On April 10, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed Law No. 13347, which establishes a new curriculum titled “Foundations of National Resistance” for universities and colleges in Ukraine. This initiative replaces the previous model of military training in educational institutions.
The Ministry of Education and Science explained that the new curriculum aims to integrate training into the educational process, equipping students with the necessary knowledge and skills to foster national resilience. This shift moves away from the former basic military training model that required students to obtain a military accounting specialty.
The law extends the training for national resistance to all higher education students, regardless of gender. Special provisions are made for students with disabilities and those whose religious beliefs prohibit the use of weapons, allowing for alternative methods of learning this discipline.
Importantly, the study of “Foundations of National Resistance” will not require students to take a military oath, undergo medical examinations, report to military enlistment offices, participate in defense exercises, acquire military specialties, or gain military service status. The initiative aims to enhance the safety of participants within educational institutions.
The Ministry of Education will approve a standard educational program for this new discipline in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense.
The “Foundations of National Resistance” curriculum is set to replace the previous basic military training model (BMT) for university students, which mandated the acquisition of a military specialty. The BMT was included in educational programs as a separate course worth 10 ECTS credits, with three credits allocated to theoretical training conducted by educational institutions and seven credits for practical training at military academies and training centers.
For higher education students, the theoretical component of BMT is taught in the second year of study. As of March 2026, over 71,000 students, including approximately 3,000 female students who voluntarily participated, were enrolled in BMT. About 47,000 students have completed the theoretical training across 230 institutions, while others are expected to finish the course by May 2026.
This legislation was passed by the Ukrainian parliament on March 25.
Ukraine's new law introduces the "Foundations of National Resistance" curriculum, replacing previous military training models in higher education. This initiative aims to equip students with skills for national resilience while ensuring safety and inclusivity.