The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) recently on October 20th, 2025 announced the opening of the Student Loan Application Portal for the 2025/2026 Academic Session.
If you are a student attending a Nigerian tertiary institution that is qualified to receive financial aid, you should not pass up this opportunity.
Visit the official website of the Nigerian Education Fund (NELFUND) and submit your application for the student loan for the academic session of 2025/2026 right away.
This post will walk you through everything you need to know and do in order for your application to be successful.
About NELFUND Student loan Initiative
The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a scheme called the Student Loan Initiative with the intention of removing financial obstacles that prevent students from pursuing higher education. In the process of significantly altering the educational landscape, we are providing loans that do not incur interest.
Through the Student Loan Initiative, the Federal Government of Nigeria is working towards the goal of making higher education more accessible in Nigeria by offering interest-free loans to students who meet the requirements.
In this way, financial obstacles are broken down, and Nigerians are given the ability to pursue their academic goals.
Who Can Apply for NELFUND Student Loan
To be eligible to apply for the NELFUND Student Loan 2025/2026 Academic Session, ensure you meet the following conditions:
- Students who have recently been accepted into approved tertiary institutions in Nigeria, as well returning students.
- A matriculation number is not required for first-year students to submit an application; instead, they can use either their Admission Number or their JAMB Registration Number.
Benefits of Student Loan Initiative
A path to Educational Accessibility Without Financial Hurdles
- Interest-free loans for tuition fees
- Equal access to higher education for all eligible candidates.
- Reduced financial stress on students and families
How to Apply for Student Loan:
Step By Step application guide on how to access Nelfund loan
NELFUND Student loan application portal
STEP 1: Visit the NELFUND Student loan application portal above or by clicking the application button below.
STEP 2: Click “Apply Now”

STEP 3: Click on “Create New Account” and click on “Get started”
STEP 4: Complete the application form by verifying your Educational Information and student status. Complete your application with accurate details and upload required documents as directed.
Ensure your institution has uploaded and verified your student record via the NELFUND verification system
What You Need for a Smooth Process
- Valid Student ID and Admission Letter
- Institutional Verification: Your school must confirm your enrollment
- Bank Details: For upkeep allowance disbursement
- Accurate Personal Information: Including contact and academic details
NELFUND Loan Processing Timeline
- Application Submission: Students apply via the official NELFUND portal by creating an account and uploading required documents.
- Verification Phase: Institutions verify the student’s enrollment and eligibility. This step is crucial and can take up to 2 weeks depending on the school’s responsiveness.
- Approval & Disbursement: Once verified, NELFUND reviews the application and disburses funds within 30 days of submission.
Important Notes:
- The loan is aimed to assist reduce financial hurdles for students.
- Any educational establishments that have not yet begun the 2025/2026 session are required to provide NELFUND with authorised academic calendars in order to gain scheduling flexibility.
- Outside of the official NELFUND portal, you should not use or trust any website; it is important to be aware that phoney websites are widely available.
Application Window:
- Start Date: Thursday, 23 October 2025
- End Date: Saturday, 31 January 2026
FAQs: Federal Government Student Loan Portal
What is NELFUND student data submission deadline
Submission deadline for the tinubu student loan portal is Saturday, 31 January 2026
How much is NELFUND giving to students?
NELFUND is giving an average of about ₦192,000 per student in Nigeria as of August 2025.
This figure is based on the total disbursement of ₦86.3 billion to 449,039 students according to Punch News.
How long does NELFUND take to process a loan?
NELFUND typically processes student loan applications within 30 days after submission, provided all documents are complete and verified.
Is the loan open to all tertiary institutions?
The Loan is open to all public tertiary Institutions. The first phase of the loan is open to only students studying/desiring to study in federal higher institutions in Nigeria. The other phases will be announced in due course.

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