Higher education in itself does not guarantee protection from military mobilization in Ukraine. As reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing the Zhytomyr Regional Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support (TCC and SS), students of part-time and evening forms of education may be mobilized on general grounds, as the fact of studying does not grant them the right to a deferment. The agency's clarification specifically concerns cases where the form of study or the level of education being obtained does not meet the criteria established by law for granting a deferment.
Who is eligible for a study-related deferment
The right to a deferment due to education is regulated by Article 23 of the law "On Mobilization Preparation and Mobilization." According to this rule, a deferment can be obtained by students of vocational, professional higher, and higher education who study on a full-time or dual basis and are obtaining an education level higher than the one they already possess, provided the legally established sequence of obtaining it is followed. It is the combination of all three conditions — form of study, higher level, and correct sequence — that forms the basis for a deferment.
Part-time and evening forms: why a deferment is not provided
Students of part-time and evening education forms may be mobilized on general grounds, i.e., without an education-based deferment. This group also includes persons who are obtaining education of the same or lower level than they already possess, as well as those who do not follow the established sequence of education. The agency cites a specific example: if a person already has a bachelor's degree and then enrolls in a part-time master's program, the mere fact of studying does not grant them the right to a mobilization deferment.
Absence of a study-related deferment does not mean automatic drafting
It is important to distinguish between two concepts: the lack of the right to a study-related deferment does not mean automatic conscription into service. An individual may still hold other legal grounds for a deferment, such as family circumstances or health conditions. Thus, the decision to draft is made by taking into account the totality of all grounds, not just the fact of studying, and the presence or absence of a student deferment is considered as one element of this totality.
Duration of student deferment and other grounds
RBC-Ukraine previously clarified that a student deferment from mobilization is granted for one semester, but not for more than six months, after which it must be renewed. In addition to education, grounds for deferment include family circumstances, health status, scientific activity, and reservation. Specifically, the right to a deferment may be held by people with disabilities, parents of three or more minor children, persons raising a child alone, as well as employees of critical enterprises and specific state bodies. These grounds operate in parallel and may remain even in cases where a study-related deferment is not provided.
