California Institute of Technology

The application process starts when a student registers on the official website of this Engineering school for PG Engineering courses and on the Common App for UG Engineering courses. 

Below is the step-by-step process to submitting a Caltech application: 

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)

Considered as NASA's favourite lab partner, Caltech Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences ranks #5 in the list of the best Engineering schools by US World and News. 2025 This school is highly selective in terms to recruiting the best candidates from a large pool of applicants. 

Caltech Engineering PG 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 previous degree in English

·         Work authorization required for funded PhD offers

·         Contacting faculty recommended but not mandatory

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. However, by following the admission requirements, it gets easier for an applicant to bag an offer from this university, and those are mentioned below: 

·         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

Since, Caltech is a very popular and tempting choice for Engineering enthusiasts worldwide, it can be considered a little expensive. Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences (Caltech) upholds its reputation as the world's best Engineering schools. The Caltech Engineering tuition fee 2025-26 is USD 63,402 (INR 54.4 L) a year, which international students are required to pay. Please note that the mentioned fee is only the first-year tuition fee without including living expenses and other fee components. The total cost of a degree for the first year, as an international student, can be USD 90,822 on-campus and USD 94,380 off-campus. 

On the other hand, the PG tuition fee is USD 65,706 (INR 56.4 L) for the first year at Caltech USA.