The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has opened its 2025 student loan portal, allowing eligible students in public tertiary institutions across Nigeria to apply for interest-free loans to support their education.
The scheme, established under the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2024, aims to provide financial assistance to Nigerian students enrolled in universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and technical or vocational institutes.
About NELFUND
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is a Federal Government initiative designed to make higher education accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of financial background.
The fund provides interest-free loans to cover institutional charges (tuition and fees) and, optionally, a monthly upkeep allowance to support students during their studies.
Official Website: https://nelf.gov.ng
Application Portal: https://portal.nelf.gov.ng
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the NELFUND loan, applicants must:
Be a Nigerian citizen enrolled in a public tertiary institution (university, polytechnic, or college of education).
Have valid NIN, BVN, admission letter, and matriculation number.
Not have any history of loan default or criminal conviction related to financial misconduct.
Apply individually — no guarantors required.
Documents Required
Applicants are to upload the following during registration:
Admission letter
Student ID card or JAMB registration slip
NIN slip
Recent passport photograph
Institution’s fee schedule (for tuition disbursement)
How to Apply for NELFUND Student Loan
Visit the official portal portal.nelf.gov.ng
Click “Apply Now” and create a user account with a valid email and password.
Verify your email address.
Fill in your personal, academic, and bank details (BVN and account number).
Select whether you want tuition only or tuition + upkeep allowance.
Upload all required documents and submit your application.
Monitor your application status via your NELFUND dashboard.
Important: Disbursement usually occurs within a few weeks after approval. Ensure all your details are accurate to avoid delays.
Loan Coverage
The NELFUND loan covers:
Institutional charges (tuition and other mandatory school fees)
Monthly upkeep allowance (optional, based on student needs)
Funds are paid directly to the institution for fees and to the student’s bank account for upkeep.
Repayment Policy
Repayment begins two years after NYSC service or once the beneficiary starts working.
10% of the beneficiary’s monthly income will be automatically deducted for repayment.
For self-employed graduates, 10% of monthly profit is remitted to the Fund.
Why NELFUND Matters
Promotes equal access to higher education
Removes financial barriers for students from low-income families
Provides zero-interest loans, reducing long-term debt burden
Encourages skill acquisition and career development
Need Help?
For more inquiries or technical support, visit your institution’s student affairs office or contact NELFUND directly via the official portal:
https://portal.nelf.gov.ng/contact
Final Note
The NELFUND Student Loan Scheme represents a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s educational development. It provides an opportunity for every eligible student to pursue higher education without financial worry.
Students are therefore encouraged to apply early and follow all guidelines carefully.
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