Program-level details
Caltech requires a TOEFL iBT of 100 overall with at least 25 in each section for undergraduate admission, waived for applicants whose native language is English or who were taught primarily in English. The Graduate Studies Office states there is no minimum TOEFL requirement for graduate applicants: scores are self-reported to demonstrate readiness, and admitted students are assessed at orientation and may be placed in ESL courses. Individual graduate divisions may still expect strong scores.
Translating this score to the 2026 1-6 band scale
From January 2026, ETS reports the TOEFL iBT on a 1.0-6.0 band scale (in 0.5 increments) rather than the legacy 0-120 scale. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)'s undergraduate minimum of 100 corresponds to roughly band 5.0, which aligns with CEFR C1. The graduate minimum of 100 corresponds to band 5.0 (C1). For a more precise read on what these bands mean for your speaking, writing, listening, and reading, take a free TOEFLMock practice test — you'll see your score reported on both scales side-by-side.
Other accepted English tests
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) typically accepts: IELTS 7.0 overall with 7.0 in each section, or Duolingo English Test 130 (undergrad). Many universities accept the Duolingo English Test, and some accept Cambridge English Advanced (C1) or Proficiency (C2). Acceptance and minimum thresholds for alternative tests change frequently — verify against the current admissions page before relying on a specific alternative.
How to prepare for the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) TOEFL minimum
A target of 100 on the TOEFL iBT is a band 5.0 performance. Realistically, this means consistently scoring well across all four sections, since universities almost always set sub-section minimums (typically 22 in each of Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing for top-tier programs). The fastest way to spot which section is holding you back is to take a full-length practice test under timed conditions and compare your section bands. From there, focused section practice is more productive than another full-length attempt.
- Take a free full-length TOEFL practice test to see your starting band
- Reading practice — 16 free 2026-format reading tests
- Listening practice — 16 free 2026-format listening tests with the new task types
- Writing practice — 16 free Build-a-Sentence + Email + Academic Discussion tests
- Speaking practice — 16 free Listen-and-Repeat + video Interview tests
Common questions
What is the minimum TOEFL score for California Institute of Technology (Caltech)? ▾
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) requires a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100 for undergraduate admission and 100 for most graduate programs. Caltech requires a TOEFL iBT of 100 overall with at least 25 in each section for undergraduate admission, waived for applicants whose native language is English or who were taught primarily in English. The Graduate Studies Office states there is no minimum TOEFL requirement for graduate applicants: scores are self-reported to demonstrate readiness, and admitted students are assessed at orientation and may be placed in ESL courses. Individual graduate divisions may still expect strong scores.
What if my TOEFL score is below the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) minimum? ▾
If you score below the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) minimum, options include retaking the TOEFL after focused practice, taking an alternative accepted test (IELTS 7.0 overall with 7.0 in each section, or Duolingo English Test 130 (undergrad)), or applying to a pre-sessional English program offered by the university.
Does California Institute of Technology (Caltech) accept the Duolingo English Test? ▾
Many universities now accept the Duolingo English Test as an alternative to TOEFL. Whether California Institute of Technology (Caltech) accepts it depends on the program and the year — verify against the official admissions page linked above.
How do I send my TOEFL scores to California Institute of Technology (Caltech)? ▾
Official TOEFL scores are sent directly from ETS to the university you specify. You can list up to four institutions to receive your scores at no extra cost when you register for the test. Additional score reports cost a fee per institution.
Verify before applying
University admission requirements change. Always confirm the current TOEFL minimum on the official California Institute of Technology (Caltech) admissions page before applying. The figures on this page were last verified 2026-06-02 and reflect publicly stated institutional minimums; specific programs may set higher thresholds, and some courses (medicine, law, education) frequently do.