Military registration document for enrollment in studies

Lawyers of the military law practice of the law firm "Prikhodko&Partners" regularly advise applicants and their parents on issues related to the interaction of educational and military legislation. Year after year, one of the most common questions is: is a military registration document required for admission to a university in 2026 and if so, when exactly?

The answer is ambiguous: the document is indeed mandatory, but it is not required immediately, and there are important nuances here that may affect enrollment.

Is a military registration document required when enrolling in studies?

According to the Procedure for admission to higher education in 2026, approved by Order of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine № 373 dated February 26, 2026, a military registration document is a mandatory component of the package of documents for enrollment. An important detail: it must be submitted not when the applicant registers the application, but much later - immediately before enrollment.

This requirement is also enshrined in the Law of Ukraine "On mobilization training and mobilization", which regulates the obligations of persons liable for military service, including in the context of their enrollment in educational institutions. Thus, if an applicant has problems with military registration or was not registered at all, this directly affects the possibility of admission.

Who needs to submit a military registration document?

In accordance with current requirements, a military registration document is submitted upon admission to a higher education institution by:

• male citizens of Ukraine who will turn 17 in 2026, and all men under 60;
• women who have obtained a medical or pharmaceutical specialty and are entering on the basis of the same specialty;
• women who declare themselves liable for military service.

At what stage is a military registration document required for enrollment in studies?

This is the most important practical question that concerns most applicants.

In accordance with the aforementioned Order, the enrollment of an applicant is carried out subject to his fulfillment of the full list of requirements (enrollment conditions), which include the following requirements:

• confirm the status of a conscript or reservist (for the relevant categories of applicants);
• confirm the completion of military service and permission from the military command for the training of a serviceman without separation from military service (for servicemen).

Our practice shows that applicants who postpone resolving issues with military registration "for later" often find themselves in a situation where they have received a recommendation but cannot confirm their place due to problems with documents. Result: loss of place.

How to submit a military registration document when enrolling in studies?

Through the applicant's electronic account

This method is suitable for those who have an account in the Reserve+ system. The applicant enters the following into the electronic account:

• account number in the Unified state register of conscripts, military conscripts and reservists;
• QR code of the military registration document.

Based on this data, the admissions committee uses technical means to check and verify the information in electronic or paper form.

Important: An electronic military ID is considered valid only if there are no marks of offenses - in particular, "wanted" or "violation of military registration rules." The presence of such marks actually makes enrollment impossible until they are removed.

In person to the admissions committee

Paper military ID is submitted by those whose document was issued before the entry into force of Law № 3633-IX of April 11, 2024. Such old-style documents are still valid and are accepted by admissions committees.

Deferral from mobilization for students: connection with admission to studies

The issue of military registration document is inextricably linked to the issue of deferment from conscription, because it is enrollment in a university that is the basis for obtaining it.

Pursuant to Article 23 of the Law of Ukraine "On mobilization training and mobilization" (№ 3543-XII): "for a special period, students of professional pre-higher and higher education, who are studying full-time or dually and who obtain a level of education that is higher than the previously obtained level of education, are not subject to conscription for military service during mobilization".

In practice, this means the following:

• Full-time and dual-study students who are obtaining a certain level of education for the first time (for example, a bachelor's degree after high school, a master's degree after a bachelor's degree) are entitled to a deferral.
• Not entitled to a deferral: persons obtaining a second higher education of the same level, students of correspondence studies.
• The main supporting document is Certificate № 9, issued by the USEDE.

However, there are many pitfalls here. Our experts recommend that if you have any doubts about whether your situation complies with the requirements of the law, it is better to consult before entering, not after.

Typical problems and risks to be aware of in advance

Here is a list of situations in which applicants most often seek legal assistance:

1. A note about violations in Reserve+, which makes enrollment impossible.
2. Not being registered - if a man of the appropriate age has never registered. Enrollment is impossible.
3. An improper document. Enrollment is impossible.
4. A serviceman without permission from the command - without an appropriate document from the military unit, enrollment is also impossible.
5. Obtaining a second higher education - the applicant will be enrolled, but will lose the right to a deferral. This should be taken into account before submitting documents.
6. Obtaining education after a previous expulsion and renewal or re-enrollment - USEDE will consider this as a violation of the sequence, which makes it impossible to receive a deferral.

In most cases, these issues can be resolved, but it takes time and the right sequence of actions.

If you or your child have questions about military registration documents, Reserve+ marks, deferrals, or the legality of refusal to enroll - the law firm Prikhodko&Partners is ready to provide professional advice.