The Department of Higher Education and Training has announced that it has created a R3.8 billion fund within the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) aimed at assisting the country’s “missing middle” students. According to an announcement made by the department’s minister, the new Comprehensive Student Funding Model introduces measures to support a wider-ranging category of students – including those who are currently not supported by the Nsfas bursary and funding policy. Associate Professor at the University of Johannesburg’s Ali Mazrui Center for Higher Education Studies Professor Thandi Lewin speaks to Thabiso Tema about the new funding model.