President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a law making military training mandatory for students majoring in medicine and pharmacy. The new rules will come into force in 2026 and will apply to all higher education institutions, both public and private.
According to the document, students who are fit for military service and have passed professional and psychological selection will undergo training under the medical service reserve officer training programme.
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Compulsory military training for medical professionals was in place until 2006, after which it became voluntary. Currently, only about 5% of students undergo officer training. Lawmakers explain the return to the compulsory training system by the acute need for qualified medical personnel in the army, especially in wartime.
In addition, starting in September 2025, all university students will undergo basic military training (BMT), which includes 300 academic hours. Upon completion, students will take the military oath, receive a certificate and a military registration speciality. Those who fail the exam will not be able to continue their studies.
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