Starting from September 2025, mandatory basic military training (BMT) will commence for students in Ukraine. This program will include a theoretical component taught at educational institutions and a practical component conducted in military units and centers. This was reported by Kontrakty.UA.
Students who refuse to participate in the practical training will be expelled, as stated by the Ministry of Defense.
For all the details regarding BMT for students, along with answers to the most frequently asked questions, read the article on TSN.ua.
What is BMT for students: a brief overview
BMT is a military training program for students that is integrated into the educational process of higher education institutions. It consists of 300 academic hours and is divided into two components:
- theoretical course (90 academic hours) will be conducted directly at educational institutions;
- practical course (210 academic hours) will be implemented at special training centers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The theoretical course will be taught to all students. The practical component must be completed by all men deemed fit for military service.
Women who are fit for military service may voluntarily participate in practical sessions. To do so, they will need to register with the Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support.
Upon completing BMT, students will take a military oath and receive a certificate and a military accounting specialty. This will exempt them from mandatory basic military service, which, according to current legislation, must be completed by all men aged 18-25.
Additionally, completing BMT will be a prerequisite for initial employment in public service, local government bodies, and the prosecutor's office.
The program is designed for students in full-time and dual education formats.
Practical classes will be held during holidays, allowing for no conflict with the main curriculum.
Before starting the practical component, all participants will undergo a medical examination in accordance with the regulations on military-medical expertise in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Students deemed unfit for military service will be exempt from the practical course.
Can students be expelled for refusing BMT?
The Ministry of Defense's website also states that a refusal by a male student who is deemed fit for military service to undergo practical basic training is grounds for his expulsion from the educational institution in accordance with the law.
Lawyer Marina Bekalo explained in a comment to TSN.ua that the law on higher education outlines the grounds for expulsion of students, which include:
- personal desire
- failure to meet the academic plan
- violation of the contract terms with the educational institution
- as well as in other cases specified by law
However, there is currently no provision in the educational legislation or the Law of Ukraine "On Military Duty and Military Service," or the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Resolution No. 734 of June 21, 2024, which regulates the procedure for basic military training, that includes refusal from BMT as a ground for expulsion.
The Law No. 4197-IX dated January 9, 2025, which addresses certain issues regarding basic military training, also does not contain any consequences for refusing to undergo it, such as expulsion from higher educational institutions.
“Thus, the statements made by representatives of the Ministry of Defense regarding the expulsion of students for refusing BMT do not align with current legislation,” Marina Bekalo told TSN.ua.
Will master's and doctoral students undergo BMT?
According to the Law of Ukraine "On Military Duty and Military Service," men aged 18 to 25 who are fit for this training will be sent to undergo BMT. At the same time, citizens have the right to independently choose the year in which they will undergo BMT until they reach the age of 24.
Nevertheless, the procedure for undergoing BMT stipulates that theoretical training for students with a complete general secondary education occurs in the second year of study, while for those with a junior specialist, professional junior bachelor's, and bachelor's qualifications, it takes place in the first year of study.
“The question of how other students, particularly master's and doctoral students under 25, will be treated remains unresolved and needs further clarification, as BMT is mandatory for all men under 25,” says Marina Bekalo.
Can individuals be mobilized if they haven't completed BMT?
According to part 5 of Article 23 of the Mobilization Law, individuals who have completed BMT or basic military service are not subject to conscription during mobilization until they reach the age of 25.
“This means that all men aged 18-25 who have not completed BMT and do not have grounds for deferment may be mobilized,” noted Marina Bekalo.
However, the lawyer stated that if, for example, a full-time or dual education student does not violate the sequence of obtaining education according to the Unified State Electronic Database on Education (EDEBO), and has not completed BMT, he should maintain deferment for the entire duration of his studies (according to paragraph 1 of part 3 of Article 23 of the Mobilization Law).
“Moreover, he cannot be expelled from the higher education institution, at least according to the current legislative norms, despite the statements from the Ministry of Defense,” the lawyer added.
It should be noted that all men in Ukraine will undergo basic military training in 2025: the Armed Forces of Ukraine have specified the age.