Scholarship Overview
Overview
The Shenzhen FinTech Competition 2026 (FinTechathon) – International Track is a global competition for university students passionate about artificial intelligence and financial technology. Hosted by Tsinghua University’s PBC School of Finance in partnership with WeBank, this fully funded program invites international teams to Shenzhen, China, to develop innovative AI solutions for real-world financial challenges under the theme “AI as a Financial Participant.”
For students from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, this represents a rare opportunity to gain exposure to China’s rapidly advancing fintech ecosystem, build international networks, and compete for substantial prize money without any financial burden.
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Financial Benefits and Awards
The competition offers a total prize pool of RMB 250,000 distributed as follows:
- First Prize: RMB 100,000
- Second Prize: RMB 80,000
- Third Prize: RMB 50,000
- Best Innovation Award: RMB 20,000
- Excellence Awards: Additional recognition for selected teams
All selected participants receive:
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- International round-trip travel to Shenzhen
- Accommodation during the program
- No registration fees
Program Dates
- Check-in & WeBank HQ Visit: 20 November 2026
- Grand Final & Awards Ceremony: 21 – 23 November 2026
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the International Track, applicants must meet these requirements:
- Be enrolled full-time as an undergraduate, master’s, or PhD student at a university or research institution outside Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, and Chinese Taipei
- Form a team of 2–5 students
- Ensure at least 60% of team members are non-Chinese nationals
- Participate in only one team across the competition’s two tracks
- Submit all required materials in English
For Zimbabwean and SADC applicants: Your institution’s location outside the specified territories makes you eligible. Focus on assembling a diverse team that meets the nationality requirement.
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Competition Topics
Teams must select one of six challenge areas:
- Topic A: Personal Finance Assistant
- Topic B: Wealth Advisory Agent
- Topic C: Cross-border & Student Finance Assistant
- Topic D: Insurance Assistant
- Topic E: SME Finance Copilot
- Topic F: Agent Wallet (Autonomous On-chain Wallet) – includes 0–5 point challenge bonus
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply:
- Review the official competition guidelines and problem descriptions on the official website
- Assemble your team of 2–5 eligible students
- Confirm at least 60% of members are non-Chinese nationals
- Prepare all required submission materials in English
- Submit your application before the deadline
Why Apply?
This competition offers distinct advantages for African students:
- Zero cost participation: All travel and accommodation expenses covered
- Direct industry exposure: Visit WeBank headquarters, China’s first digital-only bank
- Technical skill development: Build practical AI solutions for financial services
- International networking: Connect with peers, academics, and fintech professionals globally
- Career positioning: Demonstrate capability in one of the world’s most dynamic fintech markets
Preparation Tips for SADC Applicants
Given the competitive nature and technical requirements:
- Start team formation early to find complementary skills in AI/ML, finance, and software development
- Research China’s fintech landscape, particularly WeBank’s innovations in digital banking
- Consider Topic C (Cross-border & Student Finance) or Topic E (SME Finance) as particularly relevant to African financial inclusion challenges
- Ensure passport validity for international travel in November 2026
- Prepare for potential visa requirements for China well in advance
