In Ukraine in 2025, students remain one of the categories that can receive a deferment from conscription. However, not everyone who is studying automatically falls under this norm. The right to defer depends on the form of study, age, and the sequence of education. This was explained by Andriy Hukaliuk, the first vice-rector of Lviv National Ivan Franko University, in an interview 24 Channel.
Which categories of students have the right to defer
The right to defer from mobilization is granted to students who meet specific criteria. According to Hukaliuk, this applies to those who are studying full-time or in a dual form and are acquiring their education consecutively, that is, not repeating an already obtained educational level.
For example, master's students who have not previously obtained this level can count on a deferment. To confirm this, educational institutions generate special notifications through the Unified State Electronic Database on Education (EDEBO).
Conditions for maintaining a deferment for students
Recently, the Committee of the Verkhovna Rada on National Security supported a bill that specifies the rules for deferment. The changes relate to both higher education students and vocational school and college students. The main conditions for maintaining a deferment:
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Age and start of study: deferment is granted if studies begin before the age of 25.
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Form of study: only full-time or dual form.
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Duration of study: deferment is valid only during the official program duration (for example, 4 years for bachelor's degree).
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Sequence of education: deferment is granted only for the first acquisition of a specific education level.
If a student takes an academic leave, repeats a course, or extends their studies, they lose the right to deferment, even if they formally remain a student.
Recall that the Verkhovna Rada proposed new deferment rules for students.