Mobilization of students in Ukraine: who will receive a deferment and who will not

In August 2026, Ukraine continues to mobilize men between the ages of 25 and 59. Students at universities and technical colleges may apply for a deferment from conscription, but this right does not extend to all students and requires compliance with a number of conditions.

The rules for granting deferments to students are set out in Article 23 of Ukrainian Law No. 3543. Under this law, a deferment is available to students at vocational, pre-higher, and higher education institutions, as well as to doctoral candidates and postgraduate students. Two conditions are mandatory: the mode of study must be full-time or dual, and the education being received must be the person’s first.

A deferment is not granted automatically. A man must personally submit an application through the “Reserve+” app or at the nearest administrative services center (TsNAP), attaching a certificate from the dean’s office. The deferment is issued for 6 or 12 months and must subsequently be renewed. In most cases renewal occurs automatically, but technical glitches are possible, so men are advised to check their status in “Reserve+” independently.

The conscription age in Ukraine is 25. Men below that age cannot be called up unless they have previously served or completed a military department course. For this reason, the deferment right as students is most often used by citizens over the age of 25.

The law explicitly states who is not covered by the deferment. Students pursuing a second or subsequent higher education degree are subject to conscription, as are those studying by correspondence — they are not covered by Article 23 of the Law “On Mobilization.”

Mobilization of students is also possible during the interim period between completing one level of education and enrolling in the next — for example, between a bachelor’s and a master’s program. During this time a man is formally not considered a university student and loses his deferment. After enrolling in a master’s program, it must be reapplied for.

Another ground for conscription is academic leave. Since a deferment is granted only to those who are actually studying, academic leave — as a break from studies — deprives a man of this right for its entire duration.

Attempts have been made in Ukraine to legislatively abolish the right to deferment for students of conscription age, but none of the relevant bills has been passed. As of August, students over 25 who have legally obtained a deferment are not subject to mobilization.