The Ministry of National Education has proposed recognizing participation in a special military operation as an individual achievement for university admissions. This initiative appeared on the portal that publishes information related to the preparation of regulatory legal acts. It signals a shift toward acknowledging real-world service and personal resilience in the admissions process and aligns with broader discussions about how to value varied experiences in higher education applications.
The documents advocate updating paragraph 45 of the admission procedure for secondary vocational education programs. The aim is to ensure that individual achievements, including service experiences, are formally taken into account during the application review. This clarification would streamline recognition of experiences gained outside the classroom and relate them directly to admission criteria, making the process more transparent for applicants and admissions committees alike.
Specifically, the proposal suggests listing military service in the Russian Federation Armed Forces under various forms of service—conscription, contract, or mobilization—as a qualifying achievement. It also covers time spent in volunteer formations that assist units of the Armed Forces or the National Guard during a special operation in regions such as Ukraine, the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, as well as in Zaporozhye and Kherson regions. The emphasis is on the value of service to national security and the ability to work in demanding, uncertain environments, which are qualities admissions boards often seek in capable students.
Earlier, Interfax reported, citing the press service of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, that in 2024 Russian universities significantly increased the number of applications accepted within the quota for participants of the special military operation and their relatives. This trend reflects a broader policy objective to encourage and recognize military service as a driver of opportunity in higher education and to expand access for candidates connected to service members or their families.
A recent anecdote from a student connected to a service member illustrates how these changes could affect individual trajectories. A son of a service member who had previously been expelled from a first-class program reportedly re-enrolled in a prominent technical university. This example underscores ongoing shifts in admissions practices and the importance of supportive pathways for students as policies evolve to reflect diverse life experiences and responsibilities beyond traditional academic records. and related institutional statements.