The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has officially announced the commencement of the student loan application portal for the upcoming 2025/2026 academic session. This significant development is geared towards ensuring that eligible Nigerian students across accredited tertiary institutions have access to financial support for their education.
The application window is set to open on Thursday, October 23, 2025, and will close on Saturday, January 31, 2026. This timeline provides a substantial period for interested and eligible candidates to complete their submissions for the NELFUND STUDENT LOAN scheme.
Eligibility and Institutional Compliance
The initiative is designed to cover both returning students and those newly admitted into accredited public tertiary institutions nationwide. A crucial prerequisite for a smooth application process is the cooperation of these institutions. Tertiary institutions have been reminded of their responsibility to update and upload the verified records of all eligible students, both new and returning onto the dedicated NELFUND Student Verification Portal. This verification step is fundamental for students to successfully apply and ultimately benefit from the NELFUND STUDENT LOAN.
NELFUND has urged institutions to exercise flexibility regarding registration and fee payment deadlines for applicants whose loans are currently being processed, emphasizing the commitment to ensuring no student is denied access to education due to pending disbursement. For institutions yet to begin their 2025/2026 academic session, a formal communication to NELFUND detailing their approved academic calendar is required to facilitate scheduling flexibility.
How to Apply for the NELFUND STUDENT LOAN
The application process for the NELFUND STUDENT LOAN is conducted entirely online via the official NELFUND Student Loan portal. While specific procedural steps are refined periodically, the general pathway for applicants involves several key stages:
- Registration and Account Creation: Prospective applicants must first visit the official NELFUND Student Loan Portal and register for an account. This typically involves providing basic personal details and creating secure login credentials.
- Student Information Verification: Applicants will need to verify their educational details.
- For Fresh Students: Eligibility can often be confirmed using either their Admission Number or their JAMB Registration Number in place of a Matric Number, provided their records are on the institutional verification portal.
- For Returning Students: Verification will rely on their established student identification details as recorded by their institution on the NELFUND platform.
- Loan Request Submission: Once logged in, the applicant proceeds to request the student loan. This section requires specifying the required financial assistance, which typically covers institutional charges and, if necessary, a monthly upkeep allowance.
- Documentation and Agreement: Applicants are usually required to upload necessary supporting documents, such as the admission letter. Critically, applicants must review and agree to the loan terms and conditions, which include the Global Standing Instruction (GSI) Mandate.
- Application Review and Disbursement: After submission, the application undergoes review and verification by NELFUND. Upon successful approval, the funds are disbursed in tranches: institutional charges are paid directly to the student’s university/polytechnic, and the upkeep allowance is paid into the bank account provided by the applicant.
It is vital that all applicants ensure their respective institutions have completed their data upload on the NELFUND Student Verification Portal before attempting to apply, as this is a gatekeeping step for eligibility.
READ ALSO:FGN: Over 495,000 Students Benefits From NELFUND
Key Features of the NELFUND Loan
The NELFUND STUDENT LOAN is structured to be an accessible form of educational financing, characterized by:
- Interest-Free: The loan comes with zero interest, meaning no hidden charges.
- Flexible Repayment: Repayment of the loan is scheduled to commence two years after the beneficiary completes the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.
Students facing financial hurdles in accessing higher education are strongly encouraged to adhere to the deadlines and ensure all prerequisites, especially institutional data uploads, are met to take advantage of this Federal Government initiative. For technical support, applicants and institutions can reach out to NELFUND through their official communication channels.
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