Service members aged 18–24 are allowed to pursue higher education while serving on active duty

Young service members will have the opportunity to pursue higher education while serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Ministry of Defence has proposed relevant amendments to the Regulations on Military Service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The amendment to Clause 173 of the Regulation expands eligibility for combining military service with education to include service members aged 18 to 25 who are serving under contract or mobilized during the special period.

Permission to pursue education in higher education institutions without interrupting military service is granted by the unit commander or higher command, based on a service member’s report, and formalized by an order issued by the military unit. Education must not interfere with the execution of assigned military responsibilities.

“Following the onset of the full-scale invasion by the russian federation, many young people stepped up to defend the state before being able to enroll in higher education institutions or were compelled to suspend their studies. This initiative will enable them to pursue education in various fields, acquire a profession, and better adapt to civilian life after discharge from military service,” said Volodymyr Mirnenko, Head of the Department of Military Education and Science of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.

Previously, this right was granted only to privates, sergeants, and non-commissioned officers who extended their service under a new contract, as well as to officers who had received state-funded higher education and served a term equal to the length of their studies.