Applying the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology to Students’ Behavioral Intention to Adopt Mobile Payment Systems in Philippine Private Universities

Abstract

The rapid growth of mobile payment systems has transformed financial transactions in educational settings, yet concerns regarding security, digital literacy, and technological infrastructure continue to influence students’ adoption of mobile payments in private higher educational institutions.The goal of this study is to determine the significant factors influencing students' behavioral intention to adopt mobile payment systems by applying the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework. This research expands our understanding of fintech by empirically confirming how Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence and Facilitating Conditions all contribute to developing an accepting attitude towards using technology inside a localized educational environment. A quantitative descriprive-corelational research design was employed and an adapted survey questionnaire was  utilized in the data collection process. The respondents were the 397 students currently enrolled for AY 2025-2026 in General Santos City Private Universities. Statistical analysis including, Descriptive analysis, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, and Multiple Linear Regression were used to analyze the relationships and identify primary predictors. The findings revealed that all four UTAUT factors have significant positive relationships with Behavioral Intention (p < .05), with facilitating conditions emerging as the most influential factor (β = .411, p < .05). These results suggest that student adoption is heavily dependent on the presence of adequate technical infrastructure. Consequently, this research adds to the existing body of knowledge on financial technology locally and suggests: 1) payment service providers should enhance their merchant networks and provide payment methods for tuition and services on campus; 2) academic institution should develop infrustracture needed and build a network of technical support to help students use of mobile payments; and 3) policymaker should creates a safe environment that help protecting students rights to use mobile payments, thereby fostering a secure and efficient digital ecosystem accross Philippines campuses.