded and holistic profiles. Academics are important; additionally, the identity of an applicant outside of the class. The students who showcase talent and passion. The applicant profile should include research, extracurriculars, or personal projects.
- Essays and Recommendations: A strong essay outlining the applicant's personality and motivation for Science and Technology, with strong letters of recommendation from teachers (authorized to assess the applicant's abilities and potential).
- International Students: Students applying from outside of the United States are considered international students and they are required to demonstrate English language proficiency by taking tests like IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or Duolingo.
- Financial Aid: International students can avail of the Caltech Scholarships based on demonstrated need.
Students can pursue over 40 undergraduate and graduate courses in multiple specializations. Some popular specializations of California Institute of Technology courses are Biochemistry, Business Economics, Electrical Engineering, Information Systems, Political Science, etc. International first-year applicants must have a 3.0 GPA on a scale of 4.0 from a secondary school for Caltech.
Check the Study Guide to the USA for International Students
California Institute of Technology Admissions 2025 Highlights
International students must complete the California Institute of Technology admission process to get into the university. They must provide the necessary documents and pay a non-refundable application fee to submit the application. The table below includes the highlights of admission at the university:
|
Particular |
Stats |
|---|---|
|
Application portal |
UG: admissions.caltech.edu/apply PG: applyweb.com/caltgapp |
|
Application fee |
UG: USD 75 or INR 6273.93 PG: USD 100 or INR 8365.25 |
|
Acceptance rate |
3.14% |
|
English language tests accepted |
|
|
Standardized tests required |
|
|
International application deadlines |
UG: Nov 01, 2025 (Restrictive Early Action deadline) PG: Vary by Program |
(USD 1 = INR 87.63)
Caltech Eligibility and Fees 2025
California Institute of Technology courses are available at the UG and PG levels for international students. Students can pursue these courses in popular specializations such as Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Engineering, Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Social Sciences, etc. The California Institute of Technology admission fee varies depending on the level of study and the course chosen by the applicant. The table below includes the list of Caltech master's programs with admission eligibility:
|
PG Programs |
Academic Qualifications |
English Proficiency Requirements |
Documents Required |
Interview |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
TOEFL, IELTS, PTE |
|
Generally not required |
The table below includes bachelor's courses with Caltech admission eligibility:
|
UG Programs |
Academic Qualifications |
English Proficiency Requirements |
Documents Required |
Interview |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Generally not required | ||
|
TOEFL: 100 & Above, Duolingo: 130 & Above, IELTS: 7 & Above |
|
Generally not required | |
|
BBA |
|
TOEFL: 100 & Above, Duolingo: 130 & Above, IELTS: 7 & Above |
|
Generally not required |
Know more about the Cost of living in the USA for International Students
California Institute of Technology Fees for International Students 2025
The Caltech University tuition fees for international students vary from INR 45 L to INR 57 L for the first year. For MS courses at this institute, the students must pay anywhere between INR 45.02 L and INR 56.26 L. The UG courses, such as BSc, BA, or BBA, can range from INR 54.23 L to INR 56.26 L.
The table below includes the first-year fees in Indian rupees:
| Course | Tuition | Hostel |
|---|---|---|
| MS |
INR 45.02 L - 56.26 L
|
INR 5.62 L - 6.43 L
|
| B.Sc. |
INR 54.23 L - 56.26 L
|
INR 16.72 L - 17.39 L
|
| B.A. |
INR 54.23 L - 56.26 L
|
INR 16.72 L - 17.39 L
|
| B.E. / B.Tech |
INR 54.23 L - 56.26 L
|
INR 8.89 L - 17.39 L
|
| BBA |
INR 54.23 L - 56.26 L
|
INR 16.72 L - 17.39 L
|
Read more about the Cost of studying in the USA for International Students
Commonly asked questions
With an acceptance rate of just 3.14%, the California Institute of Technology is highly competitive for international students. This Institute not only looks for academic rigor, but also the extracurricular activities and the applicant's motivation to pursue the Caltech courses. For UG programs, below is the eligibility criteria mentioned:
Completion of both year X and XII state board or CBSE examinations in India.
Strong grades, ideally among the top 10% of class, with a minimum 3.5 GPA (90%)
- Rigorous Classwork: Applicants must have at least 4 years of Mathematics (including Calculus), one of Chemistry and Physics, 4 years of English, and 2–3 years of social sciences/history.
- 1 year of Biology as a subject is recommended
The Caltech courses are offered undergraduate and graduate levels across many domains and subjects. With just a 3.14% acceptance rate, international students are required to put their best foot forward by meeting the criteria below:
Bachelor's degree equivalent to a US 4-year degree, with a strong academic record (typically 3.5 GPA/85–90%+)
Degree must be in a relevant field aligned with your intended graduate study
GRE General Test is often required; competitive scores above 310-320. GRE Subject Test may be required in some programs
English proficiency: TOEFL 100+, IELTS 7.0–7.5, Duolingo 120–130
- Transcripts, statement of purpose, 2–3 recommendation letters, resume or CV, portfolio (if required), and sometimes research publications or conference presentations
Certain programs (e.g., in arts or design) may require auditions or creative portfolios
Professional and research experience are advantageous
Caltech Admission Process 2025
An application process is required to be followed at Caltech University. After an applicant meets the California Institute of Technology admission eligibility criteria, it is required to go through a long list of steps. Those steps are mentioned below:
- Check for eligibility: It is important to check eligibility in order to apply to the California Institute of Technology. This includes going through the basic eligibility criteria and the document requirements, too.
- Submit the documents: UG admission requirements include SAT or ACT scores. English proficiency test scores, and for some PG applications, students can submit GMAT or GRE scores with their academic transcripts. The applicants can also submit proof of extracurricular activities and any other important additional documents.
- Pay application fee: Once all the documents are uploaded along with the personal details, students must pay the Caltech admission fee of USD 100 (INR 8,756) via the Quesbridge or the Common App for UG courses and the official application portal for PG courses.
- Wait for Response: This university generally takes a few weeks to respond to the students' applications.
- Apply for a visa: After getting confirmation of admission from the university, a student's next big step is to apply for an F1 student visa.
- Pay tuition: The first-year tuition fee is required to be paid at Caltech.
California Institute of Technology Application Deadlines 2025
International students can apply for admission by the Caltech application deadline to increase their chances of getting into the university. The application deadlines at Caltech are different for both undergraduate and graduate programs for international students. Given below are the California Institute of Technology application deadlines for UG admission 2025:
|
Caltech University Admission Type |
Application Deadlines |
Admission Decision |
|---|---|---|
|
Restrictive Early Action |
Nov 01, 2025 |
Mid-Dec 2025 |
|
Regular Decision |
Jan 03, 2026 |
Mid-Mar 2026 |
Read more about the Caltech graduate application deadline
California Institute of Technology Visa Documents Required
After getting confirmation of studies from the California Institute of Technology, the students are required to apply for an F1 student visa to enter and study in the USA. The students can fill out their details for the Visa application online and book their slots for visa interviews and biometrics at the US consulate in India.
Mentioned below is the list of documents required for a US Visa for international students:
- A valid passport with a validity date of at least six months beyond your period of stay
- A printed copy of DS-160, the online application form
- SEVIS Fee Receipt
- Interview appointment letter (original and copy)
- Form I-20 sent by the college (where you are going to study)
- Visa fee payment confirmation receipt
- Bank statement for at least three years showing that you have enough assets to pay for the first year (could be of parent or guardian)
- Pay/salary slips
- Original mark sheets/provisional certificates
- Score sheet of exams like TOEFL or IELTS as ELP proofs along with either ACT or SAT for UG admissions or GMAT or GRE for PG admissions
- Financial Documents are required to show financial strength to support education in the USA
Read more about the USA Study Visa Requirements for Indian Students
Caltech University MS Admission 2025
Caltech MS CS is a popular master's course for international students. The duration of the MS course at the university is 1 year to 2 years, and first-year tuition fees vary from INR 45 L to INR 55 L. The below infographic includes the California Institute of Technology MS application process for international students:
Eligibility Criteria
- Accepting Exams: TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, IELTS, GRE
Commonly asked questions On MS Admissions
International students can apply for California Institute of Technology for an MS in Aerospace Engineering using the official website. Applicants whose the highest qualification is a baccalaureate degree equivalent to that given by the Institute are eligible to seek admission to work toward the master's degree. They must provide the proof of English language proficiency and a GRE exam scores to get admission to Caltech MS in Aerospace Engineering course. Mentioned below are the California Institute of Technology application process for admission:
Step 1: Visit 'applyweb.com/caltgapp' and create an account to start the application.
Step 2: Submit details and select MS programme to start a new application.
Step 3: Now, submit your academic history and test scores (IELTS/TOEFL).
Step 4: Submit an essay, personal statement, and other documents.
Step 5: Pay the Caltech University application fee to submit the application.
Caltech University BTech Admission 2025
BTech is among the popular Caltech courses for students. The duration of the course at the university is 4 years, and the first-year fee is INR 53 L to INR 55 L. International students can apply for California Institute of Technology BTech admission by following the below steps:
Eligibility Criteria
- Accepting Exams: TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, SAT, IELTS
Commonly asked questions On B.E. / B.Tech Admissions
California Institute of Technology offers Computer Science course at bachelor's level for international students. The university ranks under the top 10 Computer Science universities in the USA by US News in 2025. The duration of the course at the university is 4 years and first year fees is INR 53 L. Therefore, Caltech University Computer Science department is good for international students. Mentioned below are the California Institute of Technology admission requirements for BTech in Computer Science:
International students can pursue California Institute of Technology BTech courses in multiple specializations. The duration of BTech course at the university is 4 years and first-year fees is vary from INR 53 L - 55 L. Mentioned below are some popular Caltech University BTech specializations with fees:
| Caltech University BTech Specializations | First Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering | INR 55 L |
| Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | INR 53 L |
| Bachelor of Science in Materials Science | INR 55 L |
International students can pursue California Institute of Technology BTech in Chemical Engineering at a manageable fees. The duration of the course is 4 years and first-year fees is INR 55 L. California Institute of Technology ranking is #4 in Chemical Engineering in USA. Caltech Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering offers Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering Degree program. Therefore, Caltech is good for studying BTech in Chemical Engineering in USA.
Caltech Application Process 2025
California Institute of Technology application process is same for all applicants. Applicants must complete application along with necessary documents and application fees by admission deadline. Below is Caltech admission process for Indian students:
UG Caltech:
To apply to Caltech applicants can choose Common App or Questbridge application.
Check requirements thoroughly and see if current qualifications are recognized.
You should meet the entry requirements checklist before applying:
Transcripts of your high school.
A minimum score of 7 and above in IELTS
SOP
Make sure your English requirements meet the standards of the University.
You can submit your application after your requirements are ready.
The applicant must pay the application fee of USD 75, which will not be refunded. However if the applicant can’t afford it, they have a process to waive it.
After applying, applicants can check their status by logging in with their credentials through the common portal.
Below is California Technical University application process to apply for PG programs:
To apply to Caltech, applicants can choose the Caltech.com
Check your requirements thoroughly and see if your current qualifications are recognized.
You should meet the entry requirements checklist before applying:
Transcripts of your degree.
6.5 and above in IELTS.
A minimum score of 7.5 and above in IELTS
SOP (Things you need to know about SOP)
LOR ( letter of recommendation)
Creative Portfolio ( Audition depending on your chosen course )
Resume or CV
Make sure your English requirements meet the standards of the University.
You can submit your application after your requirements are ready.
The applicant must pay the application fee of USD 100 (INR 8,720), which will not be refunded. However, if the applicant can’t afford it, they have a process to waive it.
After applying, applicants can check their status by logging in with their credentials through the Caltech portal.
Also read: College / University Application Process for the USA
Caltech University Enrollment Statistics 2025
During the 2022-24 admission cycle, Caltech received over 14k applications from potential undergraduate students. Out of these, a total of around 400 students received an admission offer from the university. Caltech produces a yield rate of 64% meaning most of the students who received an offer from this university chose to enrol at this institute, and one of the implications is that out of all the options the applicants had, Caltech was the best suited.
With the acceptance rate, the number of students applying in the year 2024-25 and consecutively the number of admitted students decreased too.
It can be concluded that with the Caltech acceptance rate of 3.14%, it is a very competitive university to get into. Out of every 100 applications, only 3 to 4 students were offered an opportunity to audit the Calltech courses. This acceptance rate is slightly better than of the last year.
Below are the California Institute of Technology application statistics for 2022-2024:
|
Particulars |
Stats 2022-2023 |
Stats 2023-2024 |
|---|---|---|
|
Application Received |
16,626 |
13,107 |
|
Admitted Students |
448 |
412 |
|
Total Students Enrolled |
224 |
266 |
|
Yield Rate |
50.0% |
64.6% |
|
Acceptance Rate |
2.69% |
3.14% |
Check the list of High Acceptance Rate Universities in the USA
Caltech Admissions 2025 FAQs
California Institute of Technology cost vary by housing and living type for international students. Applicants can select either on-campus or off-campus housing to study at the university. The table bleow includes the Catalina Apartments monthly rates:
Type of Housing | Cost for 2025-26 |
|---|---|
Four-bedroom Quad - Furnished | USD 750 or INR 65,344 per bed |
Two-bedroom Double - Furnished | USD 895 or INR 77,977 per bed |
One-bedroom Single - Furnished | USD 1,510 or INR 1.31 L per bed |
Mentioned below is the Off-Campus housing monthly rates:
Type of Housing | Cost for 2025-26 |
|---|---|
Studio Apt. Single - Furnished | USD 1,140 or INR 99,322 per apt. |
One-bedroom Apt. - Unfurnished | USD 1,250 or INR 109 L per apt. |
Two-bedroom Apt. - Unfurnished | USD 1,680 or INR 1.46 L per apt. |
(USD 1 = INR 87.13)
Caltech
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 months ago
Yes, the Caltech acceptance rate stands at 3%. while the Massachusetts Institute of Technology acceptance rate is 4.52% giving students a marginally better chance of admission.
Interested applicants must stand out among their peers both academically and non-academically, across every level of studies
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The university does not conduct an entrance exam of its own; however, it does consider valid scores in the SAT or ACT for admission to undergraduate courses.
Students seeking admission to STEM courses are required to have completed their secondary school studies in the relevant fields.
Source: Calif
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 months ago
No, the intercollegiate athletic teams of the California Institute of Technology compete in NCAA Division III. The 16 varsity sports teams are also known as the Beavers and, time and again, continue to make the university proud, with around 25% of the UG students participating in the intercollegiate
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 months ago
Yes, Caltech provides all-round support to all its international students, as part of its International Student Program (ISP).
The Caltech ISP program provides guidance on visa acquirement, employment authorization, travel guidance, visa delay assistance, community building & support with taxes in t
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 months ago
Yes, Caltech accepts Indian students along with applicants from most parts of the world (30+ countries), with China, India & Canada among the countries with the highest number of Indian students.
The institute admitted 140 international UG & 671 PG students as part of its Fall semester enrollment for
A
Contributor-Level 10
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CaltechLocation
| University City | Pasadena, California, USA |
| Size of city | Medium |
| Population of City | 1,43,000 |
CaltechContact Information
1200 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
Pasadena ( California)
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