This work is the result of research carried out at the Federal University of the Southern Frontier, located in the southern region of Brazil. The aim of the studies was to find answers about the model of higher education institution, implemented after the struggle of local social movements, which should enable the inclusion of young people from less favoured social strata. As a new model of higher education institution, it has a curricular matrix that differs from that of other universities, and it also takes care to ensure that its graduates are included, remain there and complete their courses. In the light of the analyses carried out, the UFFS can be considered a new university model: "a popular university".