Nelfund Loan Application Guidelines and Deadline for 2026/2026 Session | Portal Now Open

The Nigerian Education Load Fund (NELFUND) Initiative is a program established by the Federal Government of Nigeria to break financial barriers in higher education. Through the provision of interest-free loans, to assist students who are in need in pursuing their academic dreams without worrying about tuition fees.

Who is the NELFUND Loan available to?

The Loan is open to all full-time students of public tertiary Institutions. The first phase of the loan is open to only students studying in federal higher institutions in Nigeria, and who have matriculated. The other phases will be announced in due course.

What Type of Loan is Available?

The available loans are in two types: institutional loans (school fees) and upkeep loans. You can apply for one or both, depending on your needs. For school fees, NELFUND pays them directly into the account of the school, while the upkeep is paid into the account of the student.

How can I get the student’s monthly upkeep?

To receive the monthly upkeep allowance, students must apply for both the institutional loan (tuition fees) and the upkeep loan at the time of registration. If a student only applies for the institutional loan without the upkeep, they will not be eligible for the upkeep allowance. If you are applying for an upkeep loan, please submit a major bank account like GTB, UBA, e.t.c and not Opay or Palmpay.

Does the Loan Roll Over after Each Session?

The loan will be applied for every academic session by the student. This means if you apply this year, you have to apply again next year to benefit from the program again.

How to Apply for NELFUND Loan

Visit the official portal (https://nelf.gov.ng), create an account, and fill out the application with your personal, academic, and financial details. You will need your JAMB number, National Identification Number (NIN), and Bank Verification Number (BVN), as well as your JAMB admission letter. After submitting, you will receive a confirmation email and can track your application status on the portal. 

Here is a Step by Step Guide to NELFUND

Step 1:

• Register and verify your details 

• Navigate to the NELFUND student loan portal at nelf.gov.ng.

• Click “Apply Now” and “Get Started” to begin the registration process.

• Select your institution and enter your matriculation number to verify your educational information.

• Click “Verify with JAMB” and provide your JAMB and/or NIN details for authentication.

• Create your account by entering your email address and setting a password. You will need to verify your email address using a link sent to your inbox. 

Step 2:

• Complete your profile

• Log in to your account with your new credentials.

• Update your contact details, including your phone number, address, and bank information.

• Provide your Bank Verification Number (BVN) and other required bank details.

• Ensure all your academic information is correct. 

Step 3:

• Apply for the loan 

• Click on the option to “apply for a student loan”.

• Choose between an “upkeep loan” or an “institutional charges” loan, or both (institutional charges must be selected for an upkeep loan).

• Upload the required documents, such as your valid admission letter.

• Review and agree to the terms and conditions before applying.

• Confirm your submission and keep your application ID for future reference. 

Step 4:

• Await confirmation and monitor your application 

• Monitor your email for confirmation and any further instructions.

• You can also check your application status on the NELFUND portal.

• Be prepared to provide any additional information if requested. 

Things to Note About NELFUND Loan

1. NELFUND Loan is interest-free

2. Students who can apply have to have a matric number and a JAMB registration number; as such, freshly admitted students cannot apply.

3. Students who are eligible to apply must be mobilised by the school before they can apply. This means your school must have registered for NELFUND

4. For cases where your loan was approved and no payment was received, please report to your school bursary unit or student affairs.

5. In cases where a student eventually pays the school fees before NELFUND pays the money to the school, the student must go to the school bursary unit to claim the money and it will be returned to the account of the student.

6. The loan is due for repayment 2 years after the completion of the NYSC 

7. To further understand the scope of NELFUND Loan, the go to this page: https://nelf.gov.ng/faq

8. For complaints, please raise a ticket at https://nelfund.esupport.ng/create

Deadline for NELFUND Loan Application 2025

NELFUND portal opens for 2025/2026 registration from Thursday, 23rd Oct 2025 to Saturday, 31st January 2026. Register today before it’s too late.

Need Assistance?

If you need assistance with the NELFUND Application, send us a message immediately via 08061783878 or chat with us via the WhatsApp button below: 

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