Medical universities in Ukraine will introduce mandatory military departments
Starting in the 2026–2027 academic year, military departments will be established at all medical universities in Ukraine. Medical students will undergo mandatory military training and will receive an officer’s rank upon graduation.
This was announced by Health Minister Viktor Lyashko during question time with the government in the Verkhovna Rada.
According to him, this decision is part of the implementation of current legislation, which requires the integration of military training into the medical education system.
Lyashko emphasized that all medical students will automatically acquire the status of conscripts and, upon completion of their studies, will receive the rank of medical service officer.
Starting with the new academic year, future medical professionals:
- undergo mandatory military training during their studies
- acquire the status of conscripts
- receive the rank of medical service officer upon graduation
The reform is part of an effort to modernize the training system for military medical personnel to meet the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Previously, a mechanism was introduced that allows civilian medical professionals to receive officer ranks through a simplified procedure.
Now, the training of medical service officers will become an integral part of the educational process at medical universities.
In late April, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed laws extending martial law and general mobilization.
