Caltech welcomes applicants from international students.
Approximately 10% -12% of each freshman class is from countries outside of the U.S.
This year, the Class of 2014 includes students from People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Singapore and South Korea.
Academic Requirements
Caltech accepts the IGCSE, O, AS, and A Level curriculums to satisfy course requirements, from applicants who live in countries offering these courses.
The most competitive international applicants offering these curriculums usually present 3 "A-Level" exams (physics is required) with grades of a least "A" or "B." For those applicants offering the IB curriculum, competitive applicants present scores of "6" or "7" on their IB exams, including their "predicted" grades.
Please have all letters of recommendations and any other letters, research papers, etc. you submit in your application translated into English. The Freshman Admissions committee is familiar with most international education systems, therefore it is not necessary to translate grades on transcripts. Please do ensure that the course names are translated. Also, please only forward the application materials that we require. It is not necessary to send in additional certificates, diplomas or copies of awards with your application.
Please forward only the information that we require. You may list your awards and accomplishments on the Common Application. Do not submit additional diplomas or certificates.
Applicants who are not U.S.citizens nor hold Permanent Residency status at the time of submitting their application, must apply as an International Student. Applicants who note they are Permanent Residents are required to supply a copy of their green card.
Test Requirements
Please note that all freshman applicants are required to submit the standardized test scores as noted on our Freshman Applicants page. Neither IB nor A-Level test scores may be substituted for any of our SAT/ACT requirements.
If your native language is not English, and you have not studied for at least two years in an English-speaking country, we require the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language.) All versions of the TOEFL are acceptable. A strong command of the English language is necessary in order to be successful at Caltech. At this time, we do not accept the IELTS as a substitute.
Financial Aid
The primary difference in applying to Caltech as an international student is financial aid. Caltech has financial aid available for international freshman candidates. However, admission is not need blind for these applicants, as it is for United States citizens and permanent residents. International freshman candidates should follow the financial aid instructions for international students. Admission for international students seeking financial aid is very competitive. Only those international students whose families cannot afford the cost of Caltech should ask for financial aid consideration. Please note: International freshman candidates may apply Early Action only if they are not applying for financial aid. International freshman candidates seeking financial assistance must apply Regular Decision.
Financial aid is currently not available for international transfer or international 3/2 candidates.
Candidates for admission should follow the appropriate freshman, transfer, or 3/2 application instructions.
