International applicants · 2026–27
California Institute of Technology (Caltech): what international applicants need
Pasadena, California
Requirements for the 2026–27 season, updated September 25, 2026.
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The questions international applicants ask
What are California Institute of Technology (Caltech)'s application deadlines for 2026–27?
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has 2 application deadlines for 2026–27: Restrictive Early Action on November 1, 2026 and Regular Decision on January 4, 2027.
- Restrictive Early Action isn't binding, but it limits where else you can apply early.
- Deadlines are usually 11:59 pm in your own time zone, unless the university says otherwise on its site.
What is California Institute of Technology (Caltech)'s acceptance rate?
2.6% for students who started in fall 2024: California Institute of Technology (Caltech) admitted 356 of its 13,856 first-year applicants.
- The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
- US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source
Does California Institute of Technology (Caltech) require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?
Yes. California Institute of Technology (Caltech) requires SAT or ACT scores from first-year applicants for 2026–27.
- This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.
- For the Restrictive Early Action deadline (November 1, 2026), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is October 3, 2026: scores on October 16, 2026, registration by September 18, 2026 (late registration September 22, 2026).
- For the Regular Decision deadline (January 4, 2027), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is December 5, 2026: scores on December 18, 2026, registration by November 20, 2026 (late registration November 24, 2026).
- Official score reports can take a few more days to reach universities.
How much is California Institute of Technology (Caltech)'s application fee for international students?
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)'s application fee is $85 for international applicants, the same as for US applicants.
Does California Institute of Technology (Caltech) accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?
Yes. California Institute of Technology (Caltech) accepts the Common App fee waiver and doesn't limit it to US students.
- Your eligibility is confirmed through the Common App, usually with your counselor.
Which English tests does California Institute of Technology (Caltech) accept?
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) lists the TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, and Duolingo English Test as accepted English proficiency tests for 2026–27.
- Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.
Does California Institute of Technology (Caltech) accept the Duolingo English Test?
Yes. The Duolingo English Test is among the English tests California Institute of Technology (Caltech) accepts for 2026–27.
How many recommendation letters does California Institute of Technology (Caltech) require?
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) requires 2 teacher recommendations for 2026–27.
- It also asks for a mid-year report with your first-semester senior grades.
- Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.
Does California Institute of Technology (Caltech) require the Common App personal essay?
Yes. California Institute of Technology (Caltech) requires the Common App personal essay (250 to 650 words) for 2026–27.
Does California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have supplemental essays in 2026–27?
Yes. California Institute of Technology (Caltech) asks 9 supplemental questions for 2026–27, on top of the Common App personal essay.
- Source · checked September 25, 2026
How many international students does California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have?
139 of California Institute of Technology (Caltech)'s 987 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 14.1%.
- US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source
How much does California Institute of Technology (Caltech) cost for international students?
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)'s published tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $65,898, the same for every student. On-campus food and housing was $20,283. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $90,822 before any financial aid.
- US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source
Every requirement, in one place
Deadlines
- Restrictive Early ActionNovember 1, 2026
- Regular DecisionJanuary 4, 2027
- Application fee
- $85International applicantsUS applicants: $85
- Common App fee waiver
- Accepted
- SAT / ACT
- RequiredThis is the policy for American applicants. It can differ for international students: check the testing page.
- English proficiency tests accepted
- Duolingo, IELTS, TOEFL
- Letters and school reports
- 2 teacher recommendations · Mid-year report
- Also required
- Common App personal essay
Supplemental essays
On top of the Common App personal essay, California Institute of Technology (Caltech) asks for the essays below. They're copied word for word from its official page, in English, as you'll see them in the application. Some programs ask for more: check the official page.
Area of interest
- If you had to choose an area of interest or two today, what would you choose?
- Why did you choose your proposed area of interest? If you selected 'other', what topics are you interested in pursuing?Min: 150 / Max: 200 words
Scholarly Character
Choose one of the following prompts: (Max: 200 words)
- Tell us about a time your learning in STEM was shaped by another person or group — either because you needed help, offered help, changed your thinking through collaboration, or contributed to someone else's understanding. What did that experience teach you about learning and working with others?
- Tell us about a time your approach to a STEM problem, concept, or project mattered as much as the outcome. How did you work through uncertainty or persist creatively in tackling the problem? What would you still defend about your process, regardless of the outcome?
Scientific Drive
Choose two of the following prompts: (Two Essays, Max: 200 words each)
- Regardless of your STEM interest listed above, take this opportunity to nerd out and talk to us about whatever STEM rabbit hole you have found yourself falling into. Be as specific or broad as you would like.
- Tell us about a STEM question, problem, idea, or project that has held your attention over time. What drew you to it, how have you pursued it, and what do you still want to understand?
- Tell us about something you created, tested, repaired, modeled, coded, built, or redesigned. What problem were you trying to solve and what did the process reveal to you?
Fun Question
- Caltech students bring more than academic ability to the communities they join. What is something you would be excited to do, share, teach, make, start, or contribute as part of the Caltech community?Min: 100 / Max: 150 words
Optional Academic Short Answer Question
- Caltech cares about context. Is there anything about your academic preparation, coursework, school context, or learning experiences that would help us better understand your readiness for Caltech?
Official source · read on September 25, 2026 · Paste your draft for feedback