BS

Interdisciplinary Studies Program

Learn more about studying Interdisciplinary Studies Program as an international student.

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Key facts

  • Degree type
    Bachelor's
  • Duration
    4 years
  • Delivery method
    On campus
  • Pace
    Full-time
  • Annual tuition fee
    63,402USD
  • Start date
    Mar, Apr, Aug
  • QS Ranking
    #7

Program overview

What California Institute of Technology says about their program:

The Interdisciplinary Studies Program at the California Institute of Technology offers a unique educational path for undergraduates. This program allows students to create their own academic requirements with the guidance of a two-person faculty committee from different divisions of the Institute.

The curriculum focuses on personalized learning, enabling students to select areas of study and research from any part of Caltech. Students can include regular courses, research opportunities, and interdisciplinary study courses to meet their educational goals.

This program is designed for students whose academic interests cannot be fulfilled by standard undergraduate options. Graduates may pursue diverse career paths, benefiting from a tailored education that emphasizes flexibility and interdisciplinary collaboration.

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Admission requirements

Undergraduate academic requirements

  • Students must demonstrate mastery in calculus, chemistry, and physics for admission to Caltech.
  • If unable to take these courses in high school, examination scores or certifications showing proof of knowledge in the subjects may be accepted in lieu of the academic course requirement.

Postgraduate academic requirements

  • Completion of a bachelor's degree (four or five years) in a suitable subject from a recognised university with a minimum grade of Second Class Honours Lower Division (2

    2) or equivalent.

English proficiency

English proficiency is required; accepted tests include IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent.

English proficiency waivers

Documents required

  • English Proficiency Exam scores
  • International Financial Aid Statement of Intent
  • Translation of documents
Illustration of academic elements  representing admission requirements, including a graduation cap, clock, documents, resumes, ID card, a calendar, and a clipboard.

Required grades

We are not aware of any specific A levels, IB or GPA grading score requirements for this program.

Check back soon, or visit the official program page for the latest information on required grades.

to see how attainable this program is.

Additional requirements

Documents

  • Official secondary-school transcripts showing course titles, grades, and predicted grades/scores where applicable; documents not in English must include an English translation.

Recommendations

  • Two secondary-school teacher recommendations are required

    one from a STEM teacher and one from a humanities or social-sciences teacher.

Tests and examinations

  • SAT or ACT scores are required. International applicants must also submit an accepted English-proficiency exam unless exempt because English is their native language or the primary language of instruction at secondary school.

How to apply

2 routes available:

Scholarships at California Institute of Technology

  • Caltech Scholarships for International First-Year Students

    Official page

    Need-based institutional scholarships funded from Caltech institutional or endowed funds. International students seeking aid must apply as incoming first-year applicants; scholarship amounts depend on demonstrated financial need.

All scholarship information on Studee is provided for guidance only. Always check the university's official scholarship page for the latest information on eligibility, award amounts, deadlines, and application requirements.

Fees

California Institute of Technology provides fee information that can help students understand how study costs may be structured or may vary across options. California Institute of Technology encourages students to review official funding and financial-support information to confirm what cost guidance or support may be available.

Illustration of education and financial elements including a graduation cap, trophy, diploma, books, a piggy bank, stacks of cash notes, and coins, representing fees and funding.

What is the cost of living near California Institute of Technology?

Category Cost  (in United States Dollar)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre$2,867
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre$2,509
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)$183
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)$66
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)$61Range: $30 to $110· USA average
Monthly public transport pass$60
Monthly grocery basket$269
Books and study supplies (monthly)$119
Coffee shop drink$5
Cinema or cultural event ticket$19
Gym membership$35

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from livingcost.org (Crowdsourced), numbeo.com (Crowdsourced) and finaid.caltech.edu (University published).

Visa requirements for California Institute of Technology

Navigating the visa process is a crucial step in your study abroad journey. Make sure to seek guidance and support to ensure you meet all necessary requirements for your time at California Institute of Technology.