In 2024, students of foreign and Ukrainian universities will be able to defer mobilization if they are studying full-time. This applies to students enrolled in bachelor's, master's, or doctoral programs. Find out what you need to get a deferment

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On May 18, 2024, a new law on mobilization came into force in Ukraine. According to it, certain categories of men, including students, are entitled to a deferral from mobilization. 

It is known that students of both Ukrainian and foreign universities can receive a deferral. Lawyer Dmytro Donchak explained how to confirm this right. 

What documents are required to defer a student and what are the rules for submitting them?

Mr. Donchak emphasized that a certificate generated in the Unified State Electronic Database on Education (EDBO) is required to confirm the study. However, the data of foreign universities are not included in this register, which does not deprive students of these universities of the right to deferment.

It is emphasized that the law provides for the possibility of providing a certificate from the university instead of a certificate from the EDBO.

Important! The package of documents for deferment from mobilization must be submitted in person. Specially created commissions at the territorial recruitment centers (TCCs) will review the submitted documents and decide whether to grant or refuse to grant a deferment.

Do you have additional questions? Contact the Visit Ukraine hotline (Telegram | WhatsApp).

Documents required to obtain a deferral

In order to apply for a deferment from mobilization, students of foreign universities need to

- obtain a certificate of full-time study from the educational institution;

- translate it into Ukrainian;

- notarize the translation;

- write an application for deferment;

- personally submit the entire package of documents to the TCC.

“The Commission is obliged to consider the received application and documents confirming the right to deferment within seven days from the date of receipt, but no later than the next day after receiving information on requests to public authorities,” the lawyer emphasized.

After that, the commission decides to grant or refuse to grant the deferral. Its decision is formalized in a protocol.

The commission is notified of the decision by phone or e-mail no later than the day after it is made.

“In case of a positive decision, the person is issued a certificate indicating the period of deferral. In case of refusal to grant a deferral, this is communicated in writing with the reasons for the refusal. Such a decision may be appealed in court,” the expert added.

In addition, students are required to undergo basic military training, which will begin on September 1, 2025. This training will be available at military universities, military training units of higher education institutions, and training centers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).

Basic military training will be included in university curricula and will be mandatory for all eligible conscripts under the age of 24. For women, this option is voluntary.

We remind you! Already in May, Ukraine changed a number of rules for mobilisation to the army. In particular, the country cancelled the status of limited fitness. Thus, potential recruits are now divided into "fit" and "unfit". However, the "fit" category will not only mean being sent to the frontline. We explain what this status can mean here.

Photo: Depositphotos/VitalikRadko

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Ihor Usyk is the Head of Legal Department at Visit Ukraine

On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can get legal advice on migration law. Our lawyers will answer all your questions and, if necessary, help you collect, submit and receive the documents you need. You can order a specialist consultation or full legal support by following this link.