The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has officially opened its application portal for interest-free student loans for the 2025/2026 academic session. Applications begin on October 23, 2025 and will run through January 31, 2026.
Under this scheme, both returning students and fresh admits of accredited tertiary institutions are eligible. Notably, fresh students can apply using either their Admission Number or their Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registration Number instead of a Matriculation Number which is a change to include those who may not yet have matriculated.
To begin the process, applicants should visit the official portal at portal.nelf.gov.ng and complete the online registration. The system promises a smooth and easy process which allows many students to apply in about 15–30 minutes.
Before applying, universities must ensure that student records (for both new and returning students) are uploaded and verified on the NELFUND Student Verification Portal. If a school’s records are not uploaded, affected students may be disqualified from the loan process.
The loan is described as interest-free, with repayment scheduled to begin two years after service in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), allowing students to focus on their studies and early career without immediate financial burden.
If you’re enrolled in a Nigerian tertiary institution, this offers a very meaningful chance to cover your school fees, accommodation or other educational expenses without the high cost of traditional loans. To take advantage of this programme follow the instructions below:
- Visit the official loan portal from October 23, 2025, CLICK HERE
- Ensure your institution has updated your record on the verification portal.
- Complete the application, using your Admission Number or JAMB Reg Number if you’re a fresh student.
- Submit all required details and await confirmation.
Keep in mind: This window is limited, so apply early to increase chances of success.
