How to Apply for a Student Loan as NELFUND Portal Opens Today

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has officially opened its application portal today, May 24, 2024, offering students across Nigeria a chance to secure loans for higher education and vocational training.

According to reports, the initial phase of the loan scheme will be available to students attending federal tertiary institutions, with a subsequent phase extending to those in state-owned institutions.

Nasir Ayitogo, the Media and Public Relations Lead for NELFUND, detailed the application procedure in a press statement released yesterday.

Students wishing to apply should start by visiting [www.nelf.gov.ng](http://www.nelf.gov.ng), clicking on “Apply Now,” and then selecting “Get Started.” 

The fourth step involves confirming their eligibility as Nigerian citizens by answering related questions and clicking on “Yes, I am a Nigerian.”

Here’s a detailed guide on how to navigate the application process:

Step 1: Access the Portal

– Visit the official NELFUND website at [nelf.gov.ng](http://nelf.gov.ng).

Step 2: Begin Your Application

– Click on the “Apply Now” button.

– Continue by selecting “Get Started”.

Step 3: Confirm Your Eligibility

– Answer the eligibility questions on the page, affirming your Nigerian citizenship by clicking on “Yes, I am a Nigerian”.

Step 4: Verify Your Educational Information

– Select your institution from a dropdown menu and enter your matriculation number.

– Click “Verify with JAMB” and enter your JAMB details on the screen.

– If your National Identification Number (NIN) is not registered with JAMB, an input field will appear for you to enter your NIN for validation.

 Step 5: Create Your Account

– Input your email address and choose a password. Confirm your password and click on “Create Account”.

– An email will be sent to you with a verification link—click it to finalize the creation of your account.

Step 6: Complete Your Profile

– Log in using your new credentials by clicking the “LOGIN” button.

– Click “Proceed to Contact Details” and update your phone number, address, state, and local government area. Then, click “Proceed to Educational Details”.

– Enter your educational details again and proceed to “Account Details”.

– Verify your Bank Verification Number (BVN), select your bank name, and input your account number. Save these changes to complete your profile.

Step 7: Apply for the Loan

– Navigate to the “Request for student loan” button located at the top right of the screen on the home or loans page.

– If applying for an upkeep loan, tick the respective box, otherwise, click “Continue” for tuition fees alone.

– Upload necessary supporting documents, including a compulsory admission letter. Optionally, you can add your student ID and the institution’s invoice.

– Agree to the policy and declaration, and then the terms & conditions along with the Global Standing Instruction (GSI) Mandate. Click “Submit Application”.

Step 8: Check Your Application Status

– After submitting, you can check the status of your loan application by clicking on the “loans” button.