High stipend, guaranteed career, full state support: How to enroll in higher military education institutions and what benefits military education offers

The admission campaign to higher military educational institutions is currently underway in Ukraine. Enrollment in higher military education institutions is not merely about obtaining a diploma; it is a conscious career choice, a commitment to national defense, and a guaranteed start to a career in the security and defense sector.

Compared to civilian institutions, a military career offers young people substantial benefits — from a stipend several times higher (service remuneration in higher military education institutions) to guaranteed housing.

The Ministry of Defence outlines the benefits available to cadets and how to enroll in higher military education institutions.

Benefits of enrolling in higher military education institutions

Unlike civilian students, who often have to look for part-time work, cadets are on full state support.

Education is fully funded by the state.

Service remuneration — starting in their first year, cadets receive approximately UAH 10,000 per month, while at civilian institutions, the minimum academic stipend currently stands at UAH 2,000 and will increase to UAH 4,000 in September.

Free accommodation is guaranteed.

Meals are provided three times a day in accordance with Armed Forces of Ukraine standards, including full breakfasts, lunches, and dinners with meat or fish dishes, side dishes, salads, dairy products, desserts, and fruit.

Cadets are provided with clothing and essential gear.

Guaranteed employment — there is no need to search for a job in an unstable labor market, as upon graduation, cadets are awarded an officer rank and assigned to a position aligned with their professional qualification.

Career progression — the military provides a structured career pathway with predictable promotions, opportunities for further training, advanced qualification courses, and participation in international programs.

Medical care — cadets receive free treatment at military hospitals and have access to military sanatoriums for rest and recovery with their families.

Personal development — studying at higher military education institutions and higher education establishments broadens opportunities, builds character, and develops leadership qualities.

Physical training — regular workouts keep both mind and body in shape.

Extensive hands-on training with modern equipment — training is highly practical, conducted using modern high-tech equipment and weapons, and based on real combat experience.

How to enroll in higher military education institutions

Document submission

• Apply to your local Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center (TRSSC) at your place of military registration or residence to submit an application and receive a referral for a Military Medical Commission (MMC) examination;
• Complete the MMC examination and professional and psychological screening, and obtain a conclusion on your eligibility to study at the selected higher military education institution;
• Provide the required documents to complete your applicant's personal file at the TRSSC;
• Obtain confirmation from the TRSSC that your applicant's personal file has been forwarded to the admissions committee of the higher military education institution;
• Receive a notification from the higher military education institution (directly or via the TRSSC) with the date you need to arrive and register for the entrance examinations;
• Report to the higher military education institution at the designated time and take the entrance examinations;
• Wait for the official publication of the ranking lists;
• Submit the original documents for enrollment in your selected specialty.

Information to be provided in your application to the Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center (TRSSC)

• surname, first name, and patronymic (if applicable);
• date of birth;
• postal code, residential address, and contact phone number;
• name of the selected higher military education institution;
• field of study, code and title of the selected specialty, and the title of the selected educational program (specialization);
• information on whether certificates from External Independent Testing or the National Multi-Subject Test (NMST) in the entrance subjects specified by the higher military education institution are available;
• confirmation that the applicant has read the Rules for Admission to higher military education institutions.

Documents to be attached to the application

• copy of an identity document confirming Ukrainian citizenship;
• copy of a document confirming completion of general secondary, vocational (professional-technical), professional pre-higher, or higher education, along with an academic transcript.
• autobiography;
• copy of a document confirming eligibility for preferential admission;
• copy of military registration document;
• copy of a document confirming registration in the State Register of Individual Taxpayers, or a document confirming assignment of a taxpayer identification number (or passport (National ID) series and number, if available — for persons who, for religious reasons, refuse to accept a taxpayer identification number under the law);
• letter of recommendation from the place of study or employment;
• six color photographs (3 × 4 cm, without headwear);
• Other documents as required by the Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center (TRSSC).