Ukraine has clear rules that determine which students can receive a deferral from conscription during mobilization and who can be mobilized on general grounds. The Bachynsky & Partners Law Firm explained in which cases students are entitled to a deferral and under what conditions they may lose it.
Students who meet several key requirements are eligible for deferment. First of all, mobilization in Ukraine begins at the age of 25, so younger students do not need a deferment. However, for those who have already reached mobilization age, it is important to officially apply for a deferment and submit documents on time.
A deferral may be granted to students who are studying full-time or dual, who are pursuing the next level of education and who are not receiving a second education of the same level. It is important that information about their studies is entered into the Unified State Electronic Database on Education. Students who are undergoing training in military or defense specialties are not entitled to a deferral.
The Ministry of Defense previously reported that students are granted a six-month deferment with the possibility of automatic extension if the documents are submitted correctly. Academic staff have a 12-month deferment.
Vocational and technical colleges, professional pre-universities, and higher education institutions grant students a deferment for the duration of an academic semester, but not more than six months. Interns and doctoral students are also subject to these rules.
However, in some cases, a student may lose the right to deferment and be mobilized. This is possible in the event of switching to part-time or evening studies, expulsion or academic leave, obtaining a second education of the same level, or the absence of data on studies in the EDEBO. If the educational institution did not enter information into the register or made a mistake, the student is considered not studying.
Postgraduate students can also receive a deferral, but only if they are studying full-time, have a civil specialty, and correctly enter information into the relevant registers. After completing their studies, defending their dissertation, or being expelled, the right to a deferral disappears.
Lawyers urge students to carefully monitor their status in the registers, take care of the paperwork in a timely manner, and monitor whether the educational institution has entered information about their studies into the EDEBO.
