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, up to 4 years of PhD studies, OR up to date of graduation, whichever is earlier. The amount of stipend is as follows:
| Aug 2025 intake onwards: | |||
| Pre-PQE rates: | Singapore Citizen | Singapore Permanent Resident | International |
| $4,095 (Includes CPF) | $3,100 | $2,700 | |
| Post-PQE rates: | Singapore Citizen | Singapore Permanent Resident | International |
| $4,595 (Includes CPF) | $3,600 | $3,200 | |
* Full tuition fee subsidies for 4 years and the maximum candidature is 5 years.
- 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.
- Coursework
- 38 Units courses (For Intake 2024 onwards) / 36 Units (For intakes before 2024).
- Required laboratory rotation
- PhD Thesis
- Work on a topic under the advice of AIDF faculty affiliates.
- Gap and TA hours
- There is a standard requirement under NUSGS. (See here)
- AIDF teaching duty/research support
- Participating in AIDF-based events
- Coursework
“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
Admission Requirements
AIDF invites candidates with passion in conducting novel research and advancing knowledge in FinTech. Candidates should have an outstanding background in computing, finance, statistics and machine learning, coupled with strong programming skills and a desire to develop solutions for real-world problems.
The programme is designed to admit students with strong educational background and/or work experiences in both computing and finance. Candidates with background in only computing, business/economics, or STEM will also be considered. Master’s degree is preferred but not required.
The candidates must possess:
- A bachelor degree in computing, finance, economics, engineering, science, mathematics, statistics, or business.
- Applicants must also submit GRE or GMAT scores (these scores are valid for 5 years from the test date).
- Test scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) 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.
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.
Application Period for August 2025 will open in September 2024
Application Instructions and Document Checklist
Please click here for the application instructions and document checklist.
For further enquires, please email aidf-grd@nus.edu.sg.