The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has officially opened its online application portal for student loans targeting the 2025/2026 academic year, giving eligible undergraduates and indigents across federal and state tertiary institutions a fresh opportunity to access interest-free funding.
The portal, accessible here, went live on Monday, October 20, 2025, according to a statement released by NELFUND’s spokesperson, Oseyi Ebhomele.
The agency urged prospective applicants to begin the registration process immediately to avoid last-minute rushes.
“This window is designed to ensure that no qualified Nigerian student is denied access to higher education due to financial constraints,” the statement read.
“We encourage all eligible students to take full advantage of this scheme.”
Who Can Apply?
NELFUND maintains that the loan is open to:
Students enrolled in federal and state universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
– Applicants from low-income households, with priority given to those who can demonstrate genuine financial need.
– Individuals without existing government-sponsored scholarships or grants.
Successful applicants will receive funds to cover tuition, accommodation, and other institutional charges directly disbursed to their schools.
Application Requirements
To complete the process, candidates must provide:
1. A valid JAMB registration number.
2. Institutional admission details.
3. National Identification Number (NIN).
4. Bank Verification Number (BVN).
5. Proof of local government area of origin.
The agency has also introduced a simplified verification system to reduce delays experienced in previous cycles.
Repayment Terms
Loans become repayable two years after completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) or upon securing verifiable employment. Repayments are deducted automatically at 10% of the borrower’s monthly income once it exceeds the national minimum wage threshold.
Support for Applicants
NELFUND has set up help desks on campuses nationwide and a 24/7 virtual assistant on its website to guide users through the application.
The student loan scheme, launched in 2024 under the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, has so far disbursed over ₦12 billion to more than 85,000 beneficiaries, according to official records.
Students are advised to submit applications before the yet-to-be-announced deadline to secure consideration for the upcoming session.
