There has been a lot of confusion among freshers about NELFUND student loans. Some people say you must have a matriculation number, others say JAMB registration number is enough.
Here is the correct and updated explanation 👇
Can Freshers Apply for NELFUND Loan?
Yes, freshers can now apply for the NELFUND loan, even if they don’t have a matriculation number yet.
However, this is not automatic.
Freshers can apply only when their details have been uploaded to the NELFUND portal by their school.
Can I Use My JAMB Registration Number?
Yes. Freshers can apply using their JAMB registration number, but only under one condition:
👉 Your JAMB registration number (or matric number) must already be uploaded and verified on the NELFUND loan portal by your institution.
If your details are not on the portal yet, your application will not go through.
Important Thing Freshers Must Understand
Having a JAMB registration number alone is not enough.
What really matters is:
- Your school has uploaded your student record
- Your JAMB reg number or matric number is linked to you on the NELFUND portal
If NELFUND cannot find your details during verification, your application will fail.
So When Can a Fresher Apply Successfully?
You can apply if:
- ✅ You have been admitted
- ✅ Your school has cleared you
- ✅ Your details have been uploaded to the NELFUND portal
- ✅ Your JAMB reg number or matric number is recognized
Once these are done, you can apply even if matriculation ceremony has not held yet.
If Your Application Is Not Going Through
If you see issues like:
- “Details not found”
- “Student record not available”
- “Verification failed”
It likely means your school has not uploaded your information yet.
At that point:
- Be patient
- Follow up during clearance
- Monitor official updates from your school and NELFUND
Advice to Freshers from Studentsdash
- Don’t rush to apply blindly
- Don’t submit wrong or incomplete details
- Avoid people telling you “anybody can apply immediately”
Wait until your student data is properly uploaded. That is the safest way.
Final Words From Studentsdash
📌 Yes, freshers can apply for NELFUND using their JAMB registration number
📌 But only after their details have been uploaded to the NELFUND loan portal
No upload = no approval.
If you’re a fresher and this cleared your confusion, share this post with other new students so they don’t make mistakes.
Studentsdash – clarity for Nigerian students.



