California Institute of Technology: An Overview


Founded in 1891, the California Institute of Technology was initially known as the Throop University. It was founded by Amos G. Throop and was established as a vocational school. However, it was soon discovered by famous scientists and was developed into what it is today, an institute of technology. 

California Institute of Technology or commonly known as Caltech, is known globally for its science and engineering research. Additionally, Caltech also owns and operates research facilities such as the Seismological Laboratory and International Observatory Network. Apart from being known globally for its research, Caltech is ranked sixth by the QS World University Rankings. Besides, it manages the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for NASA, which investigates and explores planets in the solar system and measures changes at our home planet. 

Caltech also prides itself with its notable alumni that includes world-renowned scientists. As of 2020, the institute has over 24 alumni who have received the Nobel Prize and one of them has also won the Fields Medal, a prestigious honor awarded to Mathematicians. Overall, the California Institute of Technology has over 45 Nobel Laureates, 64 National Medal of Science Recipients, and 13 National Medal of Technology and Innovation Recipients.  

The student population at Caltech currently is over 2500 students. Out of which, the institute is home to over 800 international students. However, this does indicate that getting into Caltech is  an easy feat. In fact, the institute has one of the lowest acceptance rates, 6.9%. This means Caltech is rather difficult to get into. 

Now that we have given you a glimpse of the institute, let us have a look at the eligibility criteria, courses offered, and the fee structure. 

California Institute of Technology: Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for Caltech, you must have completed your undergraduate degree and must have an excellent academic record. The institute does not emphasize on GRE scores and does not consider them for admission. However, they are keen on the candidate’s command over the English language. Hence, you must take the English proficiency test such as TOEFL or IELTS. Additionally, Caltech requires you to have a well-drafted Statement of Purpose (SOP), Curriculum Vitae (CV), and Letters of Recommendation(LORs). 

California Institute of Technology: Courses Offered 

The California Institute of Technology is divided into six schools — Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Geological and Planetary Sciences, Engineering and Applied Sciences, Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy, Biology and Biological Engineering, and Humanities and Social Sciences. The courses offered from these six schools are as follows:

School Course Offered 
Physics, Mathematics and AstronomyMasters of Science in Aeronautics 
Masters of Science in Physics
Geological and Planetary SciencesMasters of Science in Planetary Science
Engineering and Applied SciencesMasters of Science in Medical Engineering
Masters of Science in Environmental Science and Engineering
Biology and Biological EngineeringMasters of Science in Bioengineering
Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringMasters of Science in Chemistry 
Masters of Science in Chemical Engineering

It is important to note our list of courses is not extensive as Caltech provides over 30 programs. 

California Institute of Technology: Fee Structure

The fee structure for some of the select courses at Caltech are as follows: 

Courses Offered Fee Structure 
Masters of Science in Chemistry INR 40,00,000
Masters of Science in Chemical EngineeringINR 40,00,000
Masters of Science in Medical EngineeringINR 38,00,000
Masters of Science in AeronauticsINR 41,50,000
Masters of Science in Environmental Science and EngineeringINR 38,73,000

As you can see, the average amount you might have to spend to pursue a course at Caltech is anywhere between INR 30,00,000 to 50,00,000. 

We have provided you a glimpse of Caltech, eligibility criteria, courses offered, and the fee structure for some of the courses. If you are keen on applying to Caltech, the next step is to begin your application process. All the best!


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