PhD in Digital Financial Technology

Financial technology (abbreviated as FinTech) refers to a broad spectrum of the technology and innovation of financial services. Examples of FinTech innovations include (mobile) payment solutions, cryptocurrency, smart contract, credit analytics, P2P lending and crowd-funding, robo-advisor, algorithmic trading, and various financial data analytics innovations.

The NUS PhD (Digital Financial Technology) programme is jointly hosted by the NUS Graduate School (NUSGS) and the Asian Institute of Digital Finance (AIDF). It prepares students with a distinctive set of interdisciplinary skills for careers in academia or industry.

Overview

  • Monthly stipend will be provided for up to 4 years of PhD studies, OR up to date of graduation, whichever is earlier.
  • Open worldwide to bachelor degree holders (or above), with at least a very good 2nd Upper Honours (or equivalent qualifications), and outstanding research potential and strong research interests in related areas in finance and/or computing.
  • Students are based in NUSGS and AIDF, and have to fulfil the following three requirements.
    1. Coursework
      • 38 Units courses (For Intake 2024 onwards) / 36 Units (For intakes before 2024).
      • Required laboratory rotation
    2. PhD Thesis
      • Work on a topic under the advice of AIDF faculty affiliates.
    3. Gap and TA hours
      • There is a standard requirement under NUSGS. (See here)
      • AIDF teaching duty/research support
      • Participating in AIDF-based events

Admission Requirements

We invite graduates with strong academic potential and a keen interest in research to join our research-based doctoral programs. PhD admission criteria encompass a robust academic background, a passionate interest in a research topic, and good character. The following information will be considered for a careful evidence-based assessment:

1. A good GPA in a relevant bachelor's or master's degree in computing, finance, economics, engineering, science, mathematics, statistics, or business., with at least a very good 2nd Upper Honours (or equivalent qualifications),
2. A well-crafted statement of purpose detailing research interests, career aspirations, and motivations for choosing our program.
3. Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees, offering valuable insights into the applicant's qualifications and research potential.
4. A comprehensive CV highlighting academic accomplishments and pertinent experience.
5. Standardized test scores such as the GRE (these scores have to be valid for 5 years from the test date).

Minimum Score: 

Verbal + Quantitative 320 / 340
Analytical 3.5 / 6

6. Publications or involvement in research projects.
7. For non-native English speakers, proficiency demonstrated through tests like TOEFL or IELTS. Scores must be submitted for all international applicants except those whose undergraduate or graduate degrees are from NUS, NTU, SMU or SUTD, or from English-speaking countries such as Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Items (1) to (4) are compulsory.
Items (5) to (7) are optional; however, do note that evidence of strong quantitative, verbal, and analytical skills through GRE scores, as well as indicators of research skills and experience will significantly strengthen your application.

“NUS' thought leadership in digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, and data science makes us perfectly positioned to address the challenges of the digital economy in Singapore and other parts of the world.”

Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS President

Industry Co-Education Scheme

The Industry Co-Education Scheme is designed to enrich the education of our Digital Financial Technology (DFT) PhD students by engaging prestigious industry partners, particularly from the finance and high-tech sectors.

Click here for more information.

Next Intake: August 2025

Applications are closed.

Course Works
Thesis Advisor
Qualifying Exam
For further enquires, please email us at: aidf-grd@nus.edu.sg