Apply now for the 2025 Federal Government Student Loan via NELFUND Portal. Find out who qualifies, required documents, deadline and how repayment works.
Are you a Nigerian student seeking financial aid to fund your education in 2025? The Federal Government Student Loan portal for the 2025/2026 academic session is now live. Eligible students from accredited tertiary institutions across Nigeria can now access the interest-free loan program through the NELFUND portal.
If you are planning to apply, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from eligibility requirements and disqualification factors to the loan application and repayment process.
On June 12, 2023, the Nigerian President signed the Student Loan Act into law. The initiative, managed by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) was established to support financially disadvantaged students in Nigerian universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and government-approved vocational institutions. The primary objective is to offer tuition support without interest, ensuring access to quality education for all.
Who Can Apply for the 2025 Federal Student Loan?
To be eligible for the 2025 NELFUND student loan, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a Nigerian citizen.
- Must have secured admission into a recognized tertiary institution in Nigeria (University, Polytechnic, College of Education or Federal/State vocational school).
- Must possess required identification and academic documents.
Conditions That Will Lead to Disqualification
Applicants will not be eligible if any of the following conditions apply:
- Defaulted on any previous loan.
- Found guilty of examination malpractice.
- Convicted of fraud, dishonesty, or any criminal offense.
- Has a parent who defaulted on a student loan or other government loan schemes.
- Involvement in drug-related offenses.
Note: Providing false information or manipulating the NELFUND system is a criminal offense punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment, a fine or both.
How to Apply for the 2025 Federal Government Student Loan
To apply for FG students loans, you are to follow the guidelines below:
Here is a step by step process to apply:
- Visit the official NELFUND portal: https://nelf.gov.ng
- Create an account or login to the portal.
- Fill in the online application form.
- Upload the following documents (in PDF or JPEG format):
- JAMB Registration Number
- National Identity Number (NIN)
- Bank Verification Number (BVN)
- School Matriculation/Registration Number
- JAMB Admission Letter
The NELFUND committee will notify applicants of their application status within 14 days. If approved, disbursement of funds will take place within 30 days of approval by the committee chairperson.
Loan Repayment Guidelines for Beneficiaries
Repayment terms are as follows:
- Repayment begins two years after completing your NYSC service year.
- 10% of your monthly salary will be automatically deducted by your employer and remitted to the Loan Fund.
- If you change jobs, you must notify the NELFUND Committee within 30 days, providing details of your new employer.
For Self-Employed Beneficiaries:
- Must remit 10% of monthly profit to the Fund.
- Submit business details within 60 days of becoming self-employed. This includes:
- Business name and address
- Registration documents
- Bank details
- Partner and shareholder information
Anyone who defaults on repayment, or helps another to do so, risks a fine of ₦500,000 or a two-year prison term or both.
Looking for more funding opportunities? Check out the BOI RAPID Grant 2025. Learn how to apply, check the eligibility requirements and find out which states are covered. Application is ongoing via the official BOI portal.