Established prospects for an ambitious career by studying the fundamental principles of FinTech, new technologies, big data analytics, artificial intelligence, and the new business models that are dramatically reshaping the landscape of the global financial and technology sectors.
Useful information
Application periods:
- May – September
- Program description
- Why choose FinTech
- Career Week – Networking
- Scholarships
- Access to Online Applications
The Master’s program in Financial Technology – FinTech immerses students in the emerging environment of financial markets shaped by the latest technological innovations. This environment combines knowledge and skills in finance and applied computer science.
Technological advancements, among others, include the ability to store and process big data, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cryptocurrencies, distributed ledger technologies (blockchain), online crowdfunding, peer-to-peer electronic payments and money transfers, and robo-advising. Ιnitially designed to facilitate financial and banking intermediation, these innovations have created an entirely new sector.
The curriculum of the Master’s program is shaped by developments in finance, providing students with high-level knowledge to integrate into the global FinTech community. The organization of the curriculum includes both theoretical analysis and empirical applications from the field of financial services.
Graduates in FinTech have a broader spectrum of career opportunities in banking and financial organizations, public agencies, businesses, and other related financial and technological sectors. New positions such as Application Specialist, Data Analyst, Compliance Officer, and/or Risk Management Executive are becoming increasingly popular in these areas.
The financial activities we enjoy as consumers, which FinTech has expanded, range from retail banking transactions, online payments and transfers, lending and financing, and wealth management to insurance.
As financial technologies continue to expand, traditional finance and financial services sectors are undergoing significant changes. Conventional business skills are no longer sufficient to meet the new market demands. International financial centers are transforming and adapting by using methods from .Tfinancial technology, and they are increasingly hiring executives who are familiar with this field. There are many examples where governments support and encourage the development of FinTech. It is no coincidence that the European Commission has linked the exit from the pandemic crisis to the green and digital transition, which is expected to enhance the role of Financial Technology.
Nowadays, artificial intelligence advisors facilitate rational choices, particularly in the realm of investment decisions. These actions would be less effective without the support provided by financial technologies. Additionally, FinTech applications partly reduce complexity and costs in financial activities for all stakeholders. Thanks to this, both the daily lives of individuals and the day-to-day operation of businesses have become simpler and more efficient.
The recent pandemic highlighted and intensified the reliance on digital technologies, which continues to grow and evolve. The finance sector continues to develop as new tools are utilized to finance businesses and boost entrepreneurial activity. This is reflected in the performance of stock markets and the increase in over-the-counter alternative investments. Therefore, it is an excellent time to obtain a Master’s degree in Financial Technology.
The Master’s Program in FinTech at the Department of Economics of Democritus University of Thrace consists of a range of courses that provide not only fundamental knowledge in Finance, such as Financial Theory and Corporate Finance, but also introduce the application of Big Data, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain. The courses allow you to learn from instructors specialized in these fields from the Department of Economics and other universities in Greece and abroad. Additionally, it allows you to attend seminars with speakers already active in this market. Thus, you will acquire both the theoretical and practical knowledge you need to launch your professional career in the field of FinTech successfully.
Every April, the Master’s program organizes a Career Week. During this event, students have the opportunity to connect with senior executives from banks, technology and energy companies, agencies and organizations, and other large enterprises in Greece. The goal is for students to engage with potential employers and gain insights from them regarding developments and trends in the job market related to their field of study.
Students will have the chance to present themselves and discuss with company representatives, as well as to submit their resumes for potential future collaboration. The networking opportunities provided to students through Career Week are unique and significantly enhance their chances of future professional employment in their field of study.
According to current legislation, graduate students whose income in the last tax year (individual or family) does not exceed 100% of the individual national median equivalent income or 70% of the family national median equivalent income are exempt from tuition fees. Exempt students should not exceed 30% of the total number of students admitted to the Master’s Program, and the exemption applies to participation in only one Master’s Program. According to Article 35 of Law 4485/2017, if the number of eligible students exceeds this percentage, they are selected in ranking order starting from those with the lowest income.
The Minister of Education, Research and Religious Affairs annually determines the amount corresponding to the national median available equivalent income (the individual income and 70% of the family income), based on data from ELSTAT (Hellenic Statistical Authority). Those who receive a scholarship from another source are not eligible for the exemption.
Additionally, students can receive scholarships from the following sources:
- State Scholarship Foundation (IKY) (www.iky.gr )
- Onassis Foundation
(https://www.onassis.org/education) - Propondis Foundation (www.propondis.gr)
- Leventis Foundation ( https://www.leventisscholarships.org)
- Konrad-Adenauer Foundation (https://www.kas.de)
Students of the Master’s program have free access to the monitoring system of the Greek Stock Exchange ZTrade, as well as the opportunity for virtual trading to gain training in risk and portfolio management.
Sponsor Company: MetricTrade S.A.
More applications to be announced soon…
FinTech in practice
The Master's Program is actively supported by:
