Basic military training for students: everything you need to know about passing the BMTP

Starting in September 2025, students of Ukrainian universities will receive basic general military training. The program has two components and 300 academic hours. Find out more about who must undergo it, what it includes, and what practical skills students will gain.

Legal advice for Ukrainians

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From the beginning of the new academic year, students of Ukrainian universities will undergo basic general military training. All students must take a theoretical course, and the practical course is intended only for men who are fit for service.

The theoretical course, which lasts 90 academic hours, will be conducted directly in educational institutions. The practical course, which lasts 210 academic hours, will be held in special training centers of the Armed Forces.

The Ministry of Defense notes that a refusal of a fit man to participate in the practical part of the program is grounds for his expulsion by the law.

Upon completion of the program, participants take a military oath, receive a certificate and a military specialty. This exempts them from mandatory basic service for men aged 18-25.

Earlier we told you that Ukrainian military universities can join the European Security College network.

When will the CPE course be held?

For students with a complete general secondary education, the Basic Military Training course will take place in the second year of study. The course will be held in the first year of study for students with a junior specialist's degree, a professional junior bachelor's degree and a junior bachelor's degree.

The program is suitable for full-time and dual enrollment students. The theoretical training course will be integrated into the curriculum as a separate discipline. Practical classes will be held during the holidays so as not to interfere with the main studies.

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Who has to undergo basic general military training?

The theoretical course will be mandatory for all students, regardless of gender. The practical part is compulsory for men who are recognized as fit for service by a medical examination.

Women who meet the requirements for health reasons can join the practical training only at their request. To do so, they must register for military service with the MCC and the JFO.

Men who refuse to undergo practical training without valid reasons may be expelled from the educational institution by the current legislation.

Who will conduct the CPE and what skills will students learn?

War veterans, retired military personnel, and experienced instructors will be engaged to teach the Basic Combat Training (BCT). The main requirements for teachers are proficiency in the Ukrainian language, higher education, proper physical fitness and good health.

Citizens undergoing the training will gain knowledge of tactics, first aid, basic military discipline, international humanitarian law, and psychological resilience. Particular emphasis will be placed on practical exercises such as the use of weapons, terrain orientation, and ensuring safety during combat operations.

The training will be conducted with small arms of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including assault rifles, machine guns and grenade launchers. It also provides for familiarization with military equipment, depending on the specifics of the training centers and the availability of equipment.

Who is exempt from basic military training?

Before the start of practical training, all participants must undergo a medical examination by the Regulations on Military Medical Examination of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Participants who are declared unfit for service by the decision of the Military Medical Commission (MMC) are exempt from the practical part.

They are also exempt from training:

- Citizens who have already performed military service in Ukraine;

- Those who performed military duty in other countries before acquiring Ukrainian citizenship;

- Persons recognized as unfit for service by the military qualification commission.

These categories have the right to legally avoid participation in military training.

We remind you! The official use of educational documents abroad requires apostillization and translation. Learn how to get an apostille and translation quickly and avoid mistakes.

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