Jan 2027 Entry
2 years (Full-time)
3 years (Part-time)
52
Medium of Instruction: English
Mode of study: The programme is a mixed-mode programme. Students may pursue their studies with either a full-time study load (taking 9 credits or more in a semester) or a part-time study load (less than 9 credits in a semester).
Duration of Study: Students who wish to extend their studies beyond normal duration should submit an application to the Faculty of Business for consideration.
Note to Applicants
We have a quota for admissions. Early applications are strongly encouraged. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.
What's New
- Undergraduate
- Undergraduate
Programme Aims
This programme aims to educate top executives and business entrepreneurs who are interested in understanding the FinTech impacts on various industries. It has been designed to integrate academic study and management practice in a way which will form a significant part of an individual’s business career.
On completion of the programme, students will be able to advance their knowledge, skills and intellectual abilities as defined in the broad learning outcomes which are underpinned by specific learning objectives below:
General Business Knowledge
-
Acquire a solid understanding of the impacts of digital transformation and technological innovations on the business world today with ethical implications from local, national and global outlooks.
Specialist Knowledge
-
Acquire an in-depth knowledge of digital technologies in the financial industry.
Applied Research
-
Acquire the ability to conduct original applied research in tech-related business areas fostering life-long learning in the age of FinTech.
Characteristics
Accreditations
AACSB
The Faculty of Business was accredited by AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) in 2010 in recognition of our business education.
EQUIS
The Faculty of Business was accredited by EQUIS (EFMD Quality Improvement System) in 2007 in recognition of our programmes, research and associated activities.
International Collaboration
To increase the international exposure and academic vigour of the programme, students have the opportunity to participate in a digital transformation programme with the IMD Business School in Switzerland and the Executive Education Courses offered by The London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) in the U.K..
-
IMD was ranked in the top 10 for both open and custom programmes worldwide in the 2025 Financial Times Executive Education ranking.
-
LSE was ranked third in Europe and sixth in the world in social and management subjects in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
Technological Element in the Curriculum
To help students embrace technological changes and digital transformation, five topics, namely artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, data science and entrepreneurship, have been embedded in the programme across a wide range of subjects.
Our curriculum is aimed at fostering awareness about the impact of technology innovations in addition to enabling students to handle data and adopt technology to tackle business and organisational issues while enhancing management and leadership.
-
Pioneering FinTech doctorate in the world
-
Benefit from pooling resources from different faculties of the university
-
Integrate academic study, applied research and management practice
-
Embrace digital transformation and technological innovations
-
Explore the potentials and promises of digital technology in all organisations
-
Become part of an elite network of over 600 alumni and students
Programme Structure
-
Students must complete 52 credits including:
-
1 credit of Academic Integrity and Ethics
-
24 credits of coursework: 3 Compulsory and 5 Elective Subjects (3 credits each)
-
3 credits of Residentials: Residential 1 (1 credit) and Residential 2 (2 credits)
-
24 credits of Thesis: Thesis I (8 credits) and Thesis II (16 credits)
-
-
All taught subjects are at an advanced level, and students are assumed to have prior knowledge of each subject area.
-
There is a possible exit award of Master of Science in Management Research Studies (MSc in MRS) for students who have completed 25 credits of coursework subjects, 3 credits of two compulsory Residentials, and passed the 8 credits of Thesis I (thesis proposal presentation) (total of 36 credits).
-
The curriculum includes technological elements as qualitative and experimental approaches to AI and entrepreneurship research as well as the impacts of digital transformation and technological innovations on business today, including their ethical implications.
Coursework (25 credits)
Compulsory Subjects^
- Academic Integrity and Ethics in Business
- Research and Design for Thesis
- Applied Business Research Methods I
- Applied Business Research Methods II
- DFinTech Residential 1
- DFinTech Residential 2
- DFinTech Thesis I
- DFinTech Thesis II
Elective Subjects^ (any five)
- Big Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence
- Cryptography and Blockchain
- Digital Supply Chain Management
- Economics of FinTech
- Independent Studies in FinTech*
- Management and Marketing in the Digital World
- Overseas Executive Programmes
- Smart City and Urban Informatics
Remarks:
^ 1. Subject to factors such as staff availability, student enrolment, programme resources and so on, not all subjects will be offered during the normal duration of study. And, registration is subject to the availability of quota.
2. Programme structure and the subject details (e.g. subject description form, offering pattern, class timetable etc.) are subject to review and change from time to time.
* Independent Studies in FinTech is only offered to students who are unable to follow the normal pattern of study of this programme due to exceptional situations such as illness or posting to work outside Hong Kong. They can enrol in this elective subject in a particular semester.
Residentials (3 credits)
DFinTech Residentials
Attendance at the 2 DFinTech Residentials is compulsory.
DFinTech Residential 1 is a mandatory orientation workshop, normally scheduled for the beginning of the programme.
DFinTech Residential 2 is a research workshop held normally after students have completed all the required subjects. The main objective of the workshop is to give students the opportunity to present their thesis proposals and to prepare them for writing their theses.
Thesis (24 credits)
DFinTech Thesis
Students must pass the 3 Compulsory Subjects and at least 3 Elective Subjects before beginning their theses. They need to integrate and apply what they have learned to critically and rigorously examine a topic of interest in the field of FinTech. They are challenged to make an important contribution and/or provide innovative insights into the practice of the profession.
The latest information on the subjects offered can be obtained at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/fb/study/tpg-landing/tpg/dfintech/.
52
Programme Director
Prof. Kai LIM
BS, MA, PhD
Deputy Programme Director
Dr Steven WEI
BSc, MA, MSc, PhD
-
A Master’s degree, preferably in a business-related or IT-related area; and
-
Substantial managerial experience (at least 5 years) at a senior management level.
-
Candidates in senior management or senior IT-related positions possessing a recognised first degree and membership of a recognised professional body may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
If you are not a native speaker of English, and do not possess a Bachelor’s or Master's degree or equivalent qualification which is awarded by institutions where the medium of instruction is English, you are expected to fulfil the University’s minimum English language requirement for admission purposes. Please refer to the "Admission Requirements" section for Taught Postgraduate Programmes at Study@PolyU for details.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for admission interviews.
For further information, please contact:
Tel: (852) 3400 3234 or (852) 3400 3556
Email: fbdft@polyu.edu.hk
For information on academic matters, please contact:
Dr Steven WEI, Deputy Programme Director
Tel: (852) 2766 7056
Email: steven.wei@polyu.edu.hk
Class Schedule
-
Most classes are scheduled on weekends, subject to the final arrangement of the programme.
4
HK$1,040,400 per programme (HK$20,400 per credit) for local and non-local students
Tuition fees for the 1-credit "Academic Integrity and Ethics in Business" are not charged.
Students taking the elective subject "Overseas Executive Programmes" pay the course fee directly to the offering institution and bear the costs of travel, accommodation, visa, insurance, etc. The DFinTech programme does not charge a credit fee for "Overseas Executive Programmes".
As an entrepreneur, the PolyU DFinTech validates the strategic direction of our business. The exposure to both professors and fellow learning partners enriches the experience, providing me with a global perspective of both the finance and technology worlds. The networking among learning partners is unique, as the programme’s diversity allows for an enriched, real-life learning experience. The programme management team is also hands-on in taking care of us – ensuring a worthwhile and enjoyable educational journey.
As an international student, this programme stands out among the many programmes available worldwide. Each and every experience in the PolyU DFinTech is a gem worth keeping for a lifetime.
PolyU has the best doctoral programme in fintech, combining technology and finance. The diverse knowledge of my learning partners sparked fresh innovation ideas. The residential programme in Malaysia was an enriching experience, with well-organised learning activities.
The PolyU DFinTech not only focuses on financial technology, but also covers other business technology practices. As a candidate with a non-financial professional background, the programme has broadened my knowledge of business and management technologies, such as block chain applications; given me new perspectives on macro and micro global supply chains; and given me the technical know how to conduct qualitative research. By merging academic study, research skills and practical knowledge, it’s given me another way to expand my business and leadership expertise.
As a professional in the fintech industry, I believe choosing the DFinTech programme at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is a wise move towards success. The programme is taught by exceptional faculty, who explore blockchain, digital payments and other aspects of the financial sector in great depth. The programme has enabled me to master the latest knowledge and latest technologies, equipping me with the ability to drive corporate innovation. Within the programme, students and professors form a diverse community, creating an excellent platform for academic exchange and business cooperation. What’s more, the high-quality infrastructure and campus environment of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University lay a strong foundation for us to grow into leaders in the global fintech field.
Required
Required
Optional
Candidates are required to submit the following documents at the time of application:
- A proposal in the FinTech area (1,200 -2,000 words)
- Proof of employment (at least 5 years)
- Your academic qualifications (such as graduation certificates, transcripts of studies, etc.) that are not in English should be accompanied by an official certified English- translation
Provision of additional documents may be required if deemed necessary.
An incomplete application cannot be processed promptly and will reduce your chance of admission. Please complete all relevant fields on the application form and enclose all necessary documents.
