Caltech scholarships for international students: USA Guide

Scholarship Overview

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in the United States provides financial support for international students pursuing undergraduate and PhD programmes. For undergraduates, the university offers need-based scholarships and commits to meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need for those who apply for aid. For doctoral students, incoming PhD candidates are typically offered a comprehensive funding package.

Can Pakistani Students Apply?

Yes, Pakistani students can apply. Caltech accepts international applicants for both its undergraduate and graduate programmes. Pakistani students must meet the same academic and financial documentation standards as other international applicants. Note that Caltech is need-aware for international undergraduate applicants, meaning the request for aid may be considered during the admission process.

Funding and Benefits

Undergraduate Need-Based Scholarships

Caltech meets 100% of the demonstrated financial need for admitted students who apply for aid. This funding can cover tuition, mandatory fees, housing, food, books, and personal expenses. There is no standard award amount, as it is determined by individual financial circumstances.

PhD Financial Support

All incoming PhD students receive a financial package covering full tuition, mandatory fees, and a monthly stipend. As of September 2026, the stipend is set at US$50,000 per year.

Eligibility Criteria

Undergraduate

• Must apply as a first-year student.
• Must demonstrate financial need.
• Must submit SAT or ACT scores.
• Must meet English proficiency requirements (IELTS 7.0, TOEFL 5, or Duolingo 130).

PhD

• Must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Must demonstrate strong research preparation.
• Most successful applicants have a GPA of 3.5/4.0 or higher.

Required Documents

Undergraduate applicants require the Common Application or QuestBridge, supplemental essays, school transcripts, two teacher recommendations, and financial documents like the CSS Profile. PhD applicants generally need transcripts, a CV, three letters of recommendation, and research-focused essays.

Application Timeline

Undergraduate Regular Decision applications are due by January 4, 2027. PhD application deadlines typically fall between December 1 and December 15, depending on the department.

How to Apply

Undergraduate students must mark their intent to apply for aid on their admission application. PhD applicants apply directly through the Caltech Graduate Admissions Portal.

Pakistan-Specific Application Advice

Ensure that your secondary school transcripts are converted or explained according to Caltech’s requirements. If your school uses English as the primary language of instruction, you may be exempt from the English test; however, verification is required. For financial aid, ensure your family’s tax documents are clearly translated if they are not in English.

Important Terms and Limitations

• Institutional aid is not available to international transfer students.
• Undergraduate international students must apply for aid during the initial admission process; they generally cannot apply for it in later years.