Armenia plans military service exemption for graduates of top global universities

(Horizon Weekly) – The Armenian government is preparing to change its conscription rules so that citizens who complete full-time studies at one of the world’s top 50 universities will no longer be required to serve in the military, provided they return home and work in the country.

Under the draft regulation, students enrolled in bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral programmes at institutions listed among the top 50 in the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities would qualify for this exemption. After graduation, beneficiaries must live and be employed in Armenia for at least three years to secure the exemption from compulsory service.

The proposal comes from the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport and has already been endorsed by a parliamentary committee. Education Minister Zhanna Andreasyan explained that the idea aims to encourage highly educated Armenians abroad to return and contribute their expertise to domestic sectors, including science, the economy, healthcare, and technology.

Andreasyan noted that although Armenia already permits students studying at elite universities to defer military service, many do not return after completing their studies. Since 2018, about 650 students have received such deferments, but the vast majority remain abroad, and only a handful have returned and completed their military service.

The updated legislation would strengthen incentives for graduates to come back and work in Armenia, with the government hoping this policy will help mitigate labour shortages and better integrate highly trained professionals into the country’s workforce.