Home/Universities/California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Private · United States

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Small, elite, and science-focused

#10
QS Rank
1891
Founded
~30%
Intl. students
~3%
Acceptance
Official website ↗Find a consultant →Study in United States

About California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Caltech is a small, intensely research-focused institution with an outsized impact on science and engineering. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, it offers unusually close contact with leading researchers.

💰 Tuition Fees for International Students

Undergraduate
USD 60,000–63,000/year
Postgraduate
USD 58,000–62,000/year

Fees are indicative for international students. Verify current rates on the university's official website.

📋 Entry Requirements

IELTS7.0+ overall
PTE68+
GPAExceptional maths and science record expected

🌏 Life as an International Student

📍 Location
Pasadena, CA, United States
💼 Working while studying
On-campus up to 20 hours/week; off-campus only via CPT/OPT
🎓 After you graduate
OPT — 12 months (up to 36 months for STEM fields)
🏥 Health cover
Private health insurance is required (~US$1,500–2,500/yr).
💰 Living costs
US$12,000–20,000 per year
🗓️ Main intakes
Fall (main) and Spring

Country-level guidance for international students. Visa, work and cost figures change — confirm current details with California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and the United States immigration authority.

Popular Programmes

PhysicsComputer ScienceAerospace EngineeringChemistryApplied Mathematics

🎓 Scholarships Available

  • Need-based undergraduate aid
  • Graduate fellowships and research assistantships
  • Merit awards

Also check: government and national scholarships →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Caltech only for science and engineering?

Caltech specialises heavily in science, technology, engineering, and maths. It is one of the most research-intensive universities in the world for its size.

Where is California Institute of Technology (Caltech) located?

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is located in Pasadena, CA, United States.

Can international students work while studying at California Institute of Technology (Caltech)?

United States generally allows students to work on-campus up to 20 hours/week; off-campus only via CPT/OPT. On-campus roles — library, admin or research-assistant work — are often available too. Always confirm the work conditions attached to your student visa.

Can I stay and work after graduating from California Institute of Technology (Caltech)?

Yes — United States offers a post-study work pathway: OPT — 12 months (up to 36 months for STEM fields). Eligibility and length depend on your course and level, and immigration rules change, so confirm the current policy before relying on it.

How much should I budget for living costs at California Institute of Technology (Caltech)?

Plan for roughly US$12,000–20,000 per year in living costs on top of tuition. Pasadena, CA can run above or below that national range depending on rent and lifestyle.

Do I need health insurance to study at California Institute of Technology (Caltech)?

Private health insurance is required (~US$1,500–2,500/yr). Build this into your budget before you arrive.

When are the main intakes at California Institute of Technology (Caltech)?

United States's main university intakes are Fall (main) and Spring. Apply well ahead of your intended start — popular intakes and scholarships fill early.

🎯

Need help applying to California?

A verified consultant in your country can guide you through the application, documents, and visa process.

Find a Consultancy →Ask an Expert

More in United States

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Cambridge, MA · QS #1
Stanford University
Stanford, CA · QS #3
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA · QS #5
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA · QS #17
View all universities →
🎓 Scholarships in United States✈️ Study guide: United States📄 Visa document checklist🔍 Find a specialist consultant