Caltech was founded on 23 September, 1891. Caltech stands as a globally renowned hub for science and engineering, drawing upon the expertise of exceptional minds and cutting-edge technologies to unravel fundamental scientific mysteries and address urgent societal issues. The Institute oversees JPL for NASA, spearheading missions to explore our solar system’s planets and monitor changes on Earth. Additionally, Caltech operates prominent research facilities like the Seismological Laboratory and a network of astronomical observatories, including the Palomar and W. M. Keck Observatories. It is also a key collaborator in managing LIGO. 

Situated in Pasadena, California, Caltech is an independent institution, supported by private funds, occupying a 124-acre campus. 987 undergraduate students, 1,410 graduate students, 3:1 student-faculty ratio, 46 Nobel Prizes. Students at Caltech hail from across the globe, bringing with them diverse backgrounds, viewpoints, and interests. United by an insatiable curiosity and exceptional prowess in science, engineering, and mathematics, they thrive in an environment known for its academic rigor. 

Caltech offers a plethora of learning avenues, hands-on research opportunities, and close collaborations with faculty. This environment empowers students to conceive groundbreaking ideas and drive transformative innovations with global impact. For international students seeking financial aid at Caltech, applications must be submitted during the first year of enrollment. Failure to apply for aid during this period, or if deemed ineligible, precludes future aid applications. Financial assistance isn’t available for international transfer or 3/2 applicants. When applying for aid as an international student, it’s imperative to indicate intent to seek financial assistance on the admissions application. 

While many financial aid policies apply similarly to both domestic and international students at Caltech, there are distinctions in the application requirements for international applicants. Therefore, while much of the information on the website pertains to both groups, it’s essential for international students to be aware of specific application requirements tailored to their status.