International Journal of Social Science & Economic Research
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Title:
Digital Financial Literacy Levels and Preferred Fintech Services Among Pakistani University Students: A Descriptive Study

Authors:
Shahraiz Waqas

Journal: International Journal of Social Science and Economic Research (IJSSER)
ISSN: 2455-8834
Volume: 10
Issue: 12
Publication Date: December 2025
DOI: 10.46609/IJSSER.2025.v10i12.011

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Shahraiz Waqas
TNS Beaconhouse

MLA 8
Waqas, Shahraiz. "Digital Financial Literacy Levels and Preferred Fintech Services Among Pakistani University Students: A Descriptive Study." Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research, vol. 10, no. 12, Dec. 2025, pp. 6352-6366, doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2025.v10i12.011. Accessed Dec. 2025
APA 6
Waqas, S. (2025, December). Digital Financial Literacy Levels and Preferred Fintech Services Among Pakistani University Students: A Descriptive Study. Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research, 10(12), 6352-6366. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2025.v10i12.011
Chicago
Waqas, Shahraiz. "Digital Financial Literacy Levels and Preferred Fintech Services Among Pakistani University Students: A Descriptive Study." Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research 10, no. 12 (December 2025), 6352-6366. Accessed December, 2025. https://doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2025.v10i12.011.

References

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ABSTRACT:
Background: The rapid growth of financial technology in Pakistan has transformed the way people, especially the youth, experience financial services. However, limited evidence is available in relation to digital financial literacy among university students and how it steers their fintech usage.
Objective: The present study focused on assessing DFL levels and preferred fintech services among Pakistani university students while analyzing the differences in gender and academic fields.
Methods: In this study, a descriptive cross-sectional survey of 235 university students from diverse disciplines was carried out using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire measured DFL with a 12-item Likert scale (Cronbach's ? = 0.854) and measured fintech usage patterns. Data analysis was done using SPSS, version 23.
Results: The average DFL score was 3.32 ± 0.70, which denotes a moderate level of literacy. No significant difference was observed between male and female students (p = 0.878), but significant differences were present across academic disciplines (p < 0.001), with students in Computer/IT and Engineering having higher levels of literacy. Mobile banking applications were used most frequently at 42.13%, mainly for convenience and time-saving, whereas security concerns remain the major barrier.
Conclusion: University students in Pakistan exhibit a moderate level of digital financial literacy with frequent use of fintech. DFL should be improved through academic integration and awareness programs to facilitate safe and inclusive fintech adoption.

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