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Students: How to Use ApplyBoard's AI Search to Find Programs Faster

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ApplyBoard AI Search lets you find study programs by typing what you want in plain language, like your subject, destination, or budget. The AI matches your words to the right filters automatically, so you skip clicking through options one by one. This guide explains how AI Search works and how to use it to find and compare programs on ApplyBoard.

What Is ApplyBoard AI Search?

ApplyBoard AI Search is a search bar that understands plain language. Instead of clicking through many filters one-by-one, you can type what you want in your own words. The AI reads your search and matches it to filters like destination, degree level, and tuition.

How to Search for Programs with AI Search

  1. Go to the Search page. Select "Search" from the left-hand menu in your ApplyBoard account.
  2. Type your search in plain language. Use the search bar at the top of the page. Describe what you want, including your subject, destination, or budget.
  3. Click "Search with AI." The AI matches your words to the right filters automatically. If you are happy with the recommended filters, select "Apply Filter".
  4. Review your recommended programs. Programs that closely match your profile, grades, and preferred destinations may appear in a "Recommended for you" section near the top of your results.
  5. Adjust filters if needed. You can still add or remove filters manually after your AI search, to narrow your results further.
A screenshot of the ApplyBoard platform interface showing recommended university and college programs with the Fast acceptance filter applied.

 Tip! Be specific in your search. Including your subject, country, and a budget, like "computer science programs in Canada under $20k," gives the AI more to match against than a short search like "computer science."

Example Searches You Can Try

Try typing searches like these into the AI Search bar:

  • "Computer science programs in Canada under $20k"
  • "MBA programs in New York, tuition under $20k"
  • "One-year master's programs in the UK with high job demand"
  • "Postgraduate diplomas in Canada with PGWP eligibility"
  • "Business programs with scholarships available"
A screenshot of the ApplyBoard platform interface displaying recommended MBA programs in New York under the post-graduate filter selection.

Understanding Your Search Results

Each program card in your results shows the same core details, so you can compare programs quickly.

What you see What it means
Success Chance A bar showing how well your profile matches this program's typical admission requirements. A label like "Perfect Match" means a strong fit based on your profile, grades, and preferred destinations.
Tuition The program's cost per year, shown in the local currency of the destination country.
App Fee The fee to apply. This may show as "Waived" for some programs.
Duration and Intake How long the program runs, and the next available start date.
Tags like "High Job Demand" or "Scholarships Available" Quick labels that highlight a program's strongest features, so you can spot opportunities at a glance.

Filter Your Results Further

You can combine AI Search with filters to narrow your results even more.

Filter What it shows you
Waived Application Fee Programs that do not charge you to apply.
Financial Aid Available Programs with scholarships, bursaries, or other financial aid options.
Fast Acceptance Programs known for faster admission decisions.
PGWP Eligible Programs that may qualify graduates for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), an open work permit for working in Canada after you finish your studies. Always confirm PGWP eligibility for your specific program before you apply.

You can select "Filters & Eligibility" to see all available filters at once, or use the quick filter buttons above your results. Selected filters appear as tags you can remove individually, or clear all at once with "Clear all."

Comparing and Saving Programs

Once you find programs you like, you have a few ways to keep track of them.

  • Save a program: select the heart icon on any program card to add it to your saved wish list.
  • Compare programs: select "Compare" on two or more program cards to see their details side by side.
  • View full details: select "Details" to see the complete program page, including admission requirements.
  • Apply: select "Apply Now" when you are ready to start your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to use exact keywords for AI Search to work?

No. AI Search is built to understand natural, everyday language. You can describe what you want the same way you would explain it to a friend, like "business programs in Canada with a low tuition."

What does "Perfect Match" mean under Success Chance?

It means the program lines up closely with your profile, grades, and preferred destinations, based on the information in your ApplyBoard profile.

Can I combine AI Search with manual filters?

Yes. After you run an AI search, you can still add or adjust filters like "Fast Acceptance" or "PGWP Eligible" to narrow your results further.

Why am I seeing "Recommended for you" results?

These are programs the AI has matched to your profile, grades, and preferred destinations. You will usually see these results highlighted near the top of your search page.

Does a "PGWP Eligible" tag guarantee I will get a PGWP?

No. The tag shows that a program may qualify, but PGWP rules can change, and eligibility depends on details like your study mode and program length. Always confirm directly with the school before you accept an offer. 

Ready to Try AI Search?

The fastest way to find your next program is to describe what you want in your own words and let ApplyBoard's AI Search do the matching. Start with a simple search, then use filters to fine-tune your results.

Search Programs with ApplyBoard AI

Try a search like "computer science programs in Canada under $20k" and see your matches instantly.