NELFUND STUDENT LOAN 2026: FG OFFERS INTEREST-FREE EDUCATION LOANS TO ELIGIBLE NIGERIAN STUDENTS — HOW TO APPLY
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has continued to provide interest-free student loans to eligible Nigerian students in public tertiary institutions as part of efforts to improve access to higher education and reduce the financial burden on students and their families.
The scheme is designed to support students with institutional fees and other approved educational expenses, with an upkeep allowance also available to eligible applicants who apply for it.
The initiative aims to ensure that financial difficulties do not prevent qualified Nigerian students from pursuing their academic ambitions.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
To qualify for the NELFUND student loan, applicants must be Nigerian citizens enrolled in eligible public tertiary institutions covered by the scheme.
Eligible institutions include public universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and other recognised institutions participating in the programme.
Applicants should note that their institutions must upload their student information to the NELFUND portal before they can successfully complete the application process.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION
Students intending to apply are advised to have the following documents and details readily available:
- Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) admission letter.
- National Identification Number (NIN).
- Bank Verification Number (BVN).
- Student matriculation or registration number.
- Personal and academic information required on the application portal.
Applicants should ensure that all information provided is accurate and consistent with their official records to avoid delays during verification.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE NELFUND STUDENT LOAN
Interested and eligible students can follow these steps to apply:
Step 1: Visit the official NELFUND website at https://nelf.gov.ng/.
Step 2: Create an account or log in to the application portal.
Step 3: Complete the application form by providing the required personal and academic information.
Step 4: Enter the necessary identification and banking details and provide any other documents requested by the portal.
Step 5: Carefully review all information supplied to ensure that it is correct before submitting the application.
Step 6: Regularly check your registered email address and NELFUND portal for updates regarding verification, approval and disbursement.
Applicants are advised to confirm that applications are currently open and check the applicable deadlines and requirements before proceeding.
HOW WILL THE LOAN BE DISBURSED?
Approved loans for institutional fees are disbursed in accordance with NELFUND's established procedures.
Eligible applicants may also receive an upkeep allowance if they apply for it and satisfy the applicable conditions.
However, students should understand that submitting an application does not automatically guarantee approval or disbursement. Applications are subject to the fund's verification and approval processes.
IS THE NELFUND STUDENT LOAN FREE?
The NELFUND student loan is interest-free, meaning beneficiaries are not charged interest on the loan under the scheme's applicable terms.
However, interest-free does not mean that the loan is a grant or that repayment is not required.
Beneficiaries are expected to repay their loans in line with the applicable repayment conditions. These provisions include salary deductions where applicable, while special arrangements may be available for beneficiaries who meet the requirements for financial hardship relief.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the official loan agreement and repayment conditions before accepting the loan.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS
Students are advised to use only the official NELFUND portal when submitting applications and providing personal information.
They should also ensure that their institutions have uploaded their records to the portal and verify the latest application requirements, deadlines and terms before applying.
Applicants should avoid relying on unverified information or individuals who demand payment to facilitate loan approval.
OFFICIAL APPLICATION PORTAL
Interested students can visit the official NELFUND website for application details, eligibility requirements and further information:
Application link: https://nelf.gov.ng/
NELFUND remains an important intervention aimed at helping eligible Nigerian students access higher education without the immediate burden of paying all educational costs upfront.

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