The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has officially announced the opening of its student loan portal for the 2025/2026 academic session, giving Nigerian students a new opportunity to apply for tuition and living support.
This marks a significant step in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to make higher education more accessible through interest-free student loans for all eligible Nigerian students.
If you’re a student planning to apply for the NELFUND student loan, this article will guide you through everything you need to know — from portal registration to eligibility and required documents.
About NELFUND (Nigerian Education Loan Fund)
NELFUND, short for Nigerian Education Loan Fund, is a federal government initiative established under the Students Loan Act, designed to provide financial assistance to Nigerian students in tertiary institutions.
The primary aim of NELFUND is to ensure that no Nigerian student drops out of school due to financial challenges.
Through the NELFUND portal, students can now easily apply for loans to cover tuition, books, and accommodation expenses.
NELFUND Student Loan Portal for 2025/2026
The official NELFUND portal is now live for the 2025/2026 academic session. Students can visit the portal to begin their loan application process.
Official Website: https://nelf.gov.ng
The NELFUND student loan portal is user-friendly and open to students of federal and state universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria.
Eligibility Criteria for NELFUND Student Loan 2025/2026
To apply for the NELFUND student loan, applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. ✅ Must be a Nigerian citizen.
2. ✅ Must be enrolled in a recognized federal or state-owned institution.
3. ✅ The applicant’s family income must not exceed ₦500,000 per annum.
4. ✅ Must provide a guarantor who is a civil servant or employed in a reputable organization.
5. ✅ Must have a valid National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN).
Students are encouraged to gather all necessary documents before beginning their application on the NELFUND portal.
How to Apply on the NELFUND Portal (Step-by-Step Guide)
Follow these steps to apply for your NELFUND student loan:
Step 1: Visit the NELFUND Portal
Go to the official NELFUND website via https://nelf.gov.ng and click on “Apply Now”.
Step 2: Create an Account
Register with your email address, NIN, and school details to create your account on the student loan portal.
Step 3: Verify Your Identity
Verify your details using your BVN and upload your admission letter and other required documents.
Step 4: Fill in the Loan Application Form
Provide accurate information about your institution, course of study, and financial details.
Step 5: Submit and Await Approval
After submission, your application will be reviewed by the NELFUND committee, and successful applicants will be notified via email or SMS.
Application Deadline for NELFUND Student Loan 2025/2026
The NELFUND portal will remain open for applications throughout the 2025/2026 admission season, but students are advised to apply early to avoid missing deadlines.
Keep checking the portal or follow official social media pages for updates on closing dates and disbursement timelines.
- Loan Coverage and Benefits
The NELFUND student loan covers the following:
- 🎓 Tuition fees
- 📚 Study materials and books
- 🏠 Accommodation expenses
- 💻 Basic learning tools (e.g., laptops)
The loan is interest-free, and repayment begins two years after completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.
- How Loan Repayment Works
Loan repayment under NELFUND is designed to be flexible and income-based.
Once you secure a job after graduation, 10% of your monthly salary will be automatically deducted to repay the loan.
Unemployed graduates are not required to begin repayment until they secure employment.
- Common Issues with the NELFUND Portal & How to Fix Them
If you experience issues while applying on the NELFUND portal, here are quick fixes:
Portal not loading: Try again during off-peak hours or clear your browser cache.
Verification failure: Ensure your BVN and NIN match your registration details.
Email not received: Check your spam or junk folder.
If problems persist, contact NELFUND via their official support email or social media handles.
The NELFUND student loan is a major game-changer for Nigeria’s higher education system. It ensures that every qualified student — regardless of financial background — has a fair chance to pursue academic excellence.
With the NELFUND portal now open for the 2025/2026 academic session, students are encouraged to apply early and carefully follow the application steps to secure their spot.
.jpeg)
0 Comments