The number of conscript-age applicants in Ukraine sharply increased this year.

The number of men of conscription age entering the system has increased to 110,000 this year.

This information was reported by Ukrainian Member of Parliament Yulia Gryshyna, citing data from the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.

“Last year, it was 85,000. According to NGL publication, a significant increase was observed among students in fee-paying programs, with 70% being first-year students. Additionally, the average age of students has risen to 27 years. The most striking growth in the number of male students is noticeable in the age groups of 30+ and 40+,” she stated.

“We all understand that a large portion of these new students enrolled to avoid conscription. What happens next depends on the universities. They are responsible for the quality of education. If people have enrolled, they should study and complete the educational program. Otherwise, they should be expelled. We are monitoring the situation,” Gryshyna added.

It’s worth noting that in early September, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Oleksiy Danilov, announced the intention to cancel deferments from conscription for individuals pursuing a second higher education in Ukraine.