NELFUND Student Loan 2026: Complete Application Guide

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has emerged as one of the most transformative government loan programs in Nigeria’s education sector. Since its launch, the program has disbursed over ₦174 billion to more than 940,000 students across 263 institutions, making higher education financing accessible to thousands of Nigerian students who would otherwise struggle to afford it. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about NELFUND student loans, from application to repayment.

What is NELFUND?

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is a federal government initiative established under the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) (Repeal and Re-enactment) Act, 2024. The program’s primary objective is to eliminate financial barriers to education by providing interest-free loans to eligible Nigerian students pursuing tertiary education and vocational skills development within Nigeria.

Key Features of NELFUND

Zero Interest Rate: Unlike traditional personal loans, NELFUND charges absolutely no interest on borrowed funds, making it a truly affordable option for students seeking education financing.

Comprehensive Coverage: The loan covers both tuition fees and provides a monthly upkeep allowance of ₦20,000 to help students manage their living expenses during their studies.

Wide Eligibility: All Nigerian citizens admitted to public tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and vocational schools, are eligible to apply for this student loan program.

Loan Forgiveness: In cases of death or severe permanent disabilities, NELFUND provides loan forgiveness, ensuring that tragic circumstances don’t burden families with debt.

How NELFUND Works

NELFUND operates as a corporate body with a board of directors and a managing director appointed by the President of Nigeria. The program was implemented in phases, initially focusing on students in federal higher institutions before extending to state-owned institutions.

The loan application process and disbursement is entirely digital, ensuring transparency and ease of access. Once approved, funds are disbursed directly to institutions for tuition and to students’ bank accounts for upkeep allowances.

The program aims to reduce student dropouts due to financial constraints, strengthen Nigeria’s human capital, and promote social inclusion by ensuring that every qualified Nigerian student can access higher education regardless of their economic background.

NELFUND Application Portal: Step-by-Step Guide

The application deadline for the 2025/2026 academic session has been extended to February 27, 2026. Here’s how to apply for your government loan:

Step 1: Access the Official Portal

Visit the official NELFUND portal at https://nelf.gov.ng/ and click on the “Apply Now” button.

Step 2: Verify Your Eligibility

Select “Get Started” and answer preliminary questions to confirm your eligibility. You must verify that you are a Nigerian citizen and enrolled in a public tertiary institution.

Step 3: Create Your Account

Enter Your NIN: Provide your National Identification Number (NIN) for instant verification. Your name should appear next to the NIN input box if the verification is successful.

Use Your Registered Email: Enter the valid email address associated with your NIN to create your account.

Create a Strong Password: Your password must be at least eight characters long and include an uppercase letter, lowercase letter, number, and special character.

Verify Your Email: After clicking “Create Account,” check your inbox for a verification link and click it to activate your account.

Step 4: Complete Your Profile

Log in to the NELFUND login portal using your registered email and password. You’ll need to update the following information:

Contact Details: Phone number, residential address, and state of residence.

Banking Information: Bank Verification Number (BVN), bank name, and account number.

Academic Information: Select your institution from the dropdown list, enter your matriculation number (or JAMB Registration Number if you’re a Year 1 student without a matriculation number yet), course of study, department, academic session, and level.

JAMB Verification: Verify your profile with JAMB by entering your JAMB registration number and date of birth. If your NIN is not linked to JAMB, you can use your NIN for validation.

Step 5: Apply for the Loan

Click on “Apply for Student Loan” or “Request for Student Loan” from your dashboard. Specify your loan requirements, whether you need funds for tuition, monthly maintenance allowance (₦20,000), or both. Similar to other loan application processes, accuracy is crucial.

Step 6: Upload Supporting Documents

Upload your JAMB admission letter in JPEG or PDF format. A school ID card may be optional but can strengthen your application.

Step 7: Review and Submit

Carefully review all the information you’ve provided before submitting your application. Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email.

Step 8: Track Your Application

After submission, you can monitor the status of your application through your dashboard on the portal. Your institution must have uploaded your verified student records to the NELFUND system for your application to proceed.

Required Documents Checklist

Before you begin, ensure you have:

• JAMB Admission Letter
• National Identification Number (NIN)
• Bank Verification Number (BVN)
• Matriculation Number (or JAMB Registration Number for fresh students)

NELFUND Login Process

If you’ve already created an account, accessing your NELFUND student portal is straightforward:

1. Visit https://nelf.gov.ng/
2. Click on “LOGIN”
3. Enter your registered email address and password
4. Click “Sign In” to access your dashboard

Troubleshooting Login Issues

Forgot Password: Use the “Reset Password” option on the login page. You’ll receive a password reset link via email.

Account Not Verified: Check your email inbox (and spam folder) for the verification link sent during registration.

Login Errors: If you encounter error messages, ensure your email and password are correct. Wait a few minutes and try again, as the portal may experience high traffic during peak periods.

Dashboard Features

Once logged in, your dashboard allows you to:

• Track your application status
• Update your profile information
• View disbursement details
• Upload additional documents if requested
• Update employment details for repayment purposes

Loan Repayment: What You Need to Know

One of the most student-friendly aspects of NELFUND is its flexible repayment structure. Repayment begins two years after you complete your National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program or receive an exemption from it. Before committing, consider using loan calculators to plan your finances.

For Employed Beneficiaries

If you secure formal employment, 10% of your monthly salary will be automatically deducted at the source by your employer. Your employer is responsible for remitting this amount to NELFUND monthly.

Important: You must update your employment details on your NELFUND portal account whenever you start a new job or change employers.

If you’re paid weekly, you should consolidate your monthly salary and remit the 10% to NELFUND on a monthly basis.

For Self-Employed Beneficiaries

Self-employed individuals must remit 10% of their monthly profit to NELFUND. Within 60 days of becoming self-employed, you must submit the following information to the Fund:

• Business name and address
• Business registration documents (if applicable)
• Names of bankers
• Names of partners, directors, and shareholders (if applicable)

Special Circumstances

Voluntary Early Repayment: You can make voluntary repayments at any time, even before you gain employment or before the official repayment start date.

Unemployment: If you’re unable to secure employment two years after your NYSC, you must notify NELFUND every three months through a sworn court affidavit.

Relocating Abroad: If you plan to relocate outside Nigeria, you must contact NELFUND and sign an agreement outlining the repayment modalities.

Loan Recovery

NELFUND has the authority to use all legal means to recover loans, including the Global Standing Instruction (GSI). This means NELFUND can request any bank or financial institution in Nigeria where you have an account to access and release funds to repay your outstanding loan if you fail to repay when due.

How to Cancel Your NELFUND Application

You can only cancel your NELFUND application before it has been approved or disbursed. Currently, there is no direct “Cancel Application” button on the portal, so you must follow this process:

Cancellation Steps

1. Prepare Your Cancellation Letter: Include all necessary details from your original application:
   • Full name (as it appeared during application)
   • Matriculation number
   • Name of institution
   • Academic session
   • Department and faculty
2. Send an Email: Forward your cancellation letter and application details to [email protected] or [email protected]
3. Use the Correct Subject Line: “Request for Student Loan Cancellation”
4. Raise a Support Ticket: In addition to sending the email, raise a ticket on the NELFUND support portal.
5. Keep Records: Maintain thorough records of all communications, including emails, ticket numbers, and screenshots for future reference.

Alternative Option

If your institution has not yet verified your application, you can inform them not to proceed with the verification process, which will effectively halt your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NELFUND really interest-free?
Yes, NELFUND charges 0% interest on all loans. You only repay the principal amount you borrowed.

Can returning students apply?
Yes, both new and existing students in public tertiary institutions can apply for NELFUND loans.

What if I don’t have a matriculation number yet?
Fresh students (Year 1) who haven’t received their matriculation numbers can use their JAMB Registration Number during the application process.

How long does approval take?
Approval times vary depending on verification by your institution and the volume of applications. You can track your application status on your dashboard.

What happens if I can’t find a job after graduation?
If you remain unemployed two years after completing NYSC, you must notify NELFUND every three months via a sworn court affidavit. Repayment will commence once you secure employment.

Can I apply for both tuition and upkeep allowance?
Yes, you can specify during the application process whether you need funds for tuition, monthly upkeep (₦20,000), or both.

Conclusion

NELFUND represents a game-changing opportunity for Nigerian students to access higher education without the burden of interest-bearing loans. With over ₦174 billion already disbursed to nearly one million students, the program has proven its commitment to transforming lives and strengthening Nigeria’s human capital.

The application process is straightforward, the repayment terms are flexible, and the zero-interest structure makes it one of the most student-friendly loan programs in Africa. Whether you’re a fresh student just starting your academic journey or a returning student facing financial challenges, NELFUND offers a pathway to complete your education. For more insights on managing your finances, check out our guide on financial planning strategies.

Don’t miss the deadline: Applications for the 2025/2026 academic session close on February 27, 2026. Visit https://nelf.gov.ng/ today to begin your application and take the first step toward a debt-free education.

Remember, education is not a privilege, it’s a right. NELFUND is here to ensure that every qualified Nigerian student can access that right, regardless of their financial background.