Study Abroad

General Study Abroad Information

Caltech students are eligible to apply for study abroad programs during their sophomore or junior years, to study abroad during their junior or senior years, respectively.

Students receive a minimum of 36 units, provided that they pass their coursework and it is possible to get additional units. Students can receive general credit or option credit. Students can also get humanities or social science credit in most programs. Courses taken abroad can fulfill specific option requirements—actually replace a course taken here—as long as the instructor agrees to evaluate the course on the student's return.

Each fall we hold Study Abroad information meetings at which we explain the application process and program options, and have students who have participated in study abroad speak to share their experiences. Announcements for the meetings are sent via the Caltech email directory.

In the FASA library, you will find sample proposals, surveys on the academic and social experience at each program that were completed by former participants, and other resources pertaining to each program.

2021-22* APPLICATION CLOSED/Deadline has concluded

*All programs are intended to take place for 2021-22 unless partner universities or country entry restrictions prohibit the programs from moving forward. We ask applicants to be aware of and prepared for possible cancellations or required quarantine stays due to Covid. Please note, costs associated with quarantine requirements or cancellations such as airfare are not covered by Caltech.

Study Abroad Programs

Caltech currently offers six official undergraduate study abroad programs:

Cambridge Scholars Program
Cambridge University
Cambridge, England
Copenhagen Scholars Program
Copenhagen University & Danish Technical University
Copenhagen, Denmark
École Polytechnique Scholars Program
École Polytechnique
Paris, France
Edinburgh Scholars Program
University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland
London Scholars Program
University College London
London, England
Melbourne Scholars Program
University of Melbourne
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Program Handouts

The following documents are essential to understanding the different programs. In order to successfully apply to a Caltech Scholars Program, you must read the appropriate handout for specific information.

Documents are in PDF format, updated as of November 2020.

Student Comments

The following documents contain student comments on each program.