The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has officially opened the student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session. According to the announcement, the application window will run from Thursday, October 23, 2025, to Saturday, January 31, 2026.
NELFUND expressed appreciation to all tertiary institutions nationwide for their continued cooperation and called for further collaboration to ensure a smooth and inclusive loan process for all eligible students. The agency urged institutions to update and upload verified records of both returning and newly admitted students on the NELFUND Student Verification Portal, describing it as a crucial step for students to successfully apply and benefit from the student loan scheme.
To ensure a seamless rollout, NELFUND outlined key details for institutions. The portal will open on Thursday, October 23, 2025, and close on Saturday, January 31, 2026. Eligible students include both returning and newly admitted students of accredited tertiary institutions. Fresh students may apply using either their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number in place of a Matric Number.
Institutions are also encouraged to show understanding in enforcing registration and fee payment deadlines for students awaiting loan disbursement. A special notice was also issued to institutions that have not yet commenced their 2025/2026 academic session, advising them to formally write to NELFUND with their approved academic calendar for scheduling flexibility.
“Institutions are advised 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,” NELFUND stated.
Previously, nigeriastartupact.ng reported that all accredited tertiary institutions across the country have been urged to update their existing student records and upload details of both returning and newly admitted students on the NELFUND Student Verification Portal ahead of the official opening for the 2025/2026 academic session.