How to Apply for Student Loan in Nigeria: 3 Proven Tips

Learn how to apply for student loan in Nigeria with our simple step-by-step guide. Get funding easily with NELFUND in 2025!

Are you looking for a Student Loan approved by the federal government of Nigeria? Getting loans can be your choice when it comes to financing education. With this option in mind, consider this article and find out how to apply for a student loan in Nigeria today.

NELFUND can be the best option for student educational loan assistants from the Nigerian Federal government. The Federal government student loan is a financial assistance program that has been established to assist Nigerian students during their tertiary education.

This scheme offers loans to qualified Nigerians covering their tuition fees, charges, upkeep and other connected fees during their studies in an approved tertiary institution in Nigeria and also skill acquisition universities or colleges in Nigeria.

The NELFUND student loan application is open, and has been announced the call to applicants from all eligible citizens in Nigeria. Therefore, this article feeds you details on how to apply for a Student Loan in Nigeria 2025, and the requirements the federal government needs from you to qualify for the loan application.

Before applying for a federal government student loan from NELFUND, here are vital eligibility criteria you need to consider before application.

Benefits of Federal Government Student Loan Application 2024

• Financial Aid
• Federal Loans have a predetermined, fixed interest rate which is normally lower than those offered via private loans.
• The interest on Direct Subsidized federal loans is paid by the government as long as the student is enrolled at least half-time, as well as through the grace period.
• Federal loans are offered each year a student files a FAFSA, provided they meet general eligibility requirements.
• Once a student graduates, they have options to consolidate federal loans for a lower payment.
• Federal loans have lots of repayment options that may be beneficial to students as they enter repayment or if they experience financial hardships during periods of repayment.
• Some students may qualify for loan forgiveness programs.

For further details and answers to frequently asked questions, visit the Federal Student Aid official site.

As a beneficiary of the student loan myself, i wrote the below section of this article to teach about the requirements needed to qualify for the student loan program in 2025. Following up is how you apply for the loan is 3 vital steps.

NELFUND Federal Government Student Loan Requirements & Criteria in Nigeria 2025

What are the requirements for the federal government student loan application? See the following:

• As expected, you have to be a citizen of Nigerian before you apply.
• Also, you must not have defaulted on any previous loans or been found guilty of exam malpractice, felony, or drug offenses.
• In the first stage of the scheme, only students from federal institutions (universities, polytechnics, and colleges) are eligible to apply.

Once you’ve achieved all the eligibility criteria and requirements needed, you can then proceed to the NELFUND official loan application webpage to begin your application by submitting the requirements.

If necessary to apply for the NELFUND student loan, why is it an option today? See the following.

Why Should You Apply for the Federal Government Student Loan?

This section provides the reasons you need to apply for the 2025 Federal Government Student Loan; see the following:

• The loan is interest-free.
• The scheme is focused on empowering Nigerians to follow up on their academic aspirations.
• The loan scheme will decrease financial stress on students and families.
• Equal access to higher education for all approved candidates.
• The application process is simple and easy; you can finish within 15-30 minutes.
• The repayment of student loans begins two years after NYSC.

How to Apply for Student Loan in Nigeria: 3 Simple Steps to Success

Here’s a follow-up guide on how to apply for student loan in Nigeria:

First Step: Create an Account

• Go to the NELFUND Student Loan funding website.
• Click on ‘Apply NOW’
• Click on ‘Get Started’
• Answer the following queries on the page, and click on ‘Yes, I am a Nigerian.’
• Verify your educational information. You would be required to select your school from a dropdown and provide your matric number to check if your school has uploaded your details.
• Click the “Verify with JAMB” and enter your JAMB details on the screen.
• Create an account using your Email address and Password; confirm the Password in the fields provided and click “Create Account.”
• Click the email verification link sent to your email to verify your email.

Second Step: Complete Your Profile

After applying successfully, Log in by clicking the ‘LOGIN’ button.

Once you have logged in to your NELFUND account, you can then proceed to the following step on this loan application guide.

Third Step: Apply for the Loan

• Click on the “Request for Student Loan” button at the top right of the screen on the home or loans page after logging into the application.
• If you also want an upkeep loan, click the check box and click Continue. If all you need is the institutional charge, click the “Continue” button.
• Upload supporting documents (Student ID Card and Admission Letter).
• The admission letter is compulsory, while the Student ID and Institution Invoice are optional.
• Click the checkbox for the policy and declaration and click “Continue.”
• Consider the loan overview and click the checkboxes for both the Terms & Conditions and GSI Mandate, then click “Submit Application.”

Tips to Successful Loan Application from NELFUND

For a successful application for the Federal Government Student Loan, the following tips could be very helpful:

Early Application: Submit your application immediately after the portal opens to ensure early processing.

Accurate Information: Make sure all details provided are correct and match your official documents.

Stay Informed and Updated: Frequently check the NELFUND website and your email for updates or further instructions.

Security and Fraud Prevention: The Nigeria Education Loan Fund is working closely with security agencies to prevent fraudulent activities.

It’s recommended that students apply only through the official portal and report any suspicious activities instantly.

Future Expansion Plans: The introductory phase targets students in federal institutions. However, there are plans to include students from state universities and vocational skills centers in subsequent phases. Keep on the watch for announcements regarding these expansions.

Conclusion

The awaited student loan program is now here and open for application, deadline for the above student loan is yet to be announced.

All you need is to apply the above tips and application guide for a successful student loan application. Further, you need to have the requirements and qualifications for the loan.