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Caltech Admissions: Requirements, Application Deadlines & Fees
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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 2026.
Mentioned below are the Caltech admission deadlines for international students:
- Regular Decision Caltech deadline for undergraduate admission is Jan 5, 2025
- Caltech University admission deadline for graduate admission varies by program
- Caltech Admissions 2026
- Caltech Admission Dates 2026
- Caltech Admission Requirements 2026
- How to get into Caltech?
- Caltech Enrollment Statistics
- + 1 more item
Caltech Admissions 2026
According to Shiksha Popularity Rankings, the California Institute of Technology is ranked #7 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.
The Caltech acceptance rate is around 2.57%, which makes admission highly competitive for international students. International first-year applicants must have a 3.0 GPA on a scale of 4.0 from a secondary school for Caltech and these students are required to meet all the admission requirements.
Students can pursue over 45 undergraduate and graduate courses in multiple specializations. Some popular specializations at this university are Biochemistry, Business Economics, Electrical Engineering, Information Systems, Political Science, etc.
Check the Study Guide to the USA for International Students
California Institute of Technology Admissions 2026 Highlights
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). International students are required to 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 6.7K PG: USD 100 or INR 8.9K |
|
Acceptance rate |
2.57% |
|
English language tests accepted |
|
|
Standardized tests required |
|
|
International application deadlines |
UG: Jan 05, 2026 PG: Vary by Program |
(USD 1 = INR 89.93)
Commonly asked questions
It is definitely not an easy task to get into Caltech as an Indian student as the acceptance rate is only 2.57% for the recent year. To get in, the applicant has to be extraordinary with great academic grades, English language proficiency and more. Look at the Caltech admission requirements given below -
- 90%+ in subject (Math and Science)
- TOEFL with 100+ and IELTS with 7.0+
- Great LORs
- Achievements in STEM and Olympiads
- Extracurricular activity participation
- SAT cracked with 1510+ and ACT with 35+ marks
To get admission at Caltech, international students are required to submit the SAT or ACT scores for the fall 2026 entry. It was optional earlier for most years. However, if the finances are an issue, this can be communicated to the Caltech Office of Admissions for a waiver. Look at the minimum scores required in these entrance exams -
- SAT: 1510+
- ACT: 35+
To get admission to any of these institutions is not at all easy. This is because the acceptance rate at MIT and Caltech remains very low. For the class of 2028, MIT acceptance rate is 4.55% and on the other hand, for Caltech, it is 2.57%. So Caltech is harder to get into than MIT.
If you are an Indian student wishing to apply for both of them, please know that the application needs to be -
- Unique
- Bright
- Full of extracurriculars,
- Have a great academic background
- Really strong reason to pursue courses
Caltech Admission Dates 2026
There are two main admission deadlines at Caltech for international students, one is Restrictive Early Action (REA) and Regular Decision (RD). The REA deadline is in November, with decisions in mid-Dec and the RD deadline is in January with decisions due around mid-March. Students applying for the Caltech Scholarships are required to submit a separate application. If a student receives an offer, they should submit all the required material by May 1, 2026.
Caltech Application Deadlines 2026
International students can apply for admission by the Caltech application deadline to raise 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 Caltech University application deadlines for UG admission 2026:
|
Caltech University Admission Type |
Application Deadlines |
Admission Decision |
|---|---|---|
|
Regular Decision |
Jan 05, 2026 |
Mid-Mar 2026 |
|
Restrictive Early Action |
Nov 01, 2026 |
Mid-Dec 2026 |
|
Financial Aid (CSS profile) for RD applicants |
Mar 16, 2026 |
- |
Read more about the Caltech graduate application deadline
Commonly asked questions
With an acceptance rate of just 2.57%, 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%)
- 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 2.57% 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 Requirements 2026
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 Caltech tuition fee varies by the level of study and it ranges anywhere between INR 46L and INR 58 L.
Caltech PG Admission Requirements 2026
The Caltech MS program is ranked #2 in the world by US News. Under MS, many specializations like Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, Biology, Maths, Civil Engineering and Biomedical Engineering are also ranked and quite popular among international students.
Generally, international students are required to have a UG degree with a good GPA along with all the required documents like English language test scores.
Look at the table given below for UG courses and their admisison requirements -
|
PG Programs |
Academic Qualifications |
English Proficiency Requirements |
Documents Required |
Interview |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Complete a bachelor's degree or the equivalent from a recognized institution |
TOEFL, IELTS, PTE |
|
Generally not required |
Caltech UG Admission Requirements 2026
International students can choose from 27 courses at the bachelor's level at Caltech. Courses like Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bachelor of Science in Physics, Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Bioengineeering, Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics, Bachelor of Science in Biology, Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics are some The most popular courses at this institute. The students generally need to have a high school diploma and don't need to go through an interview.
Given below are the UG courses with their admission requirements -
|
UG Programs |
Academic Qualifications |
English Proficiency Requirements |
Documents Required |
Interview |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Complete a high school degree from a recognized institution |
|
Generally not required |
||
|
Complete a high school degree from a recognized institution |
TOEFL: 100 & Above, Duolingo: 130 & Above, IELTS: 7 & Above |
|
Generally not required |
|
|
BBA |
Complete a high school degree from a recognized institution |
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 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
- 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 2026
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 47 L to INR 58 L. The infographic below 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. Mentioned below are the Caltech application process for admission:
- Visit 'applyweb.com/caltgapp' and create an account to start the application.
- Submit details and select MS programme to start a new application.
- Now, submit your academic history and test scores (IELTS/TOEFL).
- Submit an essay, personal statement, and other documents.
- Pay the Caltech University application fee to submit the application.
Caltech University BTech Admission 2026
BTech is among the popular Caltech courses for students. The duration of the BTech course at the university is 4 years, and the first-year fee is INR 56 L to INR 58 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 2026. The duration of the course at the university is 4 years and first year fees is INR 56 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 56 L - 58 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 56 L |
| Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | INR 58 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.
How to get into Caltech?
An application process is required to be followed at Caltech University. The steps to complete the application are given below:
- Firstly, it is important to check Caltech eligibility in order to apply here.
- Submit the documents from the below given documents checklist - .
|
Caltech UG Application Documents |
Caltech PG Application Documents |
|---|---|
|
Academic Transcripts (Of all the completed courses and grades for all semesters) |
Transcripts |
|
A copy of valid Passport |
GMAT or GRE |
|
English language proficiency tests (TOEFL and IELTS) |
Work experience letter |
|
SAT or ACT scores |
Letters of recommendation |
|
A completed visa application |
English language test scores (TOEFL and IELTS) |
|
Passport-sized photographs |
Completed application |
|
Other documents like 3 LORs, essays and a personal statement |
An updated resume or a CV |
|
Extracurricular certificates |
Extracurricular certificates |
- Then, 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.
- This university generally takes a few weeks to respond to the students' applications.
- At the last, apply for an F1 student visa.
Also read: College / University Application Process for the USA
Caltech Enrollment Statistics
Looking at the table given, it can be said that with the Caltech acceptance rate of 2.57%, it is a very competitive university to get into. Out of every 100 applications, only 2 to 3 students were offered an opportunity to audit the Calltech courses.
The acceptance rate at Caltech is fluctuating and not following a stable pattern at all. Although one striking thing is that the acceptance was the highest in the year 2020 for this university. After that, it fell dramatically and is now revolving around 2 to 3 percent only. The low acceptance rate makes this university one of the most selective universities in the USA.
An applicant has to be really good if they want to go for the Caltch admissions 2026.
Below are the California Institute of Technology application statistics :
|
Year |
Application Received |
Students Enrolled |
CalTech Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2024-2025 |
13,856 |
218 |
2.57% |
|
2023-2024 |
13,107 |
266 |
3.14% |
|
2022-2023 |
16,626 |
224 |
2.69% |
|
2021-2022 |
13,026 |
270 |
3.92% |
|
2020-2021 |
8,007 |
225 |
6.69% |
Check the list of High Acceptance Rate Universities in the USA
Caltech Admissions 2026 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 89.90)
Caltech
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 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 3 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 5 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 5 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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| Size of city | Medium |
| Population of City | 1,43,000 |
CaltechContact Information
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