Engineering Courses at California Institute of Technology

Considered a top-notch School of the world, the Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences (Caltech) is the Engineering School of the California Institute of Technology, a private university situated in Pasadena, California. The Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences (Caltech) began its operations in the year 1936, and initially it focused on subjects like Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Civil Engineering. One of the most popular projects under it was Caltech's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), which began its operations late 1930s, helped propel the engineering division to the forefront of space and rocket science.

Caltech EAS boasts its cutting-edge research labs like Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) – managed by Caltech for NASA, Centre for Autonomous Systems and Technologies, and Walter Munk Institute for Multiscale Science. Some of the focus areas include Quantum computing, AI and machine learning, Nanotechnology, Space propulsion, Robotics and biomechanics, Sustainable energy, and climate modelling. Caltech believes in a highly rigorous, research-based, and flexible curriculum, which is why the graduates are highly successful in Graduate programs (MIT, Stanford, Berkeley, etc.). Industry (Google, SpaceX, NASA), Government labs (JPL, DOE, etc.)

The Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), with its student-to-faculty ratio standing at 3:1. Caltech Faculty includes Nobel prize winners, National Medal of Science recipients, and Pioneers in AI, quantum computing, and aerospace.

Things to Know about the Caltech Department of Engineering

With Caltech’s direct links to NASA, JPL, and top labs in the world, it has a strong placement record in PhDs, tech giants (Google, SpaceX), startups, and academia. International students are particularly drawn to Engineering at this school for top-class research opportunities, great pay, and Early access to research and Nobel-level mentors. International students receive generous scholarships and even full application fee waivers. The Caltech acceptance rate is low, as the class of 2028 stands at 2.3%.

The table below shows some important pointers about MIT Sloan:

According to the class profile 2024, Caltech had a total UG population of 987 students, out of which 446 were female students and 541 were male. Caltech promotes inclusivity for students worldwide.

While a specific placement report for Caltech under EAS is not published by the school, some data is available for the same. According to the Caltech Placement report 2023, 43% attended graduate or professional school. 74% responded they got into their top-choice program.

Out of all these students, 44% accepted a full-time job with a median base salary of USD 150 K (INR 1.28 Cr).

The Caltech Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences admissions does not have a rounds system, and it only has one intake, which is Fall for both UG and PG. The UG applicants can apply via the Restrictive Early Action, which is non-binding and has an early deadline. There is a Regular decision deadline too for UG students, which is the standard application route.

On the contrary, for the Caltech PG Engineering courses, international students must apply to their specific admission deadline, which generally has the same intake with one firm deadline.

Below are the Caltech Engineering admission deadlines 2026 (tentative):

This school is highly selective in terms of recruiting the best candidates from a large pool of applicants. The Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences (Caltech) acceptance rate stands at 2.3 % (UG Class of 2028), which means out of every 100 applicants, only 2 to 3 candidates were rolled out an offer letter, which makes it an ambitious school to get into.

Caltech Engineering UG Requirements as an International student:

• Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, or equivalent
• Online application by Dec 15 (Fall entry only)
• Official transcripts from all universities attended
• 3 letters of recommendation
• CV / Résumé
• Statement of purpose
• GRE scores: optional, varies by program
• English proficiency test (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS) unless a previous degree in English
• Work authorization required for funded PhD offers
• Contacting faculty is recommended but not mandatory

Caltech Engineering PG Requirements as an International student:

• A High School diploma from a valid academic institution (Representing at least 12 years of Education)
• Official Transcripts of Educational Documents
• English language proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL)
• Resume
• Letters of Recommendation – 2
• Essays
• Standard entrance test scores (ACT/SAT)
• Activities and Awards

Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences (Caltech) Admission Process 2025:

Step 1-Choose a program

Step 2- Fill out the application form: Use the Common App for UG and the official portal for PG courses.

Step 3-Pay application fee: Students must pay the application fee of USD 75 (INR 6.4K) for UG courses and USD 100 (8.6K) for PG courses.

Step 4-Wait for a response: Caltech EAS will review the application, and within a few weeks, they will provide an offer letter to join the program.

Step 5-Pay tuition fees: To get enrolled in the first semester, international students have to pay tuition fees according to the course.

(USD 1 = INR 85.88)

Located in Pasadena, California, Caltech Engineering School is not far from Los Angeles, a bustling and vibrant city in the USA. The Caltech campus is surrounded by a dynamic ecosystem of research labs, tech companies, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and innovation hubs, offering students both academic excellence and real-world exposure.

Here are some other reasons that the students love the Campus life of the Caltech Department of Engineering:

• Extra-Curricular Activities: The School has a tremendous focus on making its students well-rounded individuals, which is why they organise activities such as fests, contests, and other competitions.
• Student clubs: The school hosts a variety of student-led clubs for arts and sciences, sporting events, debate clubs, and Book Clubs.
• Beautiful Campus: The location of this place is extremely favourable for students, where they get an opportunity to build professional connections and also enjoy the city life with a wide array of tourist spots, numerous restaurants, pubs, and bars, etc. The Campus also has well-equipped research labs, which the Caltech students enjoy greatly.