Many students want to know how to apply for NELFUND student loan in Nigeria, especially now that the cost of tertiary education keeps increasing. The good news is that you no longer have to drop out because of financial challenges. If scholarships, bursaries, or grants don’t work out for you, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) gives you a reliable way to fund your studies. The program covers your tuition fees and even provides a monthly upkeep allowance to support your living expenses.

The NELFUND Student Loan pays your tuition fees and provides a monthly upkeep allowance to support your living expenses. So far, over 600,000 Nigerian students across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education have benefited from this program.

Applications are now open for the 2025/2026 academic session, and in this guide, you’ll learn exactly how the application works, the eligibility requirements, and the step-by-step process for a successful submission.

What Is the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND)?

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund is a Federal Government financial support scheme designed to help Nigerian students access affordable higher education.

It provides loans for:

Tuition fees
Charges and school dues
Monthly upkeep allowance

Another major advantage is this:

The NELFUND loan is interest-free.

The program ensures that students from low-income families can pursue their academic goals without financial pressure.

Why You Should Apply for the NELFUND Student Loan

Here are some key benefits:

Interest-free loan (you pay back exactly what you borrowed)
Reduces financial stress on students and families
Easy application process (15–30 minutes)
Equal access to higher education for all eligible Nigerians
Repayment starts 2 years after NYSC
Covers both tuition fees and monthly stipends

Eligibility Requirements for NELFUND Student Loan

You are eligible if:

You are a Nigerian student in a federal or state university, polytechnic, or college of education.
You have not previously defaulted on any loan.
You have not been convicted of exam malpractice, felony, or drug-related offenses.

Documents required:

Admission Letter (Compulsory)
Student ID Card (Optional)

How to Apply for NELFUND Student Loan in Nigeria (Full Step-by-Step Guide)

The application involves three stages:

STEP 1: Create an Account

Visit the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) website.
Click “Apply Now” to proceed to the student loan portal.
Select “Get Started.”
Confirm your eligibility by selecting “Yes, I am a Nigerian.”
Verify your educational information by selecting your school and entering your matric number.
Click “Verify with JAMB” and enter your JAMB details.
Create an account by entering:
- Email address
- Password
- Confirm password
Click “Create Account.”
Open your email and confirm your account through the verification link.

STEP 2: Complete Your Profile

Log in with your email and password.
Click “Proceed to Contact Details.”
Update your:
- Phone number
- Residential address
- State and LGA of residence
Update your educational details:
- Select your higher institution
- Enter your matric number
Verify your bank details:
Enter your BVN
- Select your bank
- Enter your account number
Click “Save Changes.”

STEP 3: Submit Loan Application

Click “Request for Student Loan” from the Loans page.
Select whether you want:
- Tuition only, or
- Tuition + Upkeep allowance
Upload the required documents:
- Admission letter (mandatory)
- Student ID card (optional)
Agree to the policy declaration and click Continue.
Read the loan overview and agree to:
- Terms & Conditions
- GSI Mandate
Click “Submit Application.”

Your application is now complete.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need a guarantor?

No. The NELFUND loan requires no guarantor.

2. When do repayments start?

Repayments begin 2 years after your NYSC.

3. What if I don’t get a job after NYSC?

You must submit a sworn court affidavit every 3 months showing you’re unemployed.

4. How is repayment made?

Salaried workers: 10% of monthly salary deducted automatically.

Self-employed: 10% of monthly profit remitted to NELFUND.

5. What happens if I default?

Deliberate default can lead to:

Legal action

Three-year jail term

Damage to your credit score

The NELFUND Student Loan is a major step toward making higher education accessible for all Nigerian students. If you’re struggling with school fees or living expenses, this loan can help you stay in school and focus on your academic success.

The process is free, fast, and transparent, just follow the steps above to complete your application in minutes.