Are you a Nigerian student struggling to pay your school fees? The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has officially opened the student loan portal for 2025/2026 academic session.
This program provides interest-free loans to help students in public tertiary institutions across Nigeria complete their studies without financial stress. Applications are now live and can be submitted online through the official NELFUND portal.
Eligibility & Requirements for NELFUND Student Loan 2025
All eligible students in Nigerian public universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and monotechnics can apply.
Who Can Apply
- Newly admitted and returning students of accredited tertiary institutions.
- Fresh students can apply using Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number if Matric Number is not yet available.
- Applicants must have a valid National Identity Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN).
Documents Required
- JAMB Registration Number
- Admission Letter
- School Matriculation/Registration Number (if available)
- NIN and BVN
- Personal passport photo (JPEG or PDF)
Conditions That Can Lead to Disqualification
Applicants will be disqualified if they:
- Defaulted on any previous government loan.
- Are found guilty of examination malpractice.
- Have been convicted of fraud or any criminal offense.
- Have a parent who defaulted on a student or government loan.
- Are involved in drug-related crimes.
Note: Providing false information or manipulating the NELFUND system is a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment up to 3 years, fine or both.
How to Apply for NELFUND Student Loan 2025
Follow these simple steps to apply for your Federal Government student loan online:
1. Visit the official NELFUND portal: https://nelf.gov.ng
2. Click on “Apply Now” to create an account or log in if you already have one.
3. Fill out the online application form accurately.
4. Upload the required documents (in PDF or JPEG format):
- JAMB Registration Number
- National Identity Number (NIN)
- Bank Verification Number (BVN)
- School Matriculation/Registration Number
- JAMB Admission Letter
5. Review your information carefully before submission.
6. Submit your application and wait for confirmation.
After submission, the NELFUND committee will review your application and notify you of your loan status within 14 days.
If your application is approved, funds will be disbursed to your institution or account within 30 days of approval.
NELFUND Student Loan Application Deadline 2025
The closing date for the 2025 NELFUND Student Loan Application is Saturday, January 31, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.
To avoid delays, ensure your documents are correct and your school information matches your admission or matric number before submission.
NELFUND Loan Repayment Guidelines for Beneficiaries
Repayment begins two years after completing your NYSC program.
Here’s how repayment works:
- 10% of your monthly salary will be automatically deducted by your employer and remitted to the Education Loan Fund.
- If you change jobs, you must inform the NELFUND committee within 30 days, providing the details of your new employer.
- Self-employed individuals will be required to make direct remittances equivalent to the 10% repayment plan.