The Ministry of Defense clarified educational benefits for military personnel and their children: what they are entitled to

Educational benefits for military personnel and their children in 2026

According to ХВИЛЯ: The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has prepared clarifications regarding educational benefits for military personnel and their children in 2026. According to the law 'On Social and Legal Protection of Military Personnel and Their Families', military personnel are entitled to higher education, postgraduate education, and professional development.

Key aspects of education

Key aspects of education include the possibility for contract officers and military personnel aged 18 to 25 without higher education to study in civilian higher educational institutions while serving. Also, those who were called to service during their studies have the right to return to the same institution for the same form of education without additional exams.

Regarding support for the children of defenders:

• Family members of military personnel have the right to priority transfer to state educational institutions in case the military personnel is transferred to another place of service.
• Children of military personnel benefit when enrolling in military lyceums and specialized higher educational institutions if their parents have over 20 years of service.

State targeted support for combatants and their children (up to 23 years) includes a package of assistance for obtaining vocational and higher education. Children of fallen heroes or those recognized as missing are admitted to state higher educational institutions and vocational schools without competition within 3 years after finishing school.

Thus, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine provides support to military personnel and their families in the field of education, which is an important step in the social protection of this category of citizens.

These educational benefits emphasize the state's commitment to supporting military personnel and their families, especially in the context of current challenges related to security and conflict.

Ensuring access to education can significantly impact the social adaptation of military personnel and their children, which in turn will contribute to the stability and development of society as a whole.