Caltech Scholarships 2027 for International Students in the USA

Organiser	California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Host Country	United States
Location	Pasadena, California
Level of Study	Undergraduate / PhD
Funding	Need-based scholarships for undergraduates; full PhD funding including stipend
Deadline	Varies by programme and admission round

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) offers distinctive scholarship opportunities for international students aiming to pursue undergraduate and doctoral studies at its Pasadena campus. For the 2027 intake, Caltech provides need-based scholarships for undergraduate students and comprehensive funding packages for PhD candidates, ensuring financial barriers do not impede access to its rigorous academic environment. International undergraduates must apply for aid alongside their admission application, with Caltech committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students who apply. At the graduate level, all incoming PhD students receive financial support covering tuition, fees, and a living stipend, with a stipend set at US$50,000 annually starting September 2026.

It is important to note that Caltech’s undergraduate admissions for international students are need-aware, meaning that financial aid requirements may influence admission decisions due to limited aid resources. However, once admitted with aid, the institute meets the full demonstrated need.

• Fully Funded Scholarships in the USA
• Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships in the USA
• Fully Funded PhD Scholarships
• Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students

Caltech Scholarships Summary

• Level of Study: Undergraduate and PhD
• Institution: California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
• Location: Pasadena, California, United States
• Undergraduate Duration: Four years
• PhD Duration: Varies by programme
• Funding: Need-based scholarships for undergraduates; full funding for PhD students including tuition and stipend
• Application Deadlines: Vary by programme and admission round

The three scholarships covered in this guide are:

1. Caltech Undergraduate Need-Based Scholarships
2. Caltech PhD Financial Support
3. Named Scholarships within Caltech (primarily need-based)

Caltech Scholarships Deadline

Caltech’s scholarship deadlines align closely with its admission timelines, which vary for undergraduate and graduate applicants. International students should carefully check specific deadlines for their chosen programmes and monitor official financial aid updates, as some aid timelines are published later.

Caltech Undergraduate Need-Based Scholarships Deadline

Undergraduate applicants must submit their financial aid requests simultaneously with their admission application. Early application rounds (Restrictive Early Action) generally receive decisions by mid-December, while Regular Decision applicants learn outcomes around mid-March. The financial aid timeline for Fall 2027 international students will be posted by Caltech after admission applications are submitted.

Caltech PhD Financial Support Deadline

Graduate application deadlines differ by programme but generally fall between December 1 and December 15. PhD applicants should verify the exact deadline for their specific academic department. Financial support consideration is automatic upon application.

Caltech Scholarship Coverage

Caltech Undergraduate Need-Based Scholarships

Caltech fully meets the demonstrated financial need of admitted undergraduate students who apply for aid, with awards tailored to each family’s financial circumstances. The scholarships are institutional, gift-based, and do not require repayment.

• Coverage of tuition and mandatory fees
• Support for housing, food, books, supplies, and personal expenses
• Named scholarships funded by donors may be awarded automatically to eligible students
• No merit-based undergraduate scholarships solely based on grades or test scores
• Typical aid covers full tuition for families earning under US$200,000 and a full no-loan package including housing and food for families earning under US$100,000

Caltech PhD Financial Support

All incoming PhD students receive funding packages that cover:

• Full tuition
• Mandatory fees
• Monthly stipend, set at US$50,000 per year starting September 2026
• Contribution to student health care
• Funding through fellowships, research and teaching assistantships, and faculty grants

This support ensures PhD students can focus fully on their research and studies. International students require appropriate work authorization for compensated assistantships unless alternative arrangements are made by their programme.

Eligibility Criteria for Caltech Scholarships

Applicants must meet both Caltech’s admission requirements and specific scholarship criteria to qualify for funding.

Caltech Undergraduate Need-Based Scholarships Eligibility

• Apply as an incoming first-year undergraduate student
• Meet Caltech’s academic admission standards
• Indicate intention to apply for financial aid with admission application
• Demonstrate financial need through required documentation
• Submit SAT or ACT scores
• Meet English proficiency requirements

International transfer and 3/2 program applicants are not eligible for institutional undergraduate aid. Caltech is need-aware for international admissions, so financial need may influence admission decisions.

Caltech PhD Financial Support Eligibility

• Hold a bachelor’s degree or its international equivalent
• Apply to a qualifying Caltech PhD programme
• Submit transcripts, recommendation letters, CV, and required essays
• Meet programme-specific academic and GRE requirements
• Demonstrate strong research preparation
• Meet English language proficiency standards

Successful applicants typically have strong academic records and research potential. GRE requirements vary by department.

How to Apply for Caltech Scholarships?

Application processes differ between undergraduate and PhD scholarships, with financial aid considerations integrated into the admission procedures.

How to Apply for the Caltech Undergraduate Need-Based Scholarships?

1. Review Caltech’s first-year admission requirements, especially in mathematics and sciences.
2. Submit admission application via Common Application or QuestBridge, indicating intent to apply for financial aid.
3. Complete and submit required financial aid forms and family financial documentation alongside the admission application.
4. Wait for admission and financial aid decisions.

How to Apply for the Caltech PhD Financial Support?

1. Select the desired PhD programme at Caltech.
2. Submit application through Caltech Graduate Studies portal, including all required academic documents and references.
3. PhD applicants are automatically considered for full funding; no separate scholarship application is needed.
4. Monitor application status and funding offers.

Documents Required for Caltech Scholarships

Documentation varies by scholarship type and level of study. Applicants should prepare all required academic and financial documents carefully.

Caltech Undergraduate Need-Based Scholarships Documents

1. Admission application indicating financial aid request
2. Family financial information and supporting documents
3. SAT or ACT test scores
4. English proficiency test scores (if applicable)

Caltech PhD Financial Support Documents

1. Academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
2. Three letters of recommendation
3. Curriculum vitae (CV)
4. Required essays
5. English proficiency test scores (if applicable)

Website

For detailed information and official updates on Caltech scholarships and admissions, prospective applicants should visit the official Caltech financial aid and graduate admission websites.

• Caltech Financial Aid
• Financial Aid for International Students
• Caltech Graduate Programmes
• Caltech Graduate Financial Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Caltech undergraduate scholarships open to international students?

Yes, international first-year undergraduate applicants who demonstrate financial need and indicate their intent to apply for aid with their admission application may qualify for need-based scholarships.

Does Caltech offer merit-based undergraduate scholarships?

No, Caltech does not provide merit scholarships for undergraduates; its institutional scholarships are solely need-based.

What financial support is available for PhD students?

All incoming PhD students receive full funding covering tuition, fees, and a living stipend, along with health care contributions and research or teaching assistantships.

Are terminal master’s students funded at Caltech?

Generally, terminal master’s students are admitted without guaranteed financial aid, though some programme-specific fellowships may be available.

Can international PhD students work on campus as part of their funding?

Yes, but international students must have proper work authorization since assistantships involve compensated work unless alternative funding arrangements are made.

What are the English language requirements for international applicants?

Applicants must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores unless exempt as native speakers or if their prior instruction was primarily in English.

Can international students apply for undergraduate aid after their first year?

Typically, international students must apply for aid when first admitted; Caltech rarely allows later applications for need-based aid except in limited circumstances for Canadian or Mexican citizens.

Software Engineer & Scholarship Consultant at Travel Travegisa, with extensive experience guiding international students through global scholarship applications.

Software Engineer and Scholarship Consultant at Scholarship Roar, focusing on international student mobility, financial aid opportunities, and admissions advice for top universities worldwide.

Reviewed by Muhammad Faizan, PhD Researcher · Last verified June 2024 to ensure accuracy and relevance for prospective applicants.