ApplyBoard

Recruiters: How to Search for Institutions and Programs on ApplyBoard

Author ApplyBoard |

ApplyBoard Search lets you find programs across 1,500+ partner institutions by destination, field of study, program level, and intake. You can start exploring Search right away — even before your account is fully approved.

 Tip! Waiting for your account to be approved? You can use Search freely during this time. Use guest student mode in the eligibility filters to explore programs on behalf of a student without needing a full profile set up yet.

How to Get Started

Log in to ApplyBoard and go to Programs & Schools in the left navigation panel. You will need to apply at least one filter to see results.

Screenshot of an academic program search dashboard featuring filter dropdowns at the top, quick filter pills, and a row of program cards including Arkansas State University, Coventry University, University of Buckingham, Canterbury Christ Church University, and University of Law.

The Search Interface

The search page has three layers of filters. Start broad and narrow down as you go.

Main search bar and primary filters

  • What would you like to study? Type a field of study (such as Computer Science or Business) and matching suggestions will appear as you type.
  • Destination — Filter by country, province, state, or city. Type directly into the field for auto-suggestions.
  • Institution — Search for a specific school by name.
  • Program level — Filter by undergraduate, graduate, diploma, and other levels.
  • Intakes — Select the intake date the student would like to begin their studies.

Quick filters

Below the main filters, a row of quick filters lets you narrow results with a single click. These are the most commonly used filters for new recruiters:

Quick filter What it does
Prime Shows only programs that are exclusively available to ApplyBoard partners or partial exclusivity arrangements may exist for them
Instant Submission Shows programs where ApplyBoard can submit an application within hours of the documents being provided and the selected intake opening
Exclude Pathway Programs Removes pathway and foundation programs from results, showing direct-entry programs only
PGWP Shows only programs eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permits
Scholarships Available Shows only programs with scholarships currently available

Load saved filters and Smart filters

  • Load saved filters — Reload a set of filters you have used before so you do not need to set them up again from scratch.
  • Smart filters — An AI-powered tool that suggests filters based on your search context. Look for the Smart filters button on the right side of the filter bar.

Check Program Eligibility for Your Student

Once you have your results, you can filter them further using the Student eligibility filters button on the right side of the page. This removes programs the student would not be eligible for, based on their background.

Screenshot of the academic program search dashboard with an Eligibility Filters modal overlay open, showing options to select student profile type, study permit/visa, nationality, last level of study, and education country.

There are two ways to use eligibility filters:

Using an existing student profile

If you have already created a student profile on ApplyBoard, select an existing student profile in the Eligibility Filters modal. Search by name, email, or student ID to find the student. ApplyBoard will automatically apply filters based on their profile information.

This gives you the most accurate results and is the recommended option once your account is approved and your student profiles are set up.

Using guest student mode

Select a guest student (with no profile yet) in the Eligibility Filters modal. You can then manually enter the student's key details — study permit or visa status, nationality, last level of study, education country, and grading scheme — to filter results without needing a saved profile.

Guest student mode is ideal if your account is still under review, or if you are exploring programs for a student who has not yet been added to ApplyBoard. It lets you have a useful program conversation with your student right away.

 Note: Filling in more fields gives you more accurate results. Study Permit / Visa is the only required field.

Reading Your Search Results

Each program card in the results shows the institution name, program name, location, application fee, and key program tags. Tags like Prime, Instant Submission, High Job Demand, and Instant Offer help you identify the best options at a glance.

Screenshot of a search results page showing over 2,000 program matches, featuring program cards from Laurentian University, Conestoga College - Doon, and Algoma University with details on tuition, duration, and success chance.

Results are ranked by best match by default, taking into account the student's chance of acceptance, seat availability, and processing time.

What to Do Next

Once you have found the right programs, you can compare up to 24 side-by-side before making a decision, or move straight to creating an application for your student.

Go deeper with Search filters

Explore the full set of advanced filters — including study gap, tuition range, English proficiency, program duration, and more.

See all search filters

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