Essential information on Basic General Military Training in higher education institutions

In September 2025, Ukraine will introduce compulsory Basic General Military Training (BGMT) for students at higher education institutions. This reform is part of a broader overhaul of Ukraine's military training system. It is being enacted following amendments to the Law of Ukraine "On Military Duty and Military Service," signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on January 15, 2025.

The BGMT program has been developed considering current challenges and the experience of leading European countries, including Poland, Finland, and the Baltic states. The program aims to cultivate essential military skills among young people and ensure citizens are prepared to defend the state.

It is important to emphasize that the amendments to the law do not include provisions for mobilizing individuals under the age of 25. At the same time, young men and women aged 18 to 25 may voluntarily enlist in the Defence Forces on a contractual basis.

Below are the Ministry of Defence's responses to the most common questions regarding Basic General Military Training (BGMT) for students. 

What is the BGMT for students?

The BGMT is a military training program for students, incorporated into the educational curriculum of higher education institutions. The aim is to foster essential military skills among young people, bolster national security, and increase citizens' readiness to defend the country in the context of current threats.

The program redefines the traditional concept of military training, evolving it into an educational tool for young individuals' personal and professional growth.

What does the BGMT program include?

Basic General Military Training (BGMT) for students at higher education establishments encompasses 300 academic hours. The program comprises two components:

• The theoretical course (90 academic hours), delivered at the educational establishments;

• The practical course (210 academic hours), delivered at the specialized training centers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

When is the BGMT required to be undertaken?

For students with complete general secondary education, the BGMT will be taught during their second year of study.

For higher education students with the educational qualification level of junior specialist, the academic and professional degree of professional junior bachelor, or the educational degree of junior bachelor, the BGMT will be taught during the first year of study.

Who is required to undergo training?

The theoretical course will be provided to all students. The practical part is compulsory for all men deemed medically fit.

Medically fit women may voluntarily participate in the practical training sessions. To participate, they will need to register with the enlistment office.

In accordance with the law, refusal by a male student, deemed fit for military service, to undergo a practical part of the Basic General Military Training (BGMT) will result in expulsion from the educational institution.

What are the benefits of completing the BGMT?

After completing BGMT, students will take the military oath, receive a military specialty, and be awarded a certificate. This will exempt them from the mandatory basic military service, which, according to the current law, all men aged 18-25 must complete.

Furthermore, the BGMT will be a prerequisite for obtaining initial employment in civil service, local government, and the prosecutor's office.

How is the training process organized?

The program is designed for students in both full-time and dual study formats. The theoretical training will be incorporated into the curriculum as a distinct course.

Practical exercises will be scheduled during the vacation periods, ensuring no overlap with primary studies.

Who will be delivering the training?

Experienced retired military personnel, as well as veterans of war and military service, will be engaged in teaching the BGMT. The mandatory requirements include proficiency in the Ukrainian language, an appropriate level of higher education, as well as sound health and physical fitness.

What practical skills will students acquire?

Throughout the training, participants will gain foundational knowledge in the following disciplines:

• tactics;

• premedical care (first aid);

• psychological training;

• fundamentals of military discipline;

• international humanitarian law;

• marksmanship skills.

The main focus will be on practical aspects, such as training in weapon handling, land navigation, and ensuring personal safety in combat situations, among others.

What gear and equipment will be used during training?

Standard small arms of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including assault rifles, machine guns, and grenade launchers, will be used during practical exercises.

Depending on availability and the profile of the training centers, some exercises will also cover familiarization with military equipment.

How is health status factored into military training requirements?

Prior to the practical phase, all participants will undergo a medical examination in accordance with the Regulations on Military Medical Examination of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Individuals deemed unfit for military service will be exempted from the practical course.