PhD in Financial Technology Admission Process, Course Details, Fee, and Top Colleges 2024-25

PhD in Financial Technology About

A PhD in Financial Technology, also known as FinTech, is a program that focuses on the intersection of financial services and technology. The program covers a wide range of topics, including blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, data analytics, financial regulation, digital currencies, and cybersecurity.

The goal of the program is to develop experts in the field who can create innovative solutions to complex financial problems using technology. Students will gain a deep understanding of financial markets, financial instruments, and financial institutions, as well as how technology can be used to improve these areas.

In a PhD in Financial Technology program, students will conduct original research and develop expertise in a particular area of FinTech. They will work closely with faculty members to design and implement research projects, and will be expected to contribute to the academic community by publishing papers in top-tier academic journals and presenting their work at conferences.

Graduates of a PhD in Financial Technology program will be well-prepared for careers in academia, research, and industry. They will have the skills and knowledge to develop new financial technologies, analyze financial data, and evaluate the impact of technological innovations on financial markets and institutions.

Highlights of PhD in Financial Technology 

Some of the highlights of a PhD in Financial Technology program include:

Interdisciplinary approach
The program combines knowledge from finance, computer science, mathematics, economics, and other related fields to provide a comprehensive understanding of FinTech.
Research focus
The program is research-oriented, and students will work closely with faculty members to conduct original research in a particular area of FinTech.
Innovative coursework
Students will take courses on cutting-edge topics such as blockchain technology, machine learning, data analytics, and cybersecurity, as well as traditional finance courses.
Career opportunities
Graduates of the program will be well-equipped for careers in academia, research, and industry, as the demand for FinTech experts is rapidly growing.
Networking opportunities
Students will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals, government officials, and academics through guest lectures, workshops, and conferences.
Flexibility
Many PhD in Financial Technology programs offer flexible schedules, allowing students to balance their academic pursuits with other commitments such as work or family.
Access to resources
Students will have access to cutting-edge research facilities, databases, and software tools that are essential for conducting research in FinTech.

Entrance Exam For PhD in Financial Technology

  • UGC NET
  • GATE
  • NMIMS

Eligibility Criteria ForPhD in Financial Technology

Eligibility requirements for a PhD in Financial Technology program may vary depending on the university.
Generally, applicants must have a master's degree in a related field, such as finance, economics, computer science, or mathematics, with a minimum GPA requirement.

Duration of PhD in Financial Technology

A PhD in Financial Technology typically takes 3-5 years to complete, depending on the program and the student's research progress.

Selection Criteria for PhD in Financial Technology

  1. The selection criteria for a PhD in Financial Technology program may include academic performance, research experience, professional experience, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
  2. Many universities also consider the match between the applicant's research interests and the expertise of the faculty members in the program.

How to Apply for PhD in Financial Technology

To apply for a PhD in Financial Technology program, follow these general steps:

Step 1
Research potential universities and programs to find a good fit.
Step 2
Check the admission requirements and eligibility criteria for each program.
Step 3
Prepare application materials, such as transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and CVs.
Step 4
Apply through the university's online application portal or by mail, depending on the program's requirements.
Step 5
Complete any additional steps, such as an interview or entrance exam, if required.
Step 6
Wait for the admission decision and notify the university of your decision.

Document Required For PhD in Financial Technology

  • Documents (10th onwards)
  • Aadhar Card/Pan Card, Caste Certificate
  • Migration Certificate (Original)
  • NOC (From Organization/ Institute/ University)
  • Affidavit (undertaking)
  • Guide Willing
  • Assignments
  • Synopsis (3 copies), Progress Report
  • Library No Dues
  • Lab Letter
  • Thesis Hard copy (Spiral binding)
  • No Dues, Thesis (6 hard copies)
  • Affidavit -Submission (on Rs 100 Stamp and Notary Attested)
  • C.D Soft copies (Thesis & Synopsis)
  • Conference Certificate - 2
  • Research Papers -2 (with ISSN No.)
  • summary (page limit 20-30) -3 Copies 
  • Plagiarism Report Below 10%

PhD in Financial Technology Application Form

The application form for a PhD in Financial Technology program can usually be found on the university's website or through an online application portal.
Applicants will be asked to provide personal and educational information, as well as upload application materials such as transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

PhD in Financial Technology Application Process

The application process for a PhD in Financial Technology program typically involves the following steps:

1Research potential universities and programs to find a good fit.
2Check the admission requirements and eligibility criteria for each program.
3Prepare application materials, such as transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and CVs.
4Apply through the university's online application portal or by mail, depending on the program's requirements.
5Complete any additional steps, such as an interview or entrance exam, if required.
6Wait for the admission decision and notify the university of your decision.

PhD in Financial Technology Application Fee

  1. The application fee for a PhD in Financial Technology program can vary depending on the university.
  2. Typically, the fee ranges from $50 to $100.

Syllabus of PhD in Financial Technology

The syllabus for a PhD in Financial Technology program may vary depending on the university and program. However, some common courses and topics covered in the program include:

  • Financial Markets and Instruments
  • Financial Risk Management
  • Blockchain Technology
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
  • Data Analytics
  • Cybersecurity in Financial Services
  • Digital Currencies and Payment Systems
  • Financial Regulation and Policy

Job Option After PhD in Financial Technology

1. FinTech Researcher/Professor
2. Quantitative Analyst
3. Financial Data Analyst
4. Financial Risk Manager
5. FinTech Consultant

PhD in Financial Technology Career Opportunities

A PhD in Financial Technology program provides graduates with a wide range of career opportunities. Some common career paths include:

Academia
Graduates can pursue a career as a researcher or professor in a university or research institution.
Industry
Graduates can work for financial institutions, consulting firms, technology companies, or startups in roles such as data analyst, risk manager, or consultant.
Government
Graduates can work for regulatory agencies or central banks in roles such as policy analyst or financial analyst.
Entrepreneurship
Graduates can start their own FinTech companies, leveraging their expertise in financial services and technology.

PhD in Financial Technology Top Colleges

Some of the top universities in the world offering PhD in Financial Technology programs include:

  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
  2. Carnegie Mellon University
  3. University of Cambridge
  4. Imperial College London
  5. New York University (NYU)
  6. University of Oxford
  7. National University of Singapore (NUS)
  8. University of Zurich
  9. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
  10. University of California, Berkeley

FAQs About Ph.D. Program 

Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.

Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?

ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.

Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?

ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.

Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?

ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.

Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.

Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?

ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?

ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.

Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?

ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.

Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?

ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.

Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?

ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.

Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?

ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.

Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?

ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.

Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?

ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.

PHD Admission 2024-25