What is a Master's in Finance? Eligibility, Curriculum & Career Scope

With growing advancements in the Indian financial sector, we continue to witness growth due to the rise of digital banking, fintech, and global investment flows. All these factors create a demand for finance professionals who can provide focused and specialized expertise.

This is where a master’s degree in finance comes in. An MS in Finance can be the perfect pathway for people who want to work in lucrative areas like corporate finance, investment banking or consulting. A Master’s in Finance is a postgraduate program that allows learners to build strong technical and analytical skills for the finance industry. 

This helpful guide will give you an in-depth look at a master’s degree in finance. Read along as we discuss admission criteria, course curriculum, top career options and universities for this degree.

Explore our wide range of MBA Programs and Management Courses today and master the skills you need in your finance leadership journey!

What is a Master's Degree in Finance?

A Master's in Finance (MFin) is a specialized degree designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills for excelling in the financial sector. The program blends theoretical foundations with hands-on applications, focusing on critical areas like financial analysis, risk management strategies, and investment strategies.

Enroll in some of our top finance and management programs, offered by leading educational institutions:

• Master’s in International Accounting and Finance by JGU 
• Professional Certificate Program in Financial Modelling and Analysis in association with PwC Academy
• Microsoft’s Generative AI Mastery Certificate for Managerial Excellence

Why Pursue a Master’s Degree in Finance?

Looking for reasons to embark on higher education with a finance masters? Maybe these reasons will convince you to go for it:

• A master’s in finance equips you with specialized knowledge that can not only raise your value in a company but also open your path towards greater roles
• With advanced skills and expertise, you become eligible to get attractive pay packages
• You can meet the rising demand for finance professionals and stand apart by having an upper hand through your higher education
• As you get on a journey of skills development, you develop high-stakes values that help you thrive and even go for international opportunities

Eligibility Criteria to Apply For a Master's Degree in Finance

Are you considering pursuing a master’s in finance and questioning if you are even eligible for this degree? We will give you a detailed answer as break down the eligibility criteria for an MS in Finance. 

General Admission Requirements

The following is the key criterion to determine if you enroll in this program:

Education:

• A Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, commerce, mathematics, or any related field from a recognized university. 
• Most universities require at least 50% marks in your undergraduate.

Work Experience:

• While many programs accept fresh graduates, some top-tier institutes may prefer applicants with 1–2 years of relevant work experience. 
• With internships or finance projects, you can strengthen your application even if you don’t have full-time experience.

Additional Documents Requirement:

• Some institutions ask for a Statement of Purpose (SOP) wherein you can present why you are a suitable candidate by highlighting your personal interest and inclination towards this field.

Take help from this helpful guide to craft the perfect SOP: SOP for Indian Universities: Format, Requirements, and More

• You may also need to present a few letters of recommendation from academic or professional references. 

Entrance Exams for Master’s in Finance

Here are the most common entrance exams for a finance master's in India:  

Want to learn for free? Upskill with upGrad’s Free Financial Analysis Course and also get a certificate in just 7 hours of learning!

What Will You Learn in a Master's Degree in Finance

The Master’s in Finance program offers a structured curriculum combining core finance principles with practical tools and real-world exposure. The course curriculum is designed to help learners build strong analytical, technical, and decision-making skills required in today’s financial sector.

Core Subjects

Below are some of the key subjects commonly covered in a master’s in finance degree:

Explore How DeFi is the future of finance!

Specializations for Finance Degrees

You can choose electives to specialize in a particular area of finance. Here are your top options:

Know which are the Top 18 Crucial Finance Skills That Employers Value in 2025

Master’s in Finance vs. MBA in Finance: Which is Better?

When deciding between a Master of Finance (MFin) and an MBA with a finance concentration, you need to first understand the core differences in their structure, duration, and overall goals. 

Here is a breakdown of the key differences between MFin and MBA.  

Also Read: MBA Finance Syllabus: Concepts & Advantages of upGrad MBA Finance Program

Top Career Opportunities After a Master's Degree in Finance

There is a wide range of career options in finance, each with its own set of demands and rewards. In India, the demand for skilled finance professionals continues to rise as fintech and finance advance. 

Here’s a quick look at some of the top finance roles and their average salary range:

Source: AmbitionBox

Read more here: Top 15 Highest Paying Jobs in Finance in India [A Complete Report]

Top Universities for Master's Degree in Finance

Given how finance is growing in India, it is a very desirable degree. Many institutes in India offer a Master’s in finance course due to its high demand in the professional world. 

Below is a list of some of the best universities for finance master’s in India:

Also Read: Scope of Financial Management

How can upGrad Help You?

As industries and businesses advance, so has higher learning. Now, online learning programs and distance education are becoming increasingly popular among students. In fact, they are even suitable for working professionals with experience looking to advance their management careers. 

A master’s in finance can fetch you a range of possibilities, be it career advancement or skill development. You must select a program that best aligns with your career goals and sets you up for success in the future.

At upGrad, we have a plethora of online courses for you, that you bring in partnership with some of the world’s top universities. You can head over to our course page and explore and decide the right fit for you! 

You may also check our range of Free Management Courses, such as our Introduction to Fintech Course!

And in case you’d like to seek expert assistance in driving your finance career forward, you can book a free counseling session with us and we will be happy to help you out!

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