Ukrainian Parliament Cancels Deferment for Students over 25: Details of Changes

Changes to Mobilization Rules in Ukraine

According to Главком: The Ukrainian Parliament is preparing changes to the mobilization rules that cancel deferment for men over 25 who are pursuing education. This initiative was announced by MP Serhiy Babak. According to the new rules, men aged 25 and older who enroll in higher educational institutions will not have the right to deferment.

Until 2022, about 30,000 men over 25 studied in Ukraine's higher, vocational, and pre-higher education system. As of September 1, 2025, their number increased to approximately 250,000 individuals. At the same time, nearly 50,000 individuals were expelled for not studying. These changes are driven by the increase in older students who could be subject to mobilization.

Verification of Educational Institutions and New Requirements

In this regard, a verification of about 50 colleges and higher education institutions is planned. It is noted that there are eight criminal cases regarding the mass enrollment of people into educational institutions. Serhiy Babak emphasized that the state cannot limit the right to education, but at the same time, it will check how these people are actually studying.

Furthermore, for students of medical and pharmaceutical specialties, training of reserve officers will become a mandatory part of education. The changes in mobilization rules are prompted by the need to ensure adequate control over the quality of education and deferments for men studying.

These changes in mobilization rules reflect the current challenges that Ukraine faces in wartime conditions. The increase in the number of older students and the need for checks on educational institutions indicate the state's efforts to ensure not only the country's defense capability but also control over the quality of education. This may affect future generations of students and their opportunities to obtain education without the risk of mobilization.