NELFUND Student Loan: Eligibility Criteria and Application Process for Nigerian Students
NELFUND Student Loan: Eligibility Criteria and Application Process for Nigerian Students
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has outlined clear eligibility requirements and application procedures for students seeking access to its interest-free student loan scheme. The programme, introduced by the Federal Government, is designed to improve access to tertiary education by supporting eligible Nigerian students with tuition fees and upkeep allowances.
Who Is Eligible for the NELFUND Student LoanTo qualify for a NELFUND student loan, applicants must meet the following conditions:
Citizenship: Applicants must be Nigerian citizens, either by birth or naturalisation.
Valid Identification: A valid National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) are mandatory for identity verification.
Admission Status: Applicants must have secured admission into a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in Nigeria, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Institutional Verification: The student’s institution must be registered on the NELFUND portal and must upload and verify student records before applications can be processed.
Academic Status: Only full-time students with verifiable academic records, such as JAMB registration and matriculation numbers, are eligible.
Financial Need: The loan scheme prioritises students with demonstrated financial need, as determined by NELFUND’s assessment guidelines.
Students enrolled in unapproved institutions, those with invalid documentation, or applicants who submit false or unverifiable information may be disqualified.
Step-by-Step Application ProcessNELFUND applications are completed exclusively through the official online portal. The process involves the following steps:
Confirm Institutional Upload Applicants are advised to first confirm that their institution has uploaded their academic details to the NELFUND platform, as applications cannot proceed without this verification.
Access the Official Portal Students must visit the official NELFUND website and select the “Apply Now” option to begin the application process.
Create an Account Applicants are required to register with a valid email address and password, then verify their identity using their NIN and BVN.
Complete Personal and Academic Information Students must provide accurate personal details, contact information, and academic records, including institution name, course of study, and matriculation or JAMB details.
Select Loan Type Applicants may choose to apply for:
Tuition fees only, or
Tuition fees plus upkeep allowance.
Upload Required Documents Supporting documents such as admission letters and other requested records must be uploaded in clear and legible formats.
Review and Submit Application Before submission, applicants are required to review all entries and agree to the loan terms, including the Global Standing Instruction (GSI), which enables repayment deductions after graduation and employment.
Track Application Status After submission, applicants can monitor the progress of their application through their dashboard on the portal.
Loan DisbursementOnce approved:
Tuition fees are paid directly to the student’s institution.
Upkeep allowances, where applicable, are credited to the student’s registered bank account during the academic session.
Application TimelineFor the 2025/2026 academic session, the NELFUND application portal opened in October 2025 and is expected to remain accessible into early 2026. Specific deadlines may vary depending on institutional schedules.
Advisory to StudentsNELFUND has repeatedly warned students and parents against using unofficial links or third-party websites, noting that applications should only be made through the official portal to avoid fraud or data compromise.
OutlookThe NELFUND student loan scheme represents a major intervention aimed at easing financial barriers to higher education in Nigeria. With clear eligibility criteria and a structured application process, the programme is expected to continue supporting thousands of students across the country.

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