Frequently Asked Questions

Does your program accept major transfers?
Yes, but places are very limited. We look for students with high GPAs and their previous academic background should be similar to the foundation training for FinTech.
Does your program provide a dual-degree option?

We provide the following 4-year programs:

In addition, it is possible for students in the regular FinTech program to pursue a second degree in IBBA. Students would graduate with two degrees in 5 years. See https://www.erg.cuhk.edu.hk/erg/ergbba.

Does your program provide internship opportunities?

We encourage students to go on an internship, which can greatly benefit their study and career development. In the past, our students interned with various financial institutions and fintech companies in Hong Kong as well as the regulatory agency Hong Kong Monetary Authority. See http://fintech.se.cuhk.edu.hk/programme-information/internships/statistics/ for examples.  Our program has also participated in the FinTech accelerator scheme initiated by HKMA and ASTRI that connects us to the local finance industry.

Does your program provide opportunities for exchange overseas?

There are various exchange programs organized by CUHK OAL, Faculty of Engineering and Colleges. Students are encouraged to consider these opportunities to find the most suitable program. To transfer credits, students can take both finance and technology courses on par with our courses during the exchange. Examples of overseas exchanges can be found from http://fintech.se.cuhk.edu.hk/programme-information/overseas-exchanges/.

I am interested in both FinTech and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Does AI play a role in FinTech?

AI has great potential in offering innovative and efficient solutions to some problems in finance-related industries. Our program equips students with knowledge in this area by teaching them core AI techniques, such as machine learning and big data analytics.

What are the admission requirements for sub-degree students?

We welcome sub-degree applicants. Their previous training should be related to engineering or technology or data science or a business discipline (e.g., finance, information systems). Sub-degree applicants can consider applying for senior-year admission or first-year admission.

What are the admission requirements of your program?

Please refer to the link http://fintech.se.cuhk.edu.hk/adm_criteria.

What are the attractive features of your program?

Our program is the first of its kind in Hong Kong and features a rigorous, flexible and well-balanced curriculum of finance and technology that prepares our students well for a variety of positions in finance-related industries. The set of required courses allows students to develop a solid understanding of finance, mathematics and technology. They can further their development by taking courses that fit their career plans from a diverse list of electives. Furthermore, our program is closely connected to local industries so that students can benefit from teaching and advising provided by industry experts.

What are the differences between FinTech and other finance-related subjects including financial engineering, quantitative finance and risk management science?

The other finance-related subjects focus on the application of quantitative skills, such as mathematical modelling and statistical analysis, for solving problems about investment, pricing and risk management. As for our FinTech program, while the teaching of essential quantitative skills is an important component of our curriculum, it is unique in that we also equip our students with knowledge in specific FinTech topics, such as financial infrastructures, cryptocurrencies and FinTech regulation, as well as new technologies, including blockchain, big data analytics and machine learning. In terms of career opportunities, our graduates would be different in that they are able to work in emerging areas in the financial world. For example, they can develop a new cryptocurrency for initial coin offering to raise capital for a project. As another example, they can develop smart banking platforms and apps for virtual banking.

What are the potential career opportunities for graduates from your program?

After going through rigorous training in both finance and technology, our students are able to take up miscellaneous positions in a variety of finance-related institutions. For example, they can develop and apply technologies to solve problems faced by traditional financial institutions (such as banks, insurance companies, asset management firms and exchanges), technology companies that offer financial services (such as virtual banking firms and internet finance companies), FinTech startups, and government regulatory agencies. They can also do traditional finance jobs as analysts and traders but with a competitive edge in technology. Additionally, they can pursue FinTech entrepreneurship, for which funding opportunities abound in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. See https://fintech.se.cuhk.edu.hk/careers/ for further details.

What are the recommended study patterns?

Besides a set of required courses, elective courses mainly fall into three categories: specific FinTech topics, technology-oriented courses and finance-oriented ones. Students are advised to choose from this rich list according to their interests and career plans.

Will applicants be interviewed for admission?

Non-JUPAS applicants will be shortlisted for interview. We do not interview JUPAS applicants for 2024 admission.