The PhD in Finance is designed for graduates who aspire to become leading researchers, academics, financial analysts, and industry experts. The programme enables students to undertake original research addressing contemporary issues in finance, economics, investment, and financial technology.

Key Reasons to Choose This Programme

• Conduct original research in advanced finance and financial economics.
• Individual supervision by experienced finance researchers.
• Strong emphasis on research publications and innovation.
• Access to extensive digital library resources and research databases.
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary and industry-related research.
• Flexible full-time and part-time study options.
• International research community with students from over 130 countries.
• Excellent preparation for careers in academia, research, financial institutions, consulting, and government. 

Programme Structure

The programme follows an independent research model under academic supervision.

Research Components

• Research Proposal
• Literature Review
• Advanced Research Methodology
• Independent Research
• Data Collection and Analysis
• Thesis Preparation
• Thesis Submission
• Viva Voce Examination

Research Disciplines / Specialist Areas

Students may undertake research in a wide range of finance-related fields, including:

• Finance
• Financial Economics
• Time Series Econometrics
• Risk Management
• Portfolio Management
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Monetary Movements
• Financial Markets
• Investment
• Financial Technology (FinTech)
• Financial Planning
• Financial Management
• Islamic Finance
• Corporate Governance
• Econometrics

Programme Highlights

• Ranked among the Top 2% of Universities Worldwide (QS World University Rankings 2026).
• Malaysia's Premier Digital Tech University.
• Research-intensive doctoral programme.
• Flexible full-time and part-time study options.
• Multiple annual intakes.
• Wide range of specialist research areas in finance and financial economics.
• Experienced academic supervision.
• Strong emphasis on publication and research excellence.
• Modern research facilities and global academic environment.
• Students from more than 130 countries. 

Career Outcomes

Graduates are prepared for senior research, academic, consulting, and leadership positions.

Potential career opportunities include:

• University Professor
• Finance Researcher
• Economist
• Financial Analyst
• Investment Consultant
• Portfolio Manager
• Risk Management Specialist
• Corporate Finance Director
• Financial Technology (FinTech) Researcher
• Financial Markets Analyst
• Banking Research Specialist
• Corporate Governance Consultant
• Research & Development Manager
• Government Policy Analyst
• Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
• Financial Strategy Consultant

Visa Requirements for International Students

International students are generally required to:

1. Receive an official Offer Letter from APU.
2. Accept the admission offer and pay the required initial fees.
3. Apply for a Malaysian Student Pass through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) with assistance from APU.
4. Submit passport copies, academic transcripts, English language test results, passport-sized photographs, and any additional supporting documents.
5. Complete the required medical examination before or after arrival in Malaysia.
6. Obtain a valid Student Pass before commencing research.

Latest Updates (2026)

• 2026 intake dates: 4 August, 1 September, 6 October, 3 November, and 1 December.
• Applicants are encouraged to work with potential supervisors to develop a suitable research proposal before formal enrolment.
• Research candidates are expected to participate in seminars, research colloquia, and academic conferences during their candidature.
• The programme continues to align with the latest Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) doctoral programme standards. 

Special Requirements

Applicants should note the following:

• A relevant Master's degree is normally required for admission.
• Students are encouraged to identify a suitable supervisor and prepare a preliminary research proposal before application.
• Regular research progress evaluations are mandatory.
• Successful completion requires submission of an original doctoral thesis and successful defence during the Viva Voce examination.
• Students are encouraged to publish their research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present them at academic conferences