I'm considering applying to the California Institute of Technology as an international student and am curious about the scholarship options available. Does anyone know how competitive these scholarships are and what the application process looks like?
While financial aid opportunities for international students can be somewhat limited compared to those available for domestic students, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) does offer some need-based financial aid for international students.
If you're an admitted international student at Caltech and your family income falls below a certain threshold, you might be eligible for a financial aid package, which generally consists of grants (money you do not need to repay) as well as a work-study expectation (where you work part-time on campus).
To apply for financial aid as an international student at Caltech, you'll need to submit the International Student Financial Aid Application and the CSS Profile. You'll also need to provide detailed documentation of your family’s financial situation.
Given that Caltech is a highly competitive school with limited resources, it's important to note that the competition for these need-based grants is quite high. You should also ensure that you submit all your financial aid documents by the appropriate deadlines to maximize your chances of receiving aid.
In addition to need-based aid, some students also seek out external scholarships to help fund their studies. These can be sourced from private organizations, foundations, or government programs in your home country. While Caltech does not directly offer merit-based scholarships, they will cooperate with any external scholarship providers you may find.
To summarize, while there are financial aid opportunities for international students at Caltech, they can be quite competitive. Be sure to fully complete all steps of the application process and thoroughly research external scholarships on your own to optimize your chances of getting financial aid.
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