How to Apply for NELFUND Student Loan

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is a federal government initiative created under the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act of 2024. The scheme is designed to support Nigerian students by removing the financial barriers that prevent many from accessing or completing tertiary education. Through NELFUND, eligible students enrolled in public higher institutions such as universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and technical colleges can obtain interest-free loans to finance their academic pursuits.

These loans are primarily intended to cover tuition fees, ensuring that students can focus on their studies without the burden of immediate payment. In addition to tuition support, the program may also provide upkeep or maintenance allowances to help students meet basic living expenses while in school. By offering these financial resources without interest, the initiative aims to promote equal access to higher education, reduce dropout rates, and empower young Nigerians to acquire the skills and qualifications needed to contribute meaningfully to national development.

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, confirm you meet these requirements:

You must be a Nigerian citizen.
You must have been offered admission into a public Nigerian university, polytechnic, college of education, or federal technical/vocational school approved by NBTE, NCCE, or NUC.
The loan is currently available only to students in federal and some state-owned tertiary institutions (most state institutions have now been onboarded as of 2025).
Your family (household) income must be less than ₦500,000 per year (this is verified through indigene letter and two guarantors).
You must not have any existing loan from another government agency that has default status.
You must have a valid JAMB registration number.
You must have a National Identification Number (NIN).
You must have an active bank account (preferably with a commercial bank that supports BVN).

Required Documents (You Will Upload These)

JAMB admission letter (institutional copy is also accepted now)
NIN slip or card
Valid school ID card or admission letter from your institution
Full-size passport photograph (white background)
Bank account details (account name must match your name exactly)
Indigene letter from your local government area
Two guarantors (each must be a civil servant of at least Level 12, lawyer with at least 10 years post-call, judicial officer, or justice of peace). Each guarantor will submit:
- Passport photograph
- Employment letter or ID card
- Payslip (recent three months)

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Create a NELFUND Account

Visit the official NELFUND application portal at www.nelf.gov.ng
Click on “Apply Now” or “Register”
Enter your active email address and create a strong password
You will receive a verification email. Click the link to verify your account
Log in with your email and password

Step 2: Complete Your Profile After logging in, you will see a dashboard. Click “Complete Profile” and fill in:

Personal details (full name as on NIN, date of birth, gender, phone number)
Contact information
Residential and permanent home address
Next of kin details
Disability status (if applicable)
Upload a clear passport photograph

Step 3: Enter Educational Information

Select your institution type (Federal University, State University, Federal Polytechnic, etc.)
Choose your institution from the dropdown (only approved institutions appear)
Enter your JAMB registration number (this auto-fetches your admission details)
Select your faculty, department, and current level (100 Level, 200 Level, etc.)
Upload your JAMB admission letter and school ID/admission letter

Step 4: Apply for the Loan

On your dashboard, click “Request Loan” or “Apply for Loan”
Choose the type of loan:
- Institution Fees (tuition and charges – paid directly to school)
- Upkeep/Maintenance (monthly stipend – paid to student’s bank account)
Enter the exact amount your school is charging (you (check your school portal for the breakdown)
Upload your school fee breakdown/schedule of charges (PDF or image)

Step 5: Provide Guarantor Details

You need two guarantors
Enter their full details: name, phone, email, occupation, place of work, level/rank
Each guarantor will receive an email and SMS to log in and accept the guarantorship
They must upload the required documents (employment letter, payslip, passport, etc.)
Until both guarantors accept and upload documents, your application remains “Pending”

Step 6: Submit Indigene Letter

Obtain a letter of indigency from your Local Government Area Secretariat
The letter must be signed and stamped by the LGA Chairman or Secretary
Scan and upload it in PDF format

Step 7: Review and Submit Application

Review all sections for accuracy
Tick the declaration box
Click “Submit Application”
You will receive an application reference number (save this)

Step 8: Track Your Application

Log in regularly to check status
Possible statuses:
- Pending (waiting for guarantors or documents)
- Under Review
- Approved for Verification
- Approved (After BVN and NIN verification)
- Disbursement Processing
- Disbursed

Step 9: Disbursement

Once approved, tuition is paid directly to your institution
Upkeep allowance (usually ₦20,000–₦50,000 per month depending on institution) is paid to your bank account monthly or per semester

FAQs

Is the NELFUND loan interest-free?

Yes, completely interest-free. You only repay the exact amount borrowed.

When do I start repayment?

Two years after completing your NYSC (National Youth Service Corps).

How long do I have to repay the loan?

You have up to 10 years, but you can pay earlier without penalty.

Can state university students apply?

Yes. As of 2025, almost all state-owned tertiary institutions have been onboarded.

Can private university students apply?

No. NELFUND is only for public (federal and state) institutions.

What if I don’t have Level 12 civil servants as guarantors?

You can use lawyers (10+ years at the bar) or judicial officers.

Can I apply if I am in 200 Level or above?

Yes. The loan covers students from 100 Level to final year.

How much upkeep allowance will I get?

It varies by institution. Federal universities typically get higher amounts than polytechnics or colleges of education.

My guarantor has not received the email. What do I do?

Ask them to check spam/junk folder. You can also resend the invitation from your dashboard.

Can I change my bank account after applying?

Yes, before disbursement stage you can update it on your profile.

What if my JAMB number is not fetching my details?

Contact NELFUND support or visit a NELFUND help center with your documents.

Is there an application deadline?

No fixed deadline. Applications are open year-round, but apply early in the semester.

Can I apply for only upkeep and not tuition?

Yes, you can choose either or both.

Will the loan cover my full tuition?

Yes, 100% of institutional charges as shown on your school portal.