Starting July 1, Combat Medics in Ukraine’s Armed Forces Can Enter Universities Without the National Multidisciplinary Test

Targeted Admissions Campaign for Combat Medics

According to Главком: On July 1, 2025, Ukraine will launch a targeted admissions campaign for combat medics serving in the Defense Forces who lack formal medical education. Designed to strengthen the military medical workforce, this initiative allows service members to earn professional degrees or higher education through adapted programs-without leaving their duties or taking the National Multidisciplinary Test (NMT). It reflects Ukraine’s broader push to formalize the skills of battlefield medical personnel amid ongoing conflict.

Eligibility Requirements and Participating Institutions

Eligible participants include active-duty combat medics who hold combatant status, possess a complete general secondary education certificate or a junior specialist / professional junior bachelor’s diploma in Nursing, and have a certification as a combat medic. They must not have previously obtained a professional medical degree. Admission will be based on an interview, with prior combat experience and practical competencies officially recognized.

Ten medical schools are participating in this program:

• Bukovinian State Medical University
• Cherkasy Medical Academy
• Lviv Medical Academy named after Andrey Krupynsky
• Lviv Medical Professional College of Postgraduate Education
• Volyn Medical Institute
• National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsya
• I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University
• Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University
• Odesa National Medical University
• Poltava State Medical University

Combat medics can earn a bachelor’s degree in Nursing (specialization I5.02 Emergency Medicine) under the Emergency Medicine / Paramedic track, or a professional junior bachelor’s degree in Nursing (specialization I5) under the Nursing track. In 2026, combat medics with combatant status will be eligible for tuition-free admission to medical institutions through a simplified process, again without the NMT.

'What sets this initiative apart is training without interrupting service duties, admission via interview (no NMT required), and formal recognition of already acquired combat experience and practical skills,' the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine stated.

The program aims to raise the training level of medical personnel in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a critical factor in ensuring medical support for troops during operations.

This effort underscores Ukraine’s commitment to upgrading military medicine standards and delivering quality care to its service members. By formally acknowledging the hands-on expertise of combat medics and enabling them to study while remaining in service, the initiative not only boosts individual professional growth but also enhances overall military readiness. Given that battlefield medicine is vital in modern conflict, this program could significantly improve the effectiveness of medical care in combat zones.

As the Ukrainian Armed Forces adapt to ongoing challenges, the recent announcement of a targeted admissions campaign for combat medics highlights the urgent need for skilled medical personnel. This initiative comes in light of a critical shortage of combat medics revealed during frontline assessments, underscoring the importance of enhancing the military's medical capabilities amidst the conflict.