How to Apply for NELFUND Student Loan 2025/2026 — Step-by-Step Guide
The Nigerian government has officially announced the opening date for the NELFUND student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session. The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) was introduced in 2024 to help students who cannot afford tuition and other school-related expenses. The loan is interest-free and must be repaid after graduation.
According to a circular released on Monday, the application portal will open on October 23, 2025, and close on January 31, 2026.
NELFUND confirmed that it has already received over 795,000 loan applications since the scheme began.
What is NELFUND and Who Can Apply?
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is a government initiative that provides interest-free loans to students enrolled in accredited public tertiary institutions — including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
The goal is to ensure that no Nigerian student is denied access to higher education because of financial challenges.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for the NELFUND Student Loan 2025
To access the NELFUND loan, applicants must complete their registration through the official NELFUND portal. Here’s the detailed process:
Step 1: Visit the Official NELFUND Website
Go to the NELFUND application portal at www.nelf.gov.ng.
Step 2: Create a Profile
Click “Get Started” to begin your registration.
- Confirm your eligibility (you must be a Nigerian citizen).
- Provide your educational information, including your matriculation number or JAMB registration number.
- Click “Verify with JAMB” to authenticate your details.
Step 3: Create Your Account
- Click “Create Account” and provide your name, email address, and password.
- Check your email for a verification link and confirm your registration.
Step 4: Complete Your Personal Details
- Log in using your registered email and password.
- Update your phone number, residential address, state, and local government area.
Step 5: Provide Educational and Bank Information
- Select your institution name and enter your matric number correctly.
- Input your BVN, choose your bank, and enter your account number.
- Click “Save Changes.”
Step 6: Apply for the Loan
- After logging in, click “Request for Student Loan.”
- Choose the type of loan: Academic Loan (for tuition and institutional access fees) or Upkeep Loan (for personal monthly support).
- Upload the required documents:
- Admission letter
- Student ID card
- School fee invoice
- Review the loan policy, agree to the terms, and click “Submit Application.”
Step 7: Loan Disbursement
Once verified and approved:
- Tuition fees will be paid directly to your institution.
- Monthly upkeep stipends will be sent to your personal account.
How Much Can You Receive from NELFUND?
According to NELFUND Managing Director Akintunde Sawyer, the loan amount depends on your institution’s tuition fees and other charges.
Funds are paid directly to the school, while students also receive a monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
The exact stipend amount has not been disclosed, but NELFUND confirmed it will not exceed a government-approved limit.
Reasons You Could Be Disqualified
NELFUND conducts background checks to verify each applicant. You may be disqualified if:
- You previously borrowed from any financial institution and defaulted on repayment.
- You submit fake or fraudulent documents.
- You were expelled or found guilty of exam malpractice or misconduct.
- You have a criminal record involving fraud, forgery, cultism, or drug offences.
- Your school has not uploaded your data to the NELFUND verification portal.
How to Repay the NELFUND Loan
Loan repayment begins two years after completing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.
- If you are employed, 10% of your monthly salary will be automatically deducted and paid to NELFUND.
- If you are self-employed, you must remit 10% of your monthly profits to the Education Bank.
Failure to repay can lead to legal action, penalties, or damage to your credit record.
Under the NELFUND Act, defaulters may face a ₦500,000 fine, two years imprisonment, or both.
Key Dates to Remember
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Portal Opens | October 23, 2025 |
| Portal Closes | January 31, 2026 |
| Repayment Begins | Two years after NYSC |
| Loan Type | Interest-Free |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) — NELFUND Student Loan 2025/2026
1. What is NELFUND?
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is a federal government initiative that provides interest-free loans to students in Nigerian public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The program helps students pay tuition and living expenses while studying.
2. Who is eligible to apply for the NELFUND student loan?
To qualify for the NELFUND loan, applicants must:
- Be Nigerian citizens enrolled in an accredited public tertiary institution.
- Provide a valid JAMB registration number or matriculation number.
- Have a Bank Verification Number (BVN) and an active bank account.
- Not be involved in exam malpractice, fraud, or criminal activity.
- Ensure that their school has uploaded student data to the NELFUND portal.
3. Can private university students apply for the NELFUND loan?
Currently, only students in public tertiary institutions (federal and state universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education) are eligible. The program does not yet cover private universities or foreign institutions.
4. Is the NELFUND student loan interest-free?
Yes. One of the major benefits of NELFUND is that the loan is completely interest-free. Students only repay the exact amount disbursed after graduation, without any additional charges.
5. How can I apply for the NELFUND student loan 2025?
To apply:
- Visit www.nelf.gov.ng.
- Create an account and verify your email.
- Provide your JAMB or matric number, BVN, and personal details.
- Upload your admission letter, student ID, and school fee invoice.
- Review and submit your application before January 31, 2026.
6. When will NELFUND disburse the loan?
Once your application is verified and approved:
- Tuition fees are paid directly to your institution.
- Upkeep funds are credited to your personal account every month.
Processing time may vary depending on verification speed and your school’s data submission.
7. How much can I get from NELFUND?
The loan amount depends on your school fees and associated charges. There’s also a monthly upkeep allowance for living expenses. While NELFUND has not revealed the exact figure, it is designed to cover essential needs like accommodation, food, and transportation.
8. How do I repay my NELFUND loan?
Repayment starts two years after NYSC completion:
- Employees: 10% of monthly salary is deducted automatically.
- Self-employed graduates: 10% of monthly profits must be paid manually through the Education Bank.
9. What happens if I don’t repay the NELFUND loan?
Defaulting on the loan is a serious offence. Under the NELFUND Act:
- Defaulters face a ₦500,000 fine, two years imprisonment, or both.
- Non-repayment can also affect your credit rating and limit access to future loans.
10. What documents do I need to apply for the NELFUND loan?
Before applying, make sure you have:
- Admission letter from your institution
- Student ID card
- School fee invoice or proof of tuition
- BVN
- Valid email address and phone number
11. Can I apply if I haven’t been given a matric number yet?
Yes. According to NELFUND, fresh students who don’t yet have a matriculation number can use their JAMB registration number instead.
12. Can I reapply if my loan application is rejected?
Yes. If your loan was rejected due to missing documents or data errors, you can reapply in the next application cycle once corrections are made by your institution.
13. When does the NELFUND portal close?
The 2025/2026 NELFUND application portal closes on January 31, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted, so ensure you apply early.
Final Note
The NELFUND student loan 2025 is a major step toward improving access to education in Nigeria. By following the right application steps and maintaining transparency, students can focus on their studies without financial stress.
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