NELFUND LOAN application and Verification Update 2025/2026 session

Comprehensive Guide to NELFUND Student Loan: Application and Verification Updates

Nelfund student loan


​The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is currently open for applications, providing a critical financial lifeline for students in tertiary institutions across the country. Whether you are a fresh student looking to apply or an existing applicant waiting for disbursement, the following guide consolidates everything you need to know to navigate the process successfully.

New Applications: Requirements for Year 1 Students

​If you are a full-time Year 1 student and have officially accepted your admission, you are eligible to begin your application immediately. The NELFUND portal is designed to be user-friendly, and most applicants complete the entire process in under 10 minutes.


Read More: ​​How to Register for JAMB 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide for UTME and DE Candidates


What You Need to Prepare:

Before visiting the portal, ensure you have these three items ready:

  1. JAMB Admission Letter: This is the primary proof of your student status.
  2. Bank Verification Number (BVN): For identity verification and financial processing.
  3. National Identification Number (NIN): To sync your profile with national records.

Important Application Tips:

  • Matriculation Number: Since many first-year students have not yet been assigned a formal matriculation number, you are advised to use your JAMB Registration Number in that field.
  • Document Upload: At the final stage of the application, you will be required to upload a digital copy of your JAMB admission letter. Ensure the file is clear and readable to avoid delays.
  • Official Link: To start your account creation, visit the official NELFUND website at www.nelf.gov.ng and click on the "Apply Now" button.

Application Status and Verification Updates

Nelfund student Loan history 


​For those who have already submitted their applications—especially those who applied within the last week or month—verification is now actively underway. It is vital to stay proactive during this stage.

How to Check Your Status:

  • Check Your Email: NELFUND sends automated notifications regarding approval status to the email address used during registration. Check your spam folder just in case.
  • Login to the Portal: Visit https://www.portal.nelf.gov.ng regularly to view your dashboard. If your status has changed to "Verified" or "Approved," your application has successfully passed the vetting stage.

Understanding the Loan Components:

The NELFUND package is divided into two distinct parts:

  1. Institutional Loan: This covers your tuition and official school fees.
  2. Monthly Stipend (Upkeep): A recurring payment of ₦20,000 sent directly to the student to assist with daily living expenses.

Handling Disbursements and Refunds

​There is often confusion regarding what happens if a student has already paid their school fees out of pocket before the loan was approved. NELFUND has a clear policy to ensure no student loses out on their entitled funds.

If You Have Already Paid Your Fees:

If you paid your fees independently, but NELFUND subsequently approves a higher amount for you, you are eligible for a refund. For instance, if you paid ₦74,600 as an indigene, but the loan approved for your course is ₦104,600, NELFUND will facilitate a refund process for the full approved amount.

If You Have Not Paid Your Fees:

If you are yet to pay, NELFUND will settle the tuition directly with your institution. Any remaining balance from the approved institutional fee will either be refunded to you directly or spread across your monthly upkeep payments to provide extra financial support throughout the semester.

Final Steps:

Once your loan is verified, no further action is required other than waiting for the scheduled disbursement. Ensure your bank details are correct on the portal to avoid payment failures.

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