California Institute of  Technology (Caltech) Scholarships for International Students 2025–2026

Introduction: History and Legacy of Caltech University

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech), founded in 1891, is one of the world’s leading science and engineering universities, located in Pasadena, California, USA. Known for its groundbreaking research and technological innovation, Caltech has a long-standing reputation for excellence in education, scientific exploration, and problem-solving that shapes the modern world.

Caltech consistently ranks among the top 10 universities globally and boasts a remarkable list of alumni and faculty that includes Nobel Prize winners, Turing Award recipients, and global industry leaders.

To ensure that financial barriers do not hinder talented minds from achieving their dreams, Caltech offers need-based scholarships and financial aid programs for international students, helping them pursue world-class education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Benefits of Caltech Scholarships for International Students

Scholarships and financial aid at Caltech are designed to ensure that admitted students can fully focus on their academic and research goals without financial stress. Key benefits include:

Full or partial tuition coverage based on demonstrated financial need.
Allowance for housing, meals, and books depending on the scholarship package.
Access to Caltech’s global research facilities and labs.
Networking with international scholars and industry experts.
Career support services, internships, and innovation funding.
Guaranteed financial aid for all admitted students who demonstrate need.

Caltech follows a need-based aid model, ensuring that every student who qualifies academically can afford to study, regardless of nationality or background.

Courses Offered Under Caltech Scholarships

Caltech offers scholarships across a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, primarily focused on scientific and technological disciplines:

 Undergraduate Programs

Physics
Chemistry
Computer Science
Biology
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Mathematics
Astronomy
Environmental Science
Applied Physics

 Graduate Programs

Materials Science
Aerospace Engineering
Computation and Neural Systems
Chemical Engineering
Earth and Planetary Sciences
Medical Engineering

Scholarships are applicable to all these programs based on academic merit and financial need.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for scholarships at Caltech, international students must meet the following eligibility conditions:

1. Academic Excellence

Outstanding academic performance in science and mathematics.
Competitive standardized test scores (SAT/ACT for undergraduates; GRE for some graduate programs).

2. English Proficiency

Required for non-native English speakers via TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test.

3. Admission Offer

Must be accepted into a full-time undergraduate or graduate degree program at Caltech.

4. Financial Need

Applicants must demonstrate financial need through the CSS Profile and other documents.

5. Research and Innovation Orientation

Strong interest or background in scientific research and innovation.

Documents Required

Applicants need to submit the following documents when applying for scholarships at Caltech:

Completed admission application (via Common Application or Coalition App)
Official academic transcripts from previous institutions
Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT or GRE, if applicable)
Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)
CSS Profile for financial aid consideration
Letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors
Personal statement or motivation essay
Copy of passport
Financial documents (bank statements, income proof, or tax returns)

Application Process

Here’s how international students can apply for Caltech scholarships:

1. Choose Your Program

Review the academic programs available at Caltech and select the most suitable one.

2. Apply for Admission

Submit your application via the Common Application or Coalition Application.

3. Complete Financial Aid Forms

Fill out the CSS Profile to demonstrate financial need.
Submit additional financial documents as required.

4. Upload Supporting Documents

Include transcripts, test scores, essays, and recommendation letters.

5. Submit Application Before Deadlines

Late submissions are not considered for financial aid.

6. Wait for Admission & Aid Notification

Admission and scholarship decisions are typically released together.

Application Deadlines (2025–2026)

Application Type  Deadline
Early Action November 1, 2025
Regular Decision  January 3, 2026
CSS Profile Deadline Same as Admission Deadline
Graduate Program Deadlines Varies by Department (Usually Dec–Feb)

Applicants should always verify deadlines directly from the official Caltech Admissions website for the most accurate information.

Selection Process

Caltech’s scholarship selection is need-based, but merit and research potential are highly valued. The selection committee assesses:

Academic achievements and intellectual ability
Research experience and innovation skills
Strength of recommendation letters and personal essays
Financial need and background information
Contribution potential to the Caltech community

Caltech does not offer separate merit scholarships — all aid is provided based on demonstrated financial need.

How to Apply for Caltech Scholarships

Follow these simple steps to apply for Caltech scholarships:

1. Visit the official Caltech admissions website: [https://www.caltech.edu/](https://www.caltech.edu/)
2. Apply online via the Common Application or Coalition Application.
3. Complete and submit the CSS Profile for financial aid.
4. Upload all supporting documents (transcripts, test scores, essays, recommendations).
5. Await admission and financial aid results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does Caltech offer full scholarships for international students?
Yes. Caltech meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, including international applicants.

Q2: Is there a separate application for scholarships?
No. All applicants are automatically considered for financial aid after submitting the CSS Profile.

Q3: Are there merit-based scholarships at Caltech?
No separate merit scholarships exist; all awards are need-based.

Q4: What GPA is required to get into Caltech with aid?
A GPA equivalent to 3.9/4.0 or higher is recommended for competitive applicants.

Q5: Can graduate students get funding?
Yes. All PhD students at Caltech receive fully funded offers, which include tuition, stipend, and health insurance.

Conclusion

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) stands as a symbol of innovation and academic brilliance. Its commitment to supporting international students through need-based scholarships and full funding ensures that the brightest minds from around the globe can study, research, and create without limits.

If you dream of studying in the USA at a world-leading research institution, Caltech offers not just education but an opportunity to shape the future of science and technology.

 

institution, Caltech offers not just education but an opportunity to shape the future of science and technology.