From September 1, 2024, a new student mobilization system comes into effect in Ukraine in accordance with Law No. 10449, which entered into force on May 18. This law introduces important changes to the mobilization process, in particular regarding students of higher and vocational educational institutions.
Deferral for students:
Under the new law, most students are eligible for deferment from military service and can only be drafted voluntarily. However, there are a few exceptions to consider.
The main conditions for deferment:
- Mode of study: Students enrolled in full-time or dual-track studies at higher education or vocational institutions are eligible for deferment. This also applies to those pursuing their first higher education degree or a degree higher than their previous degree.
- Categories not subject to conscription: Assistant trainees, graduate students, and doctoral students, regardless of the form of study (budgetary or contract), are also not subject to mobilization.
- Educators: Scientific and scientific-pedagogical employees of higher educational institutions, technical schools, colleges and scientific institutions who have a scientific degree are exempt from mobilization. Teachers of vocational schools can receive a deferral if they work at their main place of work at least 0.75 of the rate.
When is student mobilization possible:
Students may be deprived of deferment and drafted into the army in the following cases:
- Mode of study: If the student is studying in the evening or part-time form of study.
- Educational level: If the student is not receiving their first higher education or is receiving an education lower than previously received.
- Refusal to attend training: If a student refuses to attend general military training, he or she may be expelled from the educational institution.
Special cases:
Students who transfer from one course to another during the holidays retain the right to deferment. However, if a student enters a new level of education through an admission campaign, during the break between semesters, he is not considered a student and may be called up.
Students over 30 years old:
Currently, the bill proposing to deprive male students over 30 of the right to deferment has not yet been passed. Therefore, in 2024, men who are pursuing a continuous first higher education will not be subject to conscription into the army, even if they are over 30 years old.
