Ukraine is preparing new mobilization rules that could significantly limit students' right to deferment from military service. The relevant bill has already received support from the relevant committee of the Verkhovna Rada.
Currently, citizens with disabilities and those recognized as unfit for work due to health conditions; large and single parents, guardians; individuals whose loved ones died at the front or returned from captivity; full-time and dual-form students, graduate students, interns, as well as teachers, scientists, and employees of critical enterprises are eligible for a deferral.
However, the new rules will significantly narrow these opportunities. For vocational school students, the deferral will only apply if they started their studies for the first time and are under 25 years old. For university students, the main criterion will be the completion of their studies within the time limits set by law. Academic leave, interruptions in studies, or long retakes will no longer be taken into account. If a student fails to meet the deadlines, he will automatically lose the right to a deferral.
There are no age restrictions for graduate students, doctoral students, and interns, but they will be required to complete their education in a consistent manner without artificially extending deadlines.
The postponement, as before, will need to be processed through territorial recruitment centers, submitting an application and a certificate from the educational institution. The commission must make a decision within seven days, and in case of refusal, citizens can appeal it in court.
Lawyers emphasize that these changes will especially hit students who previously took academic leave or changed their major, effectively prolonging their studies.
