ApplyKite vs FindAPhD

Finding a fully funded MSc, PhD, or Postdoc position is often a challenging and time-consuming process. 

For many students, the search involves hours of manual scrolling, guessing keywords, and sifting through hundreds of results just to check for funding or eligibility. 

While traditional methods work, they can be slow and overwhelming.

In this guide, we compare two distinct solutions to this problem: FindAPhD, a massive, well-established directory, and ApplyKite, an AI-powered platform that acts as a smart assistant. 

We will examine how each platform handles position discovery, the difference between manual and AI search, and the specific tools they offer to help you connect with supervisors and secure your admission.

What is FindAPhD? The World's Largest PhD Directory

Established in 2001, FindAPhD has grown into the world's largest database for doctoral opportunities.

Key Features of FindAPhD

FindAPhD functions primarily as a search engine for academic projects. It currently holds a directory of more than 4,500 PhD projects and programs.

• Search Filters: You can filter your results by discipline, subject, institution, and location.

• Funding Categories: The platform categorises projects by funding type, such as «fully funded,» «competition funded,» or «self-funded.»

• Email Alerts: If you create an account, you can set up alerts to get emails when new projects matching your criteria are posted.

• Advice Section: They offer guides on how to apply and general information about PhD study.

Where FindAPhD Shines: A Massive Database

The main strength of FindAPhD is its size. It covers virtually all academic disciplines, from STEM fields like engineering and physics to the humanities and social sciences.

It is particularly strong if you’re looking for positions in the United Kingdom or Europe. Because it has been around for over two decades, many universities use it as their primary place to advertise standard vacancies. 

If you want to see a broad overview of what is available in the market right now, this is a good place to look.

The Common Challenge: Where a Big Database Falls Short

While having thousands of options sounds great, it can also be a disadvantage. Because FindAPhD is so popular, the positions listed there are highly visible. A single fully funded opportunity might attract hundreds of applicants. This intense competition can make it harder to stand out.

Additionally, the platform relies on universities to post their ads. If a professor has a new grant but hasn't paid to advertise the position yet, or if they just posted about it on LinkedIn, you likely won't find it here. You are limited to what is officially listed in their catalogue.

Also, once you find a position, the platform's job is mostly done. You are then on your own to figure out how to write your CV, craft your email, and approach the supervisor.

What is ApplyKite? Your AI-Powered Application Companion

While directories like FindAPhD are great for browsing, ApplyKite takes a different approach. It is designed to be an active partner in your journey, not just a list of links. 

Think of it as a smart companion that works alongside you to make the chaotic application process organised and manageable.

ApplyKite is an AI-powered platform created by people who have actually experienced the application process themselves. They know that getting a job is just the first step and that the hard work of writing emails, tailoring CVs and keeping track of deadlines is where most students struggle.

Key Features of ApplyKite

ApplyKite offers a suite of tools that cover the entire application timeline, from the first search to the final submission.

• Smart Position Search: Instead of making you check twenty different websites, the platform’s AI scans university pages, grant records, and even social media (like LinkedIn) to find open funded positions.

• Professor Matching: This is a standout feature. The system analyses professors' research areas and recent publications to match you with supervisors who are actively seeking candidates like you.

• Kite AI Documents: Writing a new cover letter for every application is exhausting. ApplyKite includes an AI tool that automatically generates personalised emails, CVs, and Statements of Purpose (SOPs) tailored to each specific professor or position.

• Application Tracker: You can forget about messy Excel sheets. The platform has a built-in dashboard to log your emails, set reminders for follow-ups, and track the status of every application in one place.

ApplyKite vs FindAPhD: A Head-to-Head Feature Comparison

To help you see the differences clearly, here is a direct comparison of what each platform offers.

The Listing Quality Showdown: Finding "Hidden" Opportunities

One of the most frustrating parts of the PhD search is the competition. When a position is posted on a major public board, thousands of students see it. But what about the positions that aren't listed there?

FindAPhD's Approach: The Public Directory

FindAPhD works like a traditional job board. Universities pay to advertise their open roles, and these listings are displayed to everyone. However, Many professors do not immediately advertise their new grants on large public sites. They might mention a new project at a conference, on their lab's website, or in a quick post on LinkedIn. 

If you rely only on the public directory, you miss these early-stage opportunities.

ApplyKite's Advantage: Scanning Social Media and Grant Records

ApplyKite takes a wider view. Its "Positions" service doesn't just look at what universities officially submit. The AI actively scans university websites, recent grant records, and even professors' social media posts to find these "hidden" opportunities.

Finding a Supervisor: Cold Emails vs. Smart Matching

For many PhD candidates, especially in research-based programs, finding the right supervisor is more important than finding a specific job title. 

The Old Way: Guessing Which Professors to Email

Without a specialised tool, finding a supervisor is a manual process. You might read dozens of papers, visit university faculty pages one by one, and try to guess if a professor has funding.

The ApplyKite Way: Matching with Professors Who Have Active Funding

ApplyKite changes this dynamic with its "Supervisors" service. Instead of cold emailing randomly, the platform helps you find a list of professors who are actually relevant to your field and interests.

The system analyses the research profile, recent publications, and most importantly, the active grants of professors. This means you are matched with professors who are actively seeking candidates and have the resources to support them. 

The Search Experience: Is Your Search Smart or Just Manual?

On traditional databases, you are often restricted to inflexible keywords. If you search for "Computer Science", you get everything with that tag, even if it doesn't pertain to what you are specifically interested in, "Neural Networks."

The search on ApplyKite is smarter. You tell the system your particular field and research interests, and it provides you with tailored results. It knows that academic fields overlap. 

For instance, a job in "Medical Imaging" may be just right for a Computer Science student. The AI is able to recognise these connections and present you with opportunities you may have missed with a simple keyword search.

Beyond the Listing: What Happens After You Find a Position?

Finding a position is a moment of excitement, but it is immediately followed by a new challenge: the application itself. 

FindAPhD Leaves You on Your Own

On directories like FindAPhD, once you click on a project that interests you, the platform’s job is effectively done. You are given a link to the university’s website or an email address, and then you are on your own.

ApplyKite Helps You Apply with Kite AI

ApplyKite is designed to support you through this writing phase. It includes an integrated feature called ApplyKite AI, which acts like a specialised academic writing assistant.

Tailoring Your CV, SOP, and Emails in Seconds

The most time-consuming part of applying is personalising your documents for every single opportunity. Sending the same generic CV to ten different professors rarely works.

With ApplyKite, you can upload your resume to the system. When you find a position you like, the AI analyses both your background and the specific requirements of that position (or the professor's research profile). It then helps you:

• Generate Personalised Emails

• Tailor Your CV

• Draft Your SOP

What if You Need More Than a Tool? Comparing Support

Sometimes, AI and databases aren't enough. You might have a complex academic background, a low GPA you need to explain, or simply no idea which country is best for your field.

Community and Guides on FindAPhD

FindAPhD offers a wealth of general information. Their "Advice" section is full of articles covering everything from PhD funding in the UK to interview tips. They also have a newsletter and student guides. If you are looking for general reading material to understand how PhDs work, their resources are excellent and reliable.

ApplyKite’s Personalised, One-on-One Mentoring

While guides are helpful, they cannot answer questions about your specific situation. This is where ApplyKite’s Mentoring Services come in.

For students who need human guidance, the platform offers three levels of support from expert mentors who have real experience in your field:

• Consulting: Single sessions for specific challenges, like reviewing a CV or evaluating why a previous application failed.

• Mentoring: Ongoing, step-by-step support where a dedicated mentor helps you build a roadmap, providing regular feedback and accountability throughout the process.

• Full Service: A comprehensive option for those who need complete management of their application, including strategic planning and document preparation.

This human element ensures that you are not just relying on software, but also benefiting from the strategy and experience of people who have successfully navigated this journey before.

ApplyKite or FindAPhD: Which is Better for You?

Both platforms are valuable tools, but they serve different needs. Choosing the right one depends on your specific goals and how you prefer to work.

Who is FindAPhD Best For?

FindAPhD is likely a good choice if:

• You are specifically looking for positions in the UK or Europe, where their database is strongest.

• You prefer to manually browse through large lists to get a general feel for the market.

• You are looking for standard, annually advertised PhD programs rather than specific research grants.

• You are comfortable writing your own application documents without assistance.

Who is ApplyKite Best For?

ApplyKite is likely the better choice if:

• You want to access "hidden" opportunities from professors' social media and grant records that aren't listed on standard job boards.

• You need help finding a supervisor who actually has active funding and is looking for students.

• You want to save time on writing by using AI to draft personalised emails, CVs, and SOPs.

• You are an international student who wants extra support with English writing and professional tone.

• You want an organised dashboard to track your applications instead of using spreadsheets.

The Clear Choice for a Smarter PhD Search

The goal of any student is not just to search for a PhD, but to actually secure one.

While massive directories give you a view of the market, they often leave the heavy lifting to you. ApplyKite shifts the focus from passive scrolling to active application. By combining smart search technology with practical writing tools and organisation features, it helps you move faster and present yourself more professionally.

In a competitive academic world, having a tool that helps you find the right people and speak to them effectively can make the difference between an ignored email and an interview invitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ApplyKite better than FindAPhD?

It depends on your goals. FindAPhD is great for browsing standard lists of vacancies, especially in the UK. ApplyKite is better if you want an AI assistant to find hidden funding, match you with supervisors, and help you write your emails and CVs.

Can ApplyKite find positions that aren't on FindAPhD?

Yes. ApplyKite’s AI scans sources like professors' LinkedIn profiles and new grant records. This lets you find fresh opportunities that haven't been advertised on public job boards yet.

Is ApplyKite only for PhDs, or can I use it for a Master's?

It works for all levels. ApplyKite supports Master’s, PhD, and Postdoc applicants. You simply filter your search to see opportunities that match your specific degree level.

Are the positions on ApplyKite funded?

Yes. The platform focuses on fully and partially funded positions.