Studying at a university or college is not only a step toward a future profession but also one of the real ways to obtain a lawful deferment from mobilization. But does a student truly have the right to protection? Is it enough just to be studying in order not to receive a draft notice?

The law firm “Olson Lviv” works with mobilization issues every day. We not only know the law but also see how these norms are applied in practice — with all the difficulties, mistakes, and absurd situations that occur in the Territorial Recruitment Centers (TRCs). And in this article, we will explain how a student can protect their right to deferment — clearly, without legalese or unnecessary formalities.

Right to Deferment: What Does the Law Say?

Let’s start with the main point — deferment for students is provided by law, specifically by the Law of Ukraine “On Mobilization Preparation and Mobilization.” It applies to those who are studying full-time or in a dual form and are receiving a higher level of education for the first time in the legally established sequence.

And it is precisely this “sequence” that causes the most questions. According to Article 10 of the Law “On Education,” it looks roughly like this: first, obtaining basic general secondary education, then complete secondary education, next — professional pre-higher education (technical school or college), after that a bachelor’s degree, and only then a master’s degree. Breaking this chronology means losing the right to deferment.

For example, if you finished college and enrolled in a bachelor’s program — everything is fine. If after your bachelor’s you entered a master’s — also fine. But if you already have a bachelor’s diploma and enrolled again at the same level, or enrolled in college after your master’s — this is no longer considered sequential education. In this case, you will not be granted deferment.

You should be especially careful in situations when a student was expelled and then reinstated a year or two later. Everything depends on whether this reinstatement is correctly reflected in the EDEBO database — because it is the source of official information.

Certificate from EDEBO: Not Just a Piece of Paper, But the Basis for Protection

According to Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 560, the only official document confirming a student’s right to deferment is a certificate from the Unified State Electronic Database on Education (EDEBO). It is issued by the educational institution using Form No. 9.

This certificate has a key note — whether the sequence of education has been followed. If it says “Yes — sequence not violated,” then the student has the right to deferment. If it says “No” — this is an automatic refusal, even if the student is actually studying and not for the first time.

And importantly: it is not the TRC that makes the decision, but the educational institution itself that indicates in the certificate whether the student has the right to deferment.

How to Submit Documents and What About “Reserv+”?

As of 2025, the main way to submit an application for deferment is through the online platform “Reserv+,” where you need to send a request and wait for confirmation. But this system has serious problems: for some, confirmation appears within a few days, for others — it never arrives, or the system issues a refusal without explanation.

Therefore, the most important thing is to have a correct certificate from EDEBO in hand, rather than simply pressing buttons in the app. If the system does not work, you should contact the TRC directly with the document package:

• EDEBO certificate (Form No. 9);

• copy of student ID card or academic record book;

• copy of the enrollment order;

• passport and tax code.

What if You Are Studying Abroad or at a Private University?

This is a very sensitive topic. The law does not directly prohibit deferment for those studying abroad. But… foreign universities cannot issue an EDEBO certificate, and without it, the TRC does not accept any confirmations. The same applies to many private universities in Ukraine, especially online universities — if their database is not synchronized with EDEBO or there are licensing problems, the student ends up “between heaven and earth.”

In such cases, the only way to protect oneself is to go to court. And such cases are already being won — both in Ukrainian courts and with the help of Olson’s lawyers.

Typical Mistakes and Difficult Situations

In practice, we see dozens of cases where students lost their chance at deferment due to minor details:

• Reinstatement at the same level of education, which the EDEBO system interprets as a violation of the sequence;

• Incorrect completion of the certificate by the educational institution;

• Lack of a license at the university or problems with database synchronization;

• Confidence that a certificate from the dean’s office is the same as the certificate from EDEBO (in fact — it is not).

When something goes wrong, it is important not to lose time. It is precisely the deadlines for document submission, timely application, the correct form of the certificate, and a properly drafted accompanying statement that determine whether the student will receive deferment or not.

What About Changes in the Law?

In April 2025, information appeared that the Cabinet of Ministers approved a new draft law that could change the rules for granting deferment to students. In particular, it concerns the cancellation of the right to deferment for men aged 25+ who are receiving education repeatedly, or for those who started studying abroad after February 24, 2022.

But — and this is very important — the draft law has not been registered in the Verkhovna Rada, it has not been published, has not been reviewed by committees, and certainly has not been adopted. All this information is merely a social media post by a deputy.

Therefore, as of today, only the current norms apply — they are the legal basis for deferment, and it is them you should refer to when contacting the TRC.

Summary: What Should a Student Do?

If you are currently studying or planning to enroll, remember a few key points:

• Your education must be sequential, without repeats and jumps between levels.

• The form of education must be full-time or dual.

• The EDEBO certificate is the only official document confirming your right to deferment.

• “Reserv+” is only a tool, not a guarantee. In complex cases — contact a lawyer.

If you have had interruptions, transfers, complicated circumstances with the institution, or have already received a refusal — do not delay. The military lawyers of the law firm “Olson Lviv” have experience with hundreds of cases, know how to act correctly, and are ready to help you through the entire process — from consultation to court protection.

If you have questions — contact us, and we will figure out your situation together.