International student scholarships at Caltech?

As an international student aiming for California Institute of Technology, I'm wondering if there are any scholarships available. Does anyone have experience with this or advice on how to secure funding while attending Caltech?

Certainly, financial aid for international students at Caltech is a bit distinct from that for U.S. students. Caltech is one of the few schools in the U.S that is need-blind and meets 100% demonstrated need for international students, just like it does for domestic students. This means that Caltech does not consider your ability to pay when making admissions decisions, and they commit to covering all demonstrated financial need for all four years.

Note that financial aid packages at Caltech are typically composed of grants, which do not need to be repaid, rather than loans or work-study. In fact, there is a "No-Loan Policy" at Caltech, which means that a student's demonstrated need is met with grants and on-campus employment, and not loans.

Remember, though, that Caltech requires all students to contribute to their education costs. They estimate a student contribution of $1,800 per year, which most students cover through part-time work during the academic year or the summer.

To apply for financial aid, you should fill out the CSS Profile, which is used to determine your financial need. You'll also need to submit Tax Returns or Wage Statements, if it's applicable to your situation, to provide further proof of your family's financial circumstances.

Before you proceed, make sure to use the Net Price Calculator provided on Caltech's website. This tool can give you a good indication of the amount of financial aid you may expect. Be aware, however, that the actual aid package can vary based on your individual circumstances.

In summary, while there aren't specific 'scholarships' you apply for, Caltech's generous financial aid policies help ensure that students can afford to attend regardless of their financial situation.