If you’re a Nigerian student worried about how to pay your tuition fees or cover your living expenses while in school, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) might be exactly what you need. This government initiative is designed to remove financial barriers that prevent talented young Nigerians from completing their education. Here is how to apply for the NELFUND student loan.
What is NELFUND?
NELFUND is a federal government program launched in May 2024 under President Tinubu’s administration. The program provides interest-free loans to Nigerian students in public tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and technical colleges. As of September 2025, the program has already disbursed over ₦92 billion to nearly 490,000 students across 225 institutions in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
What Does the Loan Cover?
The beauty of NELFUND is that it covers two major expenses:
Tuition Fees: The loan pays your school fees directly to your institution for one academic session at a time.
Monthly Upkeep Allowance: You’ll receive monthly stipends to help with your living expenses like feeding, transportation, and accommodation.
Why NELFUND is Different
Unlike traditional loans, NELFUND comes with some game-changing features:
- Zero Interest: You won’t pay a single naira in interest charges.
- Flexible Repayment: You only start repaying two years after completing your National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
- No Family Income Restrictions: The previous income threshold has been removed, so more students can apply.
- 100% Online: No need to visit any office, everything is done digitally.
- Direct Payment: Your school fees go straight to your institution, ensuring transparency.
Deadlines
If you’re reading this in September 2025, note that the application portal for the 2024/2025 academic session closes on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. After this date, the portal will reopen in the second week of October 2025 for the 2025/2026 session and remain open until January 2026.
Before You Start: What You’ll Need
Gather these documents before beginning your application:
- Your admission letter from JAMB
- National Identity Number (NIN)
- Bank Verification Number (BVN)
- Matriculation number
- Valid email address
- Bank account details
- Student ID (optional but helpful)
- Institution’s invoice (optional)
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Visit the NELFUND Website
Go to nelf.gov.ng using any device with internet access.
Step 2: Start Your Application
Click on the “Apply Now” button you’ll see prominently displayed on the homepage, then select “Get Started”.
Step 3: Confirm Your Eligibility
You’ll be asked some preliminary questions to verify you qualify for the loan. Select “Yes, I am a Nigerian” when asked about your nationality.
Step 4: Verify Your Educational Information
Choose your institution from the dropdown menu provided, then enter your matriculation number. This checks whether your school has uploaded your details to the system. If your information doesn’t appear, contact your institution’s registry to ensure they’ve submitted your data to the Student Verification System.
Step 5: Authenticate with JAMB
Click “Verify with JAMB” and input your JAMB registration details as requested. If your NIN isn’t linked to your JAMB profile, you’ll need to provide it for validation.
Step 6: Create Your Account
Enter your email address and create a strong, secure password. Confirm the password and click “Create Account”.
Step 7: Verify Your Email
Check your email inbox for a verification link from NELFUND. Click the link to activate your account. If you don’t see the email, check your spam or junk folder.
Step 8: Log Into Your Account
Return to the NELFUND portal, click “LOGIN”, and enter your registered email and password.
Step 9: Update Your Contact Details
Provide your current phone number, complete residential address, state, and local government area. Then click “Proceed to Educational Details”.
Step 10: Update Your Educational Information
Select your institution from the list again and enter your matriculation number accurately. Click “Proceed to Account Details”.
Step 11: Provide Your Bank Details
Enter your BVN, select your bank from the dropdown menu, and input your account number. This is where your upkeep allowance will be paid. Click “Save Changes” to complete your profile setup.
Step 12: Request the Student Loan
After logging in, click the “Request for Student Loan” button at the top right corner of the page.
Step 13: Specify What You Need
If you need money for personal upkeep in addition to tuition, select the corresponding checkbox. If you only need institutional charges covered, proceed without selecting the upkeep option. Click “Continue”.
Step 14: Upload Supporting Documents
Upload a clear scanned copy of your admission letter—this is mandatory. You can also upload your student ID and institution’s invoice if available. Check the box acknowledging the policy and declaration, then click “Continue”.
Step 15: Review and Submit
Carefully read through the loan overview. You must agree to the Terms & Conditions and the Global Standing Instruction (GSI) Mandate by checking the boxes. Once you’re certain everything is correct, click “Submit Application”.
Step 16: Track Your Application
After submission, click on the “Loans” section to view your application status. You’ll be notified via email about the progress of your application.
What Happens After You Apply?
Once you submit your application, your institution must verify your details through the Student Verification System. This verification process is crucial as unverified applications will be automatically cancelled after October 8, 2025, for the current cycle. If your application seems delayed, you should contact your institution’s registry to ensure they complete the verification promptly.
Tips for Success
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last day. Submit your application as soon as possible to allow time for verification and processing.
Double-Check Everything: Ensure all details match your official documents exactly. Small mistakes can delay your application.
Keep Your Institution Informed: If your application status hasn’t changed after a few weeks, follow up with your school’s administration office.
Use the Official Portal Only: Beware of fraudsters. Only apply through nelf.gov.ng. NELFUND is working with security agencies to combat fraud.
Stay Updated: Regularly check your email and the NELFUND portal for updates or requests for additional information.
Seize the Opportunity
The program has already transformed lives, with over 787,000 students successfully registered. With continued expansion plans to include state universities and vocational centers, NELFUND represents a significant investment in Nigeria’s future. Don’t let financial constraints stop you from achieving your academic dreams. Take advantage of this opportunity today and join hundreds of thousands of Nigerian students who are pursuing their education with the support of NELFUND.
