Digital transformation and financial education in post-pandemic higher education: A systematic review

Introduction: financial education, intertwined with digital literacy, plays a crucial role in promoting financial resilience and inclusion. However, challenges such as low digital financial literacy and regional disparities persist. Objective: this systematic review aims to analyze the strategies implemented by universities worldwide to integrate digital transformation into financial education, focusing on its impact on vulnerable student populations. Method: the study followed the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. A comprehensive search was conducted in Scopus using Boolean operators to identify relevant empirical studies and systematic reviews published between 2020 and 2024. Out of 359 initial articles, 15 met the inclusion criteria after a rigorous screening process. Thematic synthesis and quality assessment were performed using ATLAS.ti and the MERSQI tool. Results: the findings highlight that digital transformation enhances financial literacy and inclusion, particularly through tools like fintech and biometric systems. However, disparities exist, with rural and low-income students facing greater challenges. Studies from BRICS countries and China demonstrated the potential of digital finance to reduce income gaps, while research in Mexico and Poland revealed barriers such as self-exclusion and digital fatigue. Conclusions: digital financial literacy is essential for modern higher education, requiring curricular integration and institutional cultural shifts.