45 Best Fully Funded Scholarships at the California Institute of Technology 2026 – 2027: Top Caltech Scholarships, Financial Aid & Technology Scholarships for International Students

Are Fully Funded Scholarships at Caltech 2026 – 2027 Within Your Reach?

You can study at Caltech without paying full costs if you qualify for fully funded scholarships and fellowships for the 2027 academic year, various international fellowships will be available.

Caltech focuses on need-based aid, while top national and global programs cover tuition, housing, and living costs for high-achieving students.

This guide shows how you can combine Caltech funding with major external fellowships to cover most or all expenses for undergraduate and graduate study in 2027.

You will discover how aid works for U.S. and international students and which paths matter most.

Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships at Caltech 2026-2027

TL;DR

• Caltech offers need-based aid.
• Fully funded paths often combine Caltech aid with national fellowships.
• Major programs open every year for 2026–2027 starts.
• Both international and U.S. students have options.

1) Caltech Need-Based Scholarship

The California Institute of Technology offers a fully funded need-based scholarship for undergraduate students in Pasadena, California.

You qualify based on financial need, not grades or test scores.

If your family income is below $100,000 with limited assets, Caltech replaces loans with grants and scholarships to support students.

This award can cover full tuition, housing, meals, and fees.

International students can also apply for this aid.

2) Caltech International Student Scholarship

Caltech offers need-based financial aid to international students in both undergraduate and graduate programs.

You receive funding based on your family’s financial need.

This scholarship can fully cover tuition, housing, meals, and required fees.

Caltech awards most aid as grants, which you do not repay.

You apply through Caltech’s financial aid process with complete financial documents.

3) Undergraduate Merit-Based Aid (Limited)

Caltech offers very limited merit-based aid for undergraduates.

You should not expect large merit scholarships based only on grades or test scores.

Most Caltech funding relies on demonstrated financial need.

A few named awards may recognize academic strength, but they usually supplement need-based aid.

International and U.S. students must follow the same policy for funding opportunities.

You apply for merit consideration automatically when you apply for admission.

4) Caltech Graduate Fellowship

The Caltech Graduate Fellowship supports PhD students at Caltech.

You receive full funding that lets you focus on research from day one.

The fellowship targets students with strong academic records in science, engineering, and technology.

Many awards cover your first year, with later funding from departments or advisors.

What the Fellowship Covers

Key Facts about the California Institute of Technology scholarships include the support for diverse students.

5) National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship

The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP) supports top STEM graduate students at U.S. schools, including Caltech.

You can use it for research-based master’s or PhD programs.

NSF has run this program since 1952.

Key Benefits of the scholars program include financial aid options.

• Up to 3 years of funding
• $37,000 annual stipend
• $12,000 education allowance

6) Hertz Fellowship

The Hertz Fellowship is one of the most prestigious U.S. PhD fellowships for applied science, engineering, and math.

You can use it at Caltech for full-time doctoral study.

The program supports U.S. citizens or permanent residents with strong research potential.

You receive flexible funding, lifelong mentoring, and a national research network.

7) Fannie and John Hertz Foundation Scholarship

The Fannie and John Hertz Foundation Scholarship supports top PhD students in applied science and engineering, including at Caltech.

You receive full tuition and a stipend for up to five years, with total support near $250,000.

You must pursue a PhD in approved STEM fields at eligible schools.

The award focuses on merit, creativity, and research potential.

8) National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship

You can use the DoD NDSEG Fellowship to fully fund a PhD at Caltech in defense‑related STEM fields.

The U.S. Department of Defense awards it to U.S. citizens and nationals.

It covers three years with no service duty.

Benefits

Key Facts

9) DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship

The DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship (CSGF) is a key funding opportunity for graduate students. supports PhD students using advanced computing in science and engineering.

The U.S. Department of Energy funds it.

You can use it at Caltech for eligible doctoral programs.

It ranks among the most prestigious U.S. STEM fellowships.

The fellowship targets U.S. citizens or permanent residents pursuing full-time PhD study.

It offers long-term funding and strong national lab access.

Key Benefits

Eligibility Snapshot for applying for financial aid.

What You Gain

• Paid research practicum at a DOE lab
• Professional development and networking
• Renewable yearly support

10) National Physical Science Consortium Fellowship

The National Physical Science Consortium (NPSC) Fellowship supports U.S. citizens in STEM PhD programs like Caltech.

It focuses on physical sciences and engineering.

You receive funding for 3–6 years and complete paid summer internships with partner labs or agencies.

Key Benefits

• Stipend: ~$20,000 per year
• Tuition: Fully covered

Eligibility & Timing

• Citizenship: U.S. citizen
• Start Year: 2026–2027 cohorts

11) NASA Graduate Student Researchers Program

The NASA Graduate Student Researchers Program (GSRP) funds PhD students at Caltech who work on NASA-related research.

You collaborate with NASA scientists at U.S. NASA Centers.

The program fits students in engineering, physics, planetary science, and space technology.

Key Benefits

• Tuition: Full or partial
• Stipend: Annual living support
• Research: NASA facility access

Eligibility Snapshot

• Degree Level: PhD only
• Citizenship: U.S. citizens
• Timeline: Annual cycles, valid for 2027

You gain hands-on NASA research experience while completing your doctorate.

12) National GEM Consortium Fellowship

The National GEM Consortium Fellowship supports underrepresented master’s and PhD students in engineering and science at U.S. universities, including Caltech.

You receive full tuition, a living stipend, and a paid industry internship with a GEM employer.

You apply through GEM, then match with a university and employer.

Awards renew annually and fit 2026–2027 starts.

Key Benefits

• Tuition: Up to full coverage
• Stipend: Annual living support

Eligibility Snapshot

• Level: MS, PhD
• Fields: Engineering, Science

13) Caltech Center for Diversity Scholarship

The Caltech Center for Diversity Scholarship offers diversity-focused funding tied to need-based aid.

This support aligns with Caltech’s commitment to inclusion.

You qualify through the standard financial aid application.

Awards can offset tuition, housing, and required fees.

14) Caltech Trustee Scholarship

The Caltech Trustee Scholarship is a need-based award for undergraduates at Caltech.

You receive funding through Caltech’s financial aid system.

Caltech meets 100% of demonstrated financial need.

This scholarship can replace part of your Caltech grant aid and does not require repayment.

15) Caltech Alumni Scholarship

The Caltech Alumni Scholarship provides need-based aid at Caltech, one of the world’s top STEM universities.

You receive funding based on financial need, not merit.

Alumni gifts help cover tuition, housing, and living costs by reducing loans.

You apply automatically through Caltech’s financial aid process.

Some awards require a donor thank-you letter.

16) Caltech Dean’s Scholarship

Caltech offers the Dean’s Scholarship as part of its need-based financial aid for undergraduates.

You qualify automatically when you submit a full financial aid application.

This scholarship helps cover full demonstrated financial need, including tuition, housing, meals, and required fees.

Caltech may adjust the award each year based on your family’s updated financial data.

Key Facts

• Type: Need-based
• Level: Undergraduate

Funding Details

• Tuition: Yes
• Housing & meals: Yes

17) National Institutes of Health Fellowship

The NIH Fellowship provides fully funded research training through U.S. federal programs in health science.

You can join NIH labs or partner universities, including Caltech, for funded research years.

Key Details

• Sponsor: U.S. NIH
• Focus: Biomedical research

Funding

• Tuition: Full
• Stipend: Paid
• Research: Covered

18) Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship

The Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship supports PhD students at Caltech who plan careers in teaching and research.

You compete in a national program run by the National Academies.

The fellowship provides three years of support, used within five years for government scholarship eligibility.

Funding includes a $20,000 annual stipend and tuition support.

You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

19) Energy Department Office of Science Graduate Student Research Program

The DOE Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program funds part of your PhD research at a U.S. national lab.

The program supports STEM fields tied to DOE science goals.

The award covers stipend, tuition, travel, and housing for 3–12 months.

You stay enrolled at Caltech while working on thesis research at a DOE lab.

You must pursue a PhD, hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, and apply through an annual competition.

20) American Association of University Women Fellowship

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Fellowship supports women pursuing graduate and doctoral study at U.S. institutions, including Caltech.

You must be a non‑U.S. citizen or permanent resident and study full time.

AAUW funds Academic excellence is a key factor for scholarships at California Institute. and leadership.

Awards apply across STEM, science, and research fields.

Key Funding Facts

• Master’s: $20,000 annual stipend
• Doctorate: $25,000 annual stipend

Eligibility Snapshot

• Citizenship: Non‑U.S.
• Enrollment: Full time
• Year: 2026–2027

21) MPIA Outstanding Graduate Fellowship

Caltech offers the MPIA Outstanding Graduate Fellowship for top PhD students in the Medical Physics Interdepartmental Program.

You receive full first-year funding based on academic merit and research promise.

You qualify through admission to MPIA.

The award reduces teaching duties and supports early research focus.

Coverage

• Tuition: Yes
• Stipend: Yes
• Fees: Yes

22) National Cancer Institute Predoctoral Fellowship

The NCI Predoctoral Individual NRSA (F31) funds PhD students doing cancer research in the U.S.

You receive full tuition support, a living stipend, and research costs.

Caltech PhD students may apply with an approved faculty mentor.

Key Benefits

• Stipend: Full NIH rate

Eligibility Snapshot

• Degree: eligibility for various scholarships, including bachelor programs. PhD candidate

23) Caltech Women in Science and Engineering Scholarship

Caltech supports women in STEM through need-based aid tied to its Women in Science and Engineering initiatives.

You receive funding as part of Caltech’s fully funded financial aid package.

Pasadena, California offers strong research access.

Key Details

• Funding: Full tuition, housing, meals
• Level: Undergraduate

Eligibility

• Women in STEM, high need
• Application: Automatic with aid forms

24) National Science Foundation Research Traineeship

The NSF Research Traineeship (NRT) fully funds Caltech PhD students in high-priority STEM fields.

You train in interdisciplinary research that matches U.S. workforce needs.

The program funds research-based doctoral study.

Caltech hosts NRT tracks through NSF awards.

Funding Overview

Eligibility

25) Caltech Richard P. Feynman Scholarship

The Richard P. Feynman Prize in Teaching at Caltech honors faculty for teaching excellence.

Caltech awards it yearly to a faculty member.

Students cannot apply for this award.

It does not provide tuition, stipends, or student aid.

26) Fulbright U.S. Student Program

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State, supports fully funded study, research, or English teaching abroad.

U.S. citizens can use Fulbright funding for Caltech-related research or graduate pathways.

The program operates in 140+ countries and awards about 9,000 grants yearly.

It covers STEM fields and more.

Key Benefits

Eligibility Snapshot

27) Society of Women Engineers Scholarship

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarship funds women in ABET-accredited engineering and computing programs.

You can use it at Caltech for undergraduate or graduate study.

Awards reach up to $19,000.

One application covers many awards.

Key Facts

28) National Security Education Program Fellowship

The National Security Education Program (NSEP) Boren Fellowship funds graduate study focused on U.S. national security.

The U.S. Department of Defense runs the program.

You must commit to federal service after graduation.

Funding supports overseas research for your Caltech PhD.

Key Facts

Eligibility & Timing

29) National Defense Fellowship

The National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship funds U.S. citizens pursuing PhD study at Caltech.

You receive full funding with no service commitment.

The program targets early-stage doctoral students in science and engineering.

Key Benefits

Eligibility and Timing

30) Institute for Energy Efficiency Fellowship

You can pursue the Institute for Energy Efficiency (IEE) Fellowship through UC Santa Barbara.

Caltech PhD researchers are eligible through joint research and visiting appointments.

The fellowship supports energy efficiency research.

It covers full tuition, stipend, and research costs.

The program favors doctoral students working on sustainable energy systems and applied engineering.

31) Caltech Merkin Institute Scholarship

The Caltech Merkin Institute Scholarship supports graduate students and postdocs at Caltech in Pasadena, California.

You receive full research funding to bring Caltech discoveries to real-world use.

What it covers

Eligibility and Timing

32) Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship

Caltech offers the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) in Pasadena, California.

You join a 10-week, fully funded research program with Caltech or JPL mentors.

The program supports U.S. and international undergraduates in STEM.

You receive a stipend of about $8,100, plus housing and research resources.

Applications open yearly and usually close in February for summer entry.

33) NSF Graduate Research Opportunities Worldwide

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is a leading public research funder worldwide.

You can use NSF awards at Caltech for PhD research in approved STEM fields.

Funding is portable across institutions.

NSF programs support U.S. citizens and permanent residents in research-based master’s and PhD programs.

Funding remains valid for international fieldwork, global labs, and overseas collaborations.

Key Funding Details

Program Facts

34) Howard Hughes Medical Institute Fellowship

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) offers a highly selective U.S. biomedical fellowship.

You pursue full-time research at top U.S. universities, including Caltech.

You receive full funding for PhD, medical, or research-track training in biological and biomedical sciences.

Key Benefits

Eligibility Snapshot

35) Tau Beta Pi Scholarship

The Tau Beta Pi Scholarship supports top engineering seniors, including Caltech members.

You earn this award through strong grades and leadership.

Tau Beta Pi is the oldest U.S. engineering honor society, founded in 1885.

The award helps cover senior-year costs.

Amounts vary by year and fund.

Awards are competitive and merit-based.

36) National Society of Black Engineers Scholarship

The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Scholarship supports Black students in engineering and applied science.

You can use it at Caltech for eligible STEM programs in 2026–2027.

Awards combine NSBE and corporate funding.

NSBE awards $500–$10,000 per year.

Many cycles open each spring and fall.

You usually need to apply for international scholarship opportunities. NSBE membership and a 2.5+ GPA.

Key Facts

Eligibility Snapshot

37) Caltech International Undergraduate Scholarship

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena, California is a world leader in STEM. Caltech offers a fully need-based aid program for international undergraduates.

You receive funding opportunities based on your family’s finances, not grades or test scores. The scholarship can cover full tuition, housing, meals, health insurance, and required fees for the 2027 intake.

Caltech replaces outside named scholarships within your aid package.

Key Facts

Eligibility & Application

38) Private Donor Endowed Scholarships at Caltech

Caltech offers private donor endowed scholarships as fully funded, need-based aid for admitted students. You receive automatic consideration after submitting financial aid forms.

Awards often replace part or all of your Caltech scholarship and renew yearly if need continues. These funds support undergraduate and graduate students across science, engineering, and research programs.

Donors may set eligibility rules, like major, background, or research focus.

Key Facts

Eligibility & Timing

What you should know

• Need-based only
• No separate application
• Amounts vary by need
• Valid for 2027 entry

39) National Research Council Graduate Fellowship

The National Research Council (NRC) Graduate Fellowship is a prestigious opportunity for scholars program participants. supports top doctoral researchers in STEM fields at leading U.S. institutions, including Caltech. You gain access to federally funded research environments and high-impact labs.

The fellowship targets PhD students working on national priority research. Awards usually cover full tuition, a living stipend, and research support.

40) DOE Office of Science Graduate Student Research Fellowship

The DOE Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) supports U.S. PhD students doing part of their thesis research at a DOE national laboratory. You stay enrolled at Caltech while gaining lab access and expert mentorship.

You receive full tuition support from your home program, a monthly stipend, and research travel funding. Awards last 3–12 months and align with Office of Science research areas.

41) Caltech Graduate Dean’s Award

The Graduate Dean’s Award at Caltech supports selected graduate students with strong academic records and financial need. The award helps master’s and PhD students across Caltech divisions.

You receive funding that reduces tuition costs and may pair with fellowships or assistantships.

42) National Research Service Award Fellowship

The National Research Service Award (NRSA) is a U.S. federal fellowship from the National Institutes of Health. It funds PhD and postdoctoral researchers at Caltech in biomedical and life science fields.

You receive full tuition support, a living stipend, and research training funds. The award focuses on developing independent researchers in health-related disciplines.

Key Benefits

Eligibility Snapshot

43) John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship

The John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship is a fully funded, national fellowship run by NOAA Sea Grant in Washington, DC. You gain paid federal policy experience in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes issues for one year.

The fellowship supports graduate students, including Caltech PhD candidates, interested in science-based public policy. You work in Congress or federal agencies.

44) American Physical Society Scholarship

The American Physical Society (APS) supports physics students through travel grants, fellowships, and research funding. You can use APS funding alongside Caltech financial aid for conferences and research travel.

APS programs target Undergraduate, graduate, and early-career physicists can apply for financial aid. at U.S. institutions, including Caltech.

45) Hispanic Scholarship Fund Award

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) Supports high-achieving students of Hispanic heritage at U.S. colleges or universities. Caltech. You can use the award with Caltech financial aid for 2026–2027.

The program focuses on access, merit, and long-term career support.

Key Facts

Eligibility & Benefits

Eligibility and Application Process

You qualify for fully funded scholarships at Caltech in 2027 based on academic strength, financial need, and timely submission of required forms for grants and scholarships. Caltech awards need-based aid and reviews applications holistically.

Academic Qualifications

You must show strong academic preparation for Caltech’s science and engineering programs. Admissions looks for advanced coursework, high grades, and proof you can handle a heavy STEM load.

Key academic expectations:

• Rigorous high school or prior university coursework, especially in math and science
• Competitive GPA, with context from your school system
• Standardized test scores, if you choose to submit them under current test-optional policies

Caltech does not set a fixed GPA cutoff. The committee reviews your full academic record, including trends over time.

For graduate and PhD programs, you need a relevant degree, strong transcripts, and clear research alignment with faculty.

Application Deadlines

You must meet both admission and financial aid deadlines to receive full funding. Missing either can reduce or delay your award.

Common deadline windows:

• Undergraduate admission: Early Action in early November; Regular Decision in early January
• Financial aid forms: Usually due with or shortly after the admission deadline
• Graduate programs: Deadlines vary by department, often between December and January

Caltech scholarships renew each year. Award amounts may change if your financial situation changes.

Check department and program pages for exact 2027 dates, as timelines update annually.

Required Documentation

You must submit complete and accurate documents to receive a fully funded package. Caltech uses these materials to measure financial need and eligibility.

Typical requirements:

• FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application (for eligible California students)
• CSS Profile for institutional aid
• Tax returns or income statements for you and your parents, if required
• Academic records, including transcripts and test scores

International students also submit financial certification forms. Upload documents early to avoid delays, as aid decisions depend on full verification.

Scholarship Benefits and Support

Fully funded scholarships at Caltech focus on meeting your full demonstrated financial need. The support covers core academic costs, daily living needs, and essential student services.

Tuition Coverage

Caltech scholarships apply directly to tuition and mandatory academic fees. Caltech does not offer merit-based aid.

The aid model aims to close the full cost gap after family contribution. You do not repay this funding, and it does not convert to a loan if your financial situation stays consistent.

Tuition-related coverage:

• Full undergraduate tuition
• Required academic fees
• Laboratory and course-related fees

Award amounts may change each year if your financial need changes. Caltech reviews your financial aid file annually using updated income and asset data.

Living Expenses

Fully funded support extends beyond tuition to cover essential living costs while you study in Pasadena, California. These costs reflect Caltech’s official student budget.

Covered expenses:

• On-campus housing or approved housing allowance
• Standard meal plan or food allowance
• Books, supplies, and required materials
• Health insurance through the Caltech Student Health Plan

Many students receive a modest work-study expectation. This encourages part-time campus work but does not reduce your scholarship amount.

Caltech designs the aid package so basic living needs remain covered even if work hours stay limited.

Student Services

Your scholarship package connects you to a wide range of academic, health, and personal support services.

These services help you stay enrolled and graduate on time.

Key services include:

• Academic advising and tutoring support
• Mental health counseling and wellness programs
• Disability support services and accommodations
• Career advising and internship guidance

International students get extra support, such as visa guidance and orientation services.

Caltech also provides emergency aid options if you face unexpected financial hardship during the year.

You pay nothing extra for these services, and they do not reduce your scholarship funding.

BFFS Scholar Quest Frequently Asked Questions: Fully Funded California Institute of Technology  Scholarships 2026 – 2027

Caltech offers fully funded support through need-based aid and competitive fellowships.

Funding decisions depend on your financial need, academic fit, and program level for the 2027 cycle.

What types of funding opportunities and scholarships for international students are available at Caltech?

You can receive need-based Caltech Scholarships covering tuition, housing, meals, and required fees.

Caltech treats both international and U.S. students equally for institutional aid.

Graduate students can access Caltech Graduate Fellowships and external awards linked to research fields.

Some programs also support travel and research costs.

What are the eligibility criteria for receiving a fully funded scholarship program at Caltech?

You must show demonstrated financial need with the required aid forms.

Caltech bases awards on your family’s ability to pay, not on test scores or class rank.

For graduate funding, you must gain admission to an eligible program and meet academic and research standards.

Departments review your background and program fit.

How does one apply for a fully funded international scholarship at the California Institute of Technology?

You apply for aid when you apply for admission.

Submit all required financial aid forms by your program’s deadlines.

You do not need a separate application for Caltech scholarships.

The aid office reviews your materials automatically.

Are there merit-based scholarships offered by Caltech and what are their requirements?

Caltech does not offer a merit-based scholarship program for undergraduates.

The institute awards aid based on need only.

Some external fellowships, such as the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, use merit criteria.

These require separate applications and strong research proposals.

What is the average amount awarded through Caltech university scholarships?

Caltech meets 100% of demonstrated need for admitted students.

Many undergraduate packages cover full tuition and standard living costs.

Award amounts change based on your family income, housing choice, and program level.

The aid office updates awards each year if your need changes.

How Competitive is the Selection Process for Fully Funded Scholarships at Caltech, including for undergraduates and postgraduates?

Admission at Caltech is highly selective.

Fully funded scholarships are extremely competitive.

Undergraduate financial aid does not impact admission decisions.

For graduate fellowships:

• Departments and sponsors select from a small pool of top candidates.
• They look for strong academics, clear goals, and research alignment.

If you want to improve your chances:

• Showcase your achievements.
• Explain your research interests clearly.
• Demonstrate how you fit with Caltech’s programs.

Caltech values excellence, ambition, and potential.
Be authentic and confident in your application.

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