Caltech vs Cambridge: Complete Comparison 2026
Side-by-side look at California Institute of Technology and University of Cambridge: QS 2026 ranks 15 vs 5. Acceptance, tuition, language tests, and typical IB…
→ California Institute of Technology profile → University of Cambridge profile
Summary comparison
Figures come from the GlobalAdmit dataset — always confirm on each university’s official admissions site.
| Metric | California Institute of Technology | University of Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| QS rank 2026 | 15 | 5 |
| Country | US 🇺🇸 | GB 🇬🇧 |
| Acceptance rate | — | 21% |
| Tuition (intl / yr) | — | $44,000 |
| Language (summary) | IELTS 7+ · TOEFL 100+ · Duolingo 120+ | IELTS 7.5+ · TOEFL 110+ · Duolingo 135+ |
| IB typical | — | 40–42/45 |
| A-Level typical | — | A*A*A |
Strengths
California Institute of Technology
- Top 30 global recognition in QS World University Rankings 2026.
- Deep ties to US graduate training, recruiting, and industry hubs.
- Distinct academic brand and a global alumni footprint.
University of Cambridge
- Globally elite QS band (top 10 in 2026).
- Large, diverse international student body.
- UK-style undergraduate depth with strong research postgraduate pathways.
Popular majors (overlap)
Where both profiles list the same popular major label (case-insensitive).
No overlapping popular-major labels in our dataset yet — open each profile for subject-level detail.
Which is right for you?
If rankings are your north star
Cambridge sits higher in QS 2026 (5 vs 15). That often correlates with research intensity and global name recognition — but Caltech can still win on programme fit, city, or cost.
If you are coming from IB / A-Levels / US high school
Compare the admission tabs on each profile: Caltech vs Cambridge can invert depending on whether you are optimising for IB typical offers, A-level expectations, or US-style testing. Use the evaluator after you narrow your list.
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