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Product

Changelog

What changed in GradsHQ, newest first. Each release is grouped into new features, improvements, fixes and patches. Security entries describe what we strengthened, not how.

  1. Calendar sync, notifications, Excel export and 30-day CV

    Four features now included on every plan, plus a clearer refund policy and this changelog.

    • NewCalendar sync: subscribe your deadlines and tracked applications to Google Calendar or Outlook with a private link.
    • NewIn-app notifications: a bell in the header with deadline alerts at 14, 7 and 1 days, match results, plan updates and CV expiry notices.
    • NewExport to Excel: download your matched or saved programmes and scholarships with deadlines, funding, sources and verification status.
    • NewRefund and cancellation policy, in English and French.
    • NewThis changelog.
    • ImprovementsYour CV is now kept for 30 days (was 48 hours) on Cloudinary, and a short summary of your experience feeds programme and scholarship recommendations and coach feedback.
    • ImprovementsCV/resume analysis and personal statement coaching are now Premium features. Free accounts keep the application tracker, matching, calendar sync, notifications, Excel export and a CV that personalises recommendations.
    • ImprovementsThe CV card now shows the date your CV will be removed.
    • ImprovementsThe notification bell is available on every signed-in page, not just the dashboard.
    • ImprovementsSign-in and sign-up pages are more compact on phones, with a header that stays in view.
    • FixesFixed the navigation sometimes disappearing on the sign-in and sign-up pages on mobile.
    • Patches & securityUpdated the WhatsApp and contact number to +39 338 334 2303.
    • Patches & securityExcel exports neutralise spreadsheet formulas in imported text so a downloaded file can never run one.
  2. Search visibility and long-form guides

    Clearer answers for search engines and AI assistants, and longer, sourced articles.

    • NewLong-form blog articles with cited sources and a named author.
    • NewA pricing FAQ that answers the most common plan and payment questions.
    • ImprovementsRicher structured data, trimmed page descriptions and an updated llms.txt so assistants describe GradsHQ accurately.
    • FixesPlan names now match everywhere on the site.
  3. Installable app, new sign-in and email delivery

    Install GradsHQ on your phone, a redesigned sign-in, and a move to a new email provider.

    • NewInstall GradsHQ as an app: offline page, proper icons and a one-tap install banner on phones and tablets.
    • NewA fortnightly, personalised journey email series with admin controls.
    • NewGradsHQ Handbook sections on the home, about and dashboard pages.
    • NewDemo video on the home, about, how-it-works and dashboard pages.
    • ImprovementsRedesigned sign-in and sign-up with a very light mint panel and real photography on desktop.
    • ImprovementsA destination-university logo carousel replaced the “See it work” section.
    • ImprovementsEmail delivery moved to Resend; journey series and broadcasts go out as campaigns while account emails stay transactional.
  4. Fairer AI usage

    Limits that keep the service fast and sustainable for everyone.

    • ImprovementsA shared hourly AI allowance and a cooldown between programme and scholarship searches.
    • ImprovementsCapped response length per AI call for faster, more focused answers.
  5. English proficiency test, passkeys and a refreshed dashboard

    Practice exams with certificates, passwordless sign-in and a more helpful dashboard.

    • NewGradsHQ English Proficiency Test (Listening and Reading), auto-graded, with a downloadable certificate you can verify and share on LinkedIn.
    • NewGRE-Preparatory exam.
    • NewPasskey sign-in (fingerprint, face or device PIN).
    • NewSave exam certificates to Google Drive.
    • New“Recommended for you” programmes on the dashboard.
    • NewRequest deletion of your account from within the app.
    • ImprovementsEmail verification required for new email sign-ups, then you are signed in automatically.
    • ImprovementsFrench is the default for visitors from French-speaking African countries.
    • ImprovementsUniversity field suggests names from a real African universities list as you type.
    • ImprovementsSave buttons are easier to see, with a one-time hint explaining Save versus Track.
    • ImprovementsA “Need help?” tab replaces the floating WhatsApp button.
    • ImprovementsReal applicant quotes replaced placeholder testimonials, and imagery was reviewed across the site.
    • FixesFixed Google and LinkedIn sign-in failing to reach the dashboard or link to an existing account.
    • FixesFixed Premium accounts not downgrading when they expire.
    • FixesFixed Listening audio playback and the certificate PDF.
    • Patches & securityTightened database access rules and confirmed no exposure.
  6. Full French app and a modern foundation

    The whole signed-in app is now available in French, on a faster, upgraded platform.

    • NewFrench for every signed-in page: dashboard, applications, programmes, scholarships, coach and account.
    • NewAI answers follow your language setting, and emails are bilingual.
    • NewA one-time language confirmation after sign-in; your account language then always wins.
    • ImprovementsUpgraded to Next.js 16, React 19, Tailwind CSS 4 and Prisma 7 for speed and long-term support.
    • ImprovementsProgramme and scholarship results now follow your degree and field instead of showing the whole catalogue.
    • ImprovementsOne-time edit of your preferred field of study from your profile.
    • FixesFixed timeouts on programme and scholarship search.
    • FixesFixed CV upload errors.
    • FixesFixed welcome and other transactional emails not arriving.
    • FixesFixed wrong link previews on French pages and missing share images on blog posts.
    • ImprovementsLight theme only, for a consistent look.
    • ImprovementsAdmin tools: faster bulk contact upload (including Excel) and more reliable broadcast batching with a progress bar.
  7. Referrals, promo codes and security reviews

    Rewards for sharing GradsHQ, clearer checkout, and several security hardening rounds.

    • NewReferral rewards: every 5 successful referrals earns 24 hours of Premium.
    • NewPromo codes can be checkout discounts, not only direct Premium grants.
    • NewA “Welcome to Premium” email when you upgrade.
    • ImprovementsA checkout confirmation step before you are taken to payment.
    • ImprovementsContact form messages are stored and delivered to our inbox.
    • FixesFixed redirects to the wrong domain after sign-out, social sign-in and payment.
    • FixesFixed the favicon not loading.
    • Patches & securityStronger protection against automated sign-ups and repeated guessing of passwords and promo codes.
    • Patches & securityLimits on resume upload size and tighter handling of data shown to administrators.
    • Patches & securityOngoing dependency scanning added.
  8. Quality foundations and a new look

    Two-factor sign-in, monitoring, an admin panel and a full visual refresh.

    • NewTwo-factor authentication and the ability to sign out other sessions.
    • NewDownload your data from your account.
    • NewDeadline reminder emails and a referral programme.
    • NewInstallable app support and automated tests.
    • NewAdmin panel: users, plan management, promo codes, broadcast email and an audit log.
    • NewGuided tour for new users and a human review request system.
    • NewBranded email templates with unsubscribe and bilingual content.
    • ImprovementsDesign overhaul: glass-style cards, deep green and mint branding, toasts, skeleton loading, swipe gestures and filter and sort for programmes and scholarships.
    • ImprovementsAccessibility and typography audits, redesigned empty states and print styling.
    • ImprovementsPremium expiry is precise and reminders arrive before it ends.
    • ImprovementsNotification bell in the top navigation.
    • FixesFixed Coach missing from the mobile navigation.
    • FixesFixed password-reset emails never sending.
    • FixesFixed checkout by converting USD to NGN at the current rate.
    • Patches & securityContent security policy, rate limiting on every AI feature, payment-webhook protections, health checks, error monitoring and structured logging.
  9. Billing, Premium Review and PhD Intelligence

    Paid plans arrive, along with the two add-on packages.

    • NewPaystack billing for Premium, with automatic expiry.
    • NewPremium Application Review ($50 per application).
    • NewPhD Intelligence Package ($250 one-time).
    • NewInterview Preparation, the last GradsHQ Coach capability.
    • ImprovementsPlan gating: Question Coach and Interview Prep are Premium; statement coaching is free for one application.
    • ImprovementsLoading states on every signed-in page, hero sections and clearer colour coding for verified and unverified data.
    • FixesFixed CV upload and analysis errors.
    • Patches & securitySecurity headers and rate limiting for production.
  10. Scholarships, Track and AI Coach

    Funding intelligence, the application command centre and AI coaching.

    • NewScholarship intelligence with eligibility alignment and sources.
    • NewApplication command centre (Track): pipeline, checklist and deadlines for every application.
    • NewGradsHQ Coach: AI feedback on your CV and statement drafts. Coaching, never ghostwriting.
    • NewCV reading that pre-fills empty profile fields.
    • NewForgot-password, remember me and email notices.
    • NewBlog, newsletter sign-up and a Note from the Founder on the About page.
    • ImprovementsTypography, homepage and dashboard redesigns with richer visuals.
    • ImprovementsProgrammes and scholarships shown in a wrapping grid, with a 5-per-country search cap.
    • ImprovementsDatabase indexes, region pinning and faster password hashing for speed.
    • FixesFixed a Programmes, Scholarships and Track crash.
  11. Programme matching, readiness score and the GradsHQ brand

    Country-first research and matching, then a new name.

    • NewTarget-country research and AI programme discovery.
    • NewProgramme matching with a fit score and an explained readiness score.
    • NewAnimated research-progress screen while a search runs.
    • NewFile storage on Cloudinary for CV uploads.
    • ImprovementsAppliNav is now GradsHQ, with a new brand, saved items on the dashboard and a proper navigation system.
    • ImprovementsAbout and Privacy pages, with real CV deletion rather than a promise.
  12. Launch: profile, onboarding and sign-in

    The first version of GradsHQ.

    • NewBrand, landing page, pricing page and authentication.
    • NewApplicant onboarding and a country-first profile.