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🇺🇸 USA · Study Abroad

California Institute
of Technology

One of the world's premier science and engineering universities, renowned for groundbreaking research, Nobel Prize-winning faculty, and exceptional academic excellence in STEM disciplines.

QS Top 10 Globally Pasadena, California Private Research University
Quick Facts
Established
1891
Total Students
2,400+ (Highly Selective)
Tuition Fees
USD 65,000 – 68,000 / year
Intakes
Fall (August/September)
English Requirement
TOEFL / IELTS accepted for eligible international applicants
✦ Overview

About California Institute of Technology

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is one of the world's most prestigious science and engineering universities, recognized globally for pioneering research, innovation, and academic excellence.

California Institute of Technology Campus

Founded in 1891, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a world-renowned private research university located in Pasadena, California. Despite its relatively small student body, it has produced an extraordinary number of Nobel laureates, pioneering scientists, and influential innovators.

The 124-acre campus is home to state-of-the-art laboratories, research centers, and collaborations with leading organizations including NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), making it a global hub for scientific discovery and technological advancement.

For Indian students, Caltech offers an intellectually stimulating environment with unmatched opportunities in engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, chemistry, and space sciences. Students benefit from close faculty interaction and an exceptionally low student-to-faculty ratio.

With cutting-edge research facilities, interdisciplinary programs, generous financial aid opportunities, and a reputation for academic rigor, Caltech remains one of the most sought-after destinations for aspiring scientists and engineers worldwide.

STEM Excellence NASA JPL Partner Research Intensive QS Top 10 Globally Highly Selective Admissions
✦ Rankings

Global Rankings 2026

California Institute of Technology consistently ranks among the world's leading institutions for science, engineering, and technology education.

Top 10
QS World University Rankings
2026 Edition
Top 10
Times Higher Education (THE)
World University Rankings 2026
#1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Among Elite STEM Universities
Top 5
Engineering & Physical Sciences
Global Reputation
Subject Rankings

Caltech is globally recognized among the Top 10 for Physics, Astronomy, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, and Space Science research. The institute is especially renowned for its contributions to artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing, and aerospace engineering.

✦ Courses & Fees

Popular Courses for Indian Students

Explore some of the most sought-after undergraduate, graduate, and research programmes at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), USA.

Undergraduate
Graduate (MS)
PhD / Research
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
4 years Fall Intake On-campus
USD 65,000 – 68,000 / year
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
4 years Fall Intake On-campus
USD 65,000 – 68,000 / year
Bachelor of Science in Physics
4 years Fall Intake On-campus
USD 65,000 – 68,000 / year
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
4 years Fall Intake On-campus
USD 65,000 – 68,000 / year
Bachelor of Science in Applied & Computational Mathematics
4 years Fall Intake On-campus
USD 65,000 – 68,000 / year
Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering
4 years Fall Intake On-campus
USD 65,000 – 68,000 / year
Master of Science in Computer Science
1–2 years Fall On-campus
USD 63,000 – 66,000 / year
Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering
1–2 years Fall On-campus
USD 63,000 – 66,000 / year
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
1–2 years Fall On-campus
USD 63,000 – 66,000 / year
Master of Science in Applied Physics
1–2 years Fall On-campus
USD 63,000 – 66,000 / year
Master of Science in Chemical Engineering
1–2 years Fall On-campus
USD 63,000 – 66,000 / year
Master of Science in Data Science
1–2 years Fall On-campus
USD 63,000 – 66,000 / year
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
5–6 years Annual Intake
Fully Funded for Most Admitted Students
PhD in Physics
5–6 years Fall
Full Tuition + Research Stipend
PhD in Computer Science
5–6 years Fall
Full Tuition + Research Assistantship
PhD in Bioengineering
5–6 years Fall
Fully Funded with Living Stipend
✦ Cost Overview

Estimated Cost of Study

Approximate annual expenses for Indian students studying at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), USA.

Expense Annual Cost (USD) Annual Cost (INR approx.)
Tuition Fees USD 65,000 – 68,000 ₹54L – ₹57L
Housing & Accommodation USD 12,000 – 16,000 ₹10L – ₹13.5L
Food & Dining USD 5,000 – 7,000 ₹4.2L – ₹5.9L
Health Insurance USD 3,000 – 4,000 ₹2.5L – ₹3.4L
Books & Academic Supplies USD 1,200 – 1,800 ₹1L – ₹1.5L
Transportation USD 800 – 1,500 ₹67K – ₹1.25L
Personal & Miscellaneous USD 2,500 – 4,000 ₹2.1L – ₹3.4L
Total Estimated Annual Cost USD 89,500 – 102,300 ₹74L – ₹85L
💡 Part-time Work & Research Assistantships

International students at Caltech may work on-campus according to U.S. visa regulations. Graduate students, especially PhD candidates, often receive fully funded assistantships, research stipends, and tuition waivers, significantly reducing their overall cost of study.

✦ Admission

Admission Requirements

Here's everything you need to apply to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) as an Indian student — eligibility, required documents, and key application timelines.

Eligibility & Requirements

Academic Qualification
Undergraduate applicants should have exceptional Class 12 scores with a strong background in Mathematics and Science. Graduate applicants require a relevant bachelor's degree with excellent academic performance.
English Language Proficiency
TOEFL iBT is generally recommended for non-native English speakers. IELTS may also be accepted for certain programs. Competitive applicants typically score 100+ on TOEFL.
Statement of Purpose
Graduate applicants must submit a compelling Statement of Purpose explaining research interests, academic achievements, and career goals.
Letters of Recommendation
Usually 3 strong academic or research recommendation letters are required for graduate admissions.
Academic Documents
Official transcripts, degree certificates, passport copy, resume/CV (for graduate applicants), and any additional departmental requirements.
Research Experience
Although not mandatory, research projects, publications, internships, and Olympiad achievements significantly strengthen applications.

Key Dates — 2026 Intake

1
Applications Open
August – September
2
Application Deadline
November – December (varies by program)
3
Admission Decisions
March – April
4
I-20 & Visa Process
April – June
5
Orientation
September
6
Classes Begin
Late September
📌 Application Portal

Undergraduate applicants apply through the Common Application, while graduate applicants submit applications via Caltech's Graduate Admissions Portal. Nomad Scholar can assist with profile building, SOPs, and documentation.

✦ Scholarships

Scholarships for Indian Students

Caltech provides generous financial aid and fully funded research opportunities for deserving international students.

Caltech Graduate Fellowship
Full Tuition + Stipend
Covers complete tuition fees along with an annual living stipend for many admitted PhD students.
University PhD Fully Funded
Need-Based Undergraduate Financial Aid
Up to Full Cost
Eligible international undergraduate students may receive substantial need-based financial assistance depending on demonstrated financial need.
University Undergraduate Need Based
Research Assistantships (RA)
Tuition + Salary
Graduate students working with faculty researchers receive tuition support and monthly stipends through funded research projects.
Research Graduate Assistantship
Teaching Assistantships (TA)
Tuition + Stipend
Eligible graduate students may receive financial support by assisting with undergraduate courses and laboratory instruction.
University Graduate Teaching
✦ Campus Life

Life at California Institute of Technology

Caltech offers a close-knit academic community with world-class laboratories, collaborative research culture, and exceptional student support.

Housing
Undergraduate students typically live in campus houses, while graduate students have access to apartments and nearby housing options in Pasadena.
Research Opportunities
Students work directly with Nobel Prize-winning faculty and participate in cutting-edge research across science and engineering disciplines.
Libraries & Labs
Access to advanced research facilities, specialized laboratories, digital libraries, and one of the world's leading scientific research environments.
Student Organizations
Join numerous clubs focused on robotics, astronomy, entrepreneurship, coding, music, cultural activities, and innovation.
Career Development
Career services provide internship support, employer networking events, graduate school guidance, and recruitment by leading global technology companies.
Location
Located in Pasadena, California, Caltech is minutes from Los Angeles and offers easy access to major aerospace, AI, biotech, and technology industries.
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