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Caltech

California Institute of Technology

3.1%

01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

International Students at Caltech: By the Numbers

9.0%

International Undergrads

International Undergrad Count

666

International Graduate Students

30.1%

International (All Students)

Cost of Attending Caltech as an International Student

International students typically pay out-of-state tuition rates. Here's the full cost picture.

Room & Board	$19,503/yr
Estimated 4-Year Total	$78,012

Good news for international applicants: Caltech is a private university — there's no in-state vs out-of-state tuition difference.

How to Apply to Caltech as an International Student

Meet English Proficiency Requirements

Most schools require TOEFL (typically 100+ iBT) or IELTS (7.0+). Some accept Duolingo English Test.

Submit Standardized Tests

Prepare Financial Documentation

You'll need proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses.

Apply for F-1 Student Visa

After admission, Caltech will issue a Form I-20. Use this to apply for an F-1 visa at your nearest U.S. embassy. Start the process 3-4 months before your program begins.

Caltech Student Body Diversity

Diversity breakdown of Caltech's undergraduate student body.

White

21.5%

Black/African American

3.4%

Hispanic/Latino

22.0%

Asian

34.4%

International

9.0%

Career Outcomes for Caltech International Graduates

International students at Caltech can work in the U.S. after graduation through OPT (Optional Practical Training). STEM majors qualify for a 3-year OPT extension.

$128,566

Median Earnings (10yr)

$132,140

Median Salary (6yr)

OPT & H-1B Path: After graduating from Caltech, international students get 12 months of OPT work authorization (36 months for STEM fields). Many use this time to secure H-1B visa sponsorship from employers.

Student Demographics

White

21.5%

Black/African American

3.4%

Hispanic/Latino

22.0%

Asian

34.4%

International

9.0%

Caltech International Student FAQs

How many international students attend Caltech?

9.0% of Caltech undergraduates are international students. That's about 92 international undergrads. Schools with higher international shares typically have stronger ESL support, international student offices, and on-campus resources for non-US applicants.

How much is international tuition at Caltech?

International students at Caltech typically pay the full out-of-state sticker price of about $86,886/yr (tuition + room and board + fees). Financial aid for international students is more limited than for US citizens, though some schools offer merit scholarships.

Is the Caltech acceptance rate harder for international students?

Caltech's overall acceptance rate is 3.1%. International applicants typically face even more competitive admission odds because of limited international quotas. Strong test scores (TOEFL 100+/IELTS 7.0+) and clear English proficiency help.

What English test does Caltech require for international applicants?

Most US colleges including Caltech accept TOEFL iBT (typical minimum 80-100), IELTS (6.5-7.0), and Duolingo English Test (115-130). Highly selective schools require scores at the upper end of those ranges. Some schools waive the test if you've studied 3+ years in English.

Does Caltech sponsor F-1 visas for international students?

Yes — Caltech is SEVP-certified and issues I-20 forms to admitted international students. Once you're admitted and pay your enrollment deposit, Caltech's international student office issues your I-20, which you use to apply for an F-1 student visa at the US embassy in your home country.