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How to Apply for NELFUND Without a Matric Number as a Fresher

By smartjamb • Nov. 29, 2025, 8:10 p.m.
You can apply for NELFUND as a newly admitted student even if you don’t have a matriculation number yet. Freshers are allowed to use their JAMB registration number or admission number while the school uploads their details to the NELFUND verification portal. Once your information is uploaded, the portal will accept your application without needing a matric number.
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How to Apply for NELFUND as a Fresher Without a Matric Number


    

  1. Gather all required details
    2. 



JAMB Registration Number


Admission Letter / Admission Number


NIN
BVN
Active phone number & email
Bank account details


    

  1. 

    Go to the NELFUND Student Loan Portal
Visit: https://portal.nelf.gov.ng
    

    2. 

  2. 

    Verify your student details
When the portal asks for verification, choose:
    

    3. 



Verify with JAMB (recommended), or


Use your admission number if your school supports it.


Since you don’t have a matric number yet, JAMB or admission ID is your alternative.


    

  • 

    Create your NELFUND account
Fill in your personal information, confirm your email, and log in.
    

    • 

  • 

    Complete your profile
    

    • 



Enter your NIN


Enter your BVN


Upload your admission letter (very important)


Ensure your details match exactly across all documents


    

  • 

    Apply for the loan
Choose your loan type:
School Charges
Upkeep Allowance
Or both.
Accept the terms and submit.
    

    • 

  • 

    If the portal insists on a matric number
Do this:
    

    • 



Enter your JAMB registration number in the field, or


Enter your admission number
If it still rejects it, it means your school has not yet uploaded your data.


Visit your Registry/ICT department and tell them:
“Please upload my student information to the NELFUND Student Verification Portal so I can apply.”


    

  • Follow up
After submission, check your dashboard for updates. If verification delays, contact NELFUND support or your school ICT.
    •
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If you’re stuck because you have no matric number, the fastest solution is simple: use your JAMB registration number and upload your admission letter. If the system still doesn’t recognize you, your institution hasn’t uploaded your record yet once they do, the portal will accept your details immediately
Applying for NELFUND as a fresher can feel confusing, but the truth is this: your JAMB number is your key until your school gives you a matric number. Many students get delayed not because of the portal, but because their school hasn’t uploaded their details yet.


So here’s what gives you the advantage:


Have everything ready — JAMB number, NIN, BVN, admission letter


Apply early the earlier you register, the faster your verification


Follow up with your school — ICT must upload your details


Never submit wrong numbers one mistake delays verification for weeks


Ignore fake “agents” NELFUND is completely free


You’re at the starting point of your academic journey getting your funding right now makes everything easier later. Stay prepared, stay consistent, and once your school uploads your data, your loan approval becomes much smoother.


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