How to Get a NELFUND Loan Under the New Academic Session Guidelines

Are you a student in Nigeria tired of constantly struggling to pay your tuition? Or maybe you’ve had to stop schooling due to a lack of funding but still dream of furthering your education. Well, breathe easy—help is finally here.

The Nigerian government recently launched NELFUND (Nigerian Education Loan Fund), a game-changer for students who need financial aid to pay tuition or cover living expenses. This initiative isn’t only for students in federal schools; students in state and private universities can apply, too!

But how does this loan work? Is it real or just another government promise with no follow-through? What if you need a quick loan for other things outside school? Are there safe apps to try? Let’s get into it.

Higher education in Nigeria isn’t cheap. Tuition, textbooks, feeding, transportation, and WiFi subscriptions can burden any average student. That’s where NELFUND comes in.

NELFUND provides interest-free loans to help eligible students cover their school fees and upkeep. That means you can focus on studying instead of hustling for cash every semester. And yes, it’s a real program, not another Twitter rumor. The NELFUND team confirmed they’ve received ₦50 billion from the EFCC to fund this initiative.

Before you rush to apply, let’s be sure you qualify. To apply, you must be:

• A Nigerian citizen

• Enrolled in a federal, state, or private university/polytechnic/college

• Registered with JAMB

• Able to provide your NIN and BVN

• Can prove your admission and student status

• Evidence of being in financial need

Your school must also be on the list of approved institutions; over 240 schools are already participating.

NELFUND has released fresh guidelines for student upkeep loans, stating that disbursements will now strictly follow each institution’s academic calendar. This means students will only receive upkeep payments during their active academic session, and once the session ends, the disbursement automatically stops. To access support for the next session, students must reapply for both upkeep loans and institutional charges at the beginning of the new academic year.

The Fund also announced improvements to its online portal, which will now display only the upkeep loans collected within a particular session. Institutions have been urged to promptly upload their academic calendars and session details to prevent delays, ensuring students can enjoy uninterrupted access to their upkeep benefits. 

Here’s how to apply without getting lost in the “plenty grammar” on the site:

1. Visit the NELFUND Portal

Visit www.nelf.gov.ng

2. Create Your Account

• Click on “Apply Now”

• Then hit “Get Started”

• Input your email and choose a password

3. Verify Your Identity

• Confirm you’re Nigerian

• Enter your NIN and BVN

• The system will auto-fill your name, date of birth, etc. 

4. Add Your School Info

• Provide your institution name, admission number, and JAMB registration number

• You’ll also need your student ID card, admission letter, and possibly your school fees invoice

5. Agree to the Loan Terms

You’ll be asked to:

• Accept the GSI (Global Standing Instruction) — this lets the government deduct repayment automatically after you graduate and start working.

• Review everything you’ve entered

• Click Submit

6. Track Your Application

You can log back in at any time to check the status. If all goes well, your loan should be disbursed within 30 days!

Good question! The loan is split into two main parts:

• Tuition Fees: Sent directly to your school

• Upkeep Allowance: Sent to your account monthly — up to ₦20,000 per month

No, you can’t use all the money to buy a new iPhone or travel to Dubai. But it will help you feed well, pay your bills, and stop depending on your relatives.

NELFUND has already approved loans for over 215,000 students and disbursed more than ₦54 billion across institutions. They shared the breakdown of the disbursement on their X page. 

Let’s say you need a fast loan for rent, medical bills, or even to start a small business. What do you do?

Check out some registered loan apps that won't stress you in this article: These 5 Apps Help You Access Loans Easily and at Low Interest Rates

If you’re a student in Nigeria struggling to pay fees or take care of yourself in school, YES, apply. It’s free, it’s digital, and it’s funded. NELFUND is not just another federal buzzword; it’s already changing lives.

Even if you’re not in school, there are safe digital platforms you can explore for personal loans without entering a bank or 'begging on WhatsApp.'