Military Departments at Medical Universities Starting in the 2026/2027 Academic Year: Medical Students Will Receive Officer Ranks

Starting next academic year, medical universities will open military departments for all students. Find out what this means for applicants entering medical universities and what status they will receive upon graduation

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Starting next academic year, all students at Ukraine’s medical universities will undergo military training and, upon graduation, will receive an officer’s rank and be classified as subject to military service. Health Minister Viktor Lyashko announced this during a question-and-answer session with the government, according to Ukrinform.

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What exactly did the minister say, and on what basis are these changes being introduced?

“Regarding the creation of military departments. The Ministry of Health is working diligently to implement the adopted amendments to Ukrainian laws. It is precisely the amendments voted on in this Verkhovna Rada that oblige us to open military departments for the next academic year. That is, all applicants entering medical universities to pursue higher medical education will be subject to military service and will receive the rank of officer upon completion of their education," said Lyashko.

Thus, the basis for opening military departments is the legislative changes adopted by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. The Ministry of Health is acting in accordance with these regulations—without the right to choose regarding the very fact of introducing new requirements.

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Who is affected by the changes: all applicants to medical universities

The new rules will apply to everyone entering medical higher education institutions starting next academic year. Regardless of their medical specialty, students will undergo military training at the newly established departments and, upon graduation, will immediately acquire two statuses: officer and conscript.

We remind you! In 2026, martial law remains in effect in Ukraine, so restrictions on traveling abroad remain in place for men aged 18 to 60. At the same time, the law provides for a number of exceptions that allow crossing the state border if there are valid grounds and the necessary documents. Read more about who is eligible to leave Ukraine in 2026, what documents are required, and under what circumstances border crossing may be denied.

Photo: Freepik

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