The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the opening of its student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session, providing financial access to eligible students nationwide. The application portal will be open from October 23, 2025, to January 31, 2026.

Eligibility and Application Process

The loan scheme is open to returning and newly admitted students of accredited tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Fresh students can apply using their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number in place of a matriculation number. To ensure a seamless application process, NELFUND urges institutions to update and upload verified student records on the Student Verification Portal .

Key Dates and Requirements

• Application portal opens: October 23, 2025
• Application portal closes: January 31, 2026
• Institutions are required to update and upload verified student records on the NELFUND Student Verification Portal
• Institutions that have not commenced the 2025/2026 academic session should formally notify NELFUND with their approved academic calendars

Institutional Collaboration

NELFUND appreciates the cooperation of tertiary institutions nationwide and seeks their further collaboration to ensure a smooth and inclusive loan process for all eligible students. Institutions are encouraged to show understanding in enforcing registration and fee payment deadlines for students awaiting loan disbursement .

Temporary Registration Measures

NELFUND appeals to institutions to consider temporary registration measures for students whose loan applications are being processed to ensure that no student loses access to education due to financial constraints