CHED AHEAD Grant 2026: Requirements, Qualifications & How to Apply

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Senator Bam Aquino have officially launched the Allied Health Experiential Assistance for Deserving Students (AHEAD) Grant, a new financial assistance program aimed at helping nursing and allied health students cope with the costs of clinical training requirements.

CHED AHEAD Grant 2026

The Allied Health Experiential Assistance for Deserving Students (AHEAD) Grant will provide a one-time ₱25,000 subsidy to qualified students enrolled in Related Learning Experience (RLE) programs beginning in the first semester of Academic Year 2026-2027.

According to CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis, the program seeks to address the growing financial strain faced by students taking allied health courses that require hospital duties, community immersion, and clinical internships. CHED estimates that RLE-related expenses can reach as high as ₱75,000 depending on the year level and training requirements.

The subsidy may be used to cover transportation, accommodation, uniforms, internet connectivity, and medical supplies used during community training.

The AHEAD Grant is open to qualified students from both public and private higher education institutions offering CHED-recognized allied health programs. With a ₱500-million allocation, the grant can support around 19,000 beneficiaries out of an estimated 485,000 students currently enrolled in covered allied health programs nationwide.

What are the covered programs?

The AHEAD Grant covers students enrolled in 14 CHED-priority allied health programs, including:

Nursing;
Pharmacy;
Midwifery;
Physical Therapy;
Respiratory Therapy;
Radiologic Technology; and
Other medical-related disciplines recognized by CHED.

What are the qualifications?

Before applying, make sure you meet the following eligibility criteria:

Must be enrolled in an RLE program during the first semester of Academic Year 2026–2027; and
Combined annual income of both parents must not exceed ₱1.2 million.

Note: Priority will be given to students who are closest to graduating, as RLE starts from second year through fourth year. Additional points will also be given to students belonging to priority and vulnerable sectors, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, single parents, and senior citizens.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: CHED to grant P25,000 one-time RLE subsidy to qualified students

Application Period

The AHEAD Grant will be available beginning the first semester of Academic Year 2026–2027. Further announcements regarding the official application process and deadline are expected from CHED.

Applicants are encouraged to watch for updates through the official CHED website and social media pages.

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