Armenian citizens educated at universities ranked among the world’s top 50 may be exempted from mandatory military service after working in Armenia for at least three years in a designated sector.
The process is regulated by Armenian government Decision No. 610-N of April 30, 2026, the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports reports.
Under the decision, a deferment from mandatory military conscription is granted to citizens enrolled full-time in bachelor’s, specialist diploma, integrated, master’s or postgraduate programs at institutions ranked among the top 50 in the Academic Ranking of World Universities, provided they intend to work in Armenia for at least three years after graduation. After fulfilling this requirement, a citizen may be exempted from mandatory military service under the established procedure.
To receive a deferment from mandatory military conscription, citizens must submit an application to the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports between April 1 and May 1 or between Oct. 1 and Nov. 1, attaching the required documents.
The decision aims to give citizens an opportunity to study at the world’s leading higher education institutions and subsequently use their acquired knowledge and professional skills to contribute to Armenia’s development and several strategically important sectors.
- Employment in public administration includes the Office of the President of Armenia, ministries, the Prime Minister’s Office, bodies subordinate to the government, prime minister and ministries, the National Assembly, judicial bodies and autonomous state bodies.
- In education and science, eligible employment includes scientific organizations operating in Armenia and educational institutions licensed in accordance with Armenian legislation.
- In the defense industry, employment must be at organizations approved under Order No. 2069-A of Sept. 2, 2026, issued by the Minister of High-Tech Industry and Artificial Intelligence.
- In the high-technology sector, eligible employment is at organizations approved under Order No. 2068-A of Sept. 2, 2026, issued by the Minister of High-Tech Industry and Artificial Intelligence.
- In healthcare, eligible organizations are those approved under Health Minister Order No. 4917-A of Aug. 26, 2026, as amended by Order No. 4999-A of Aug. 31, 2026.
- In the financial sector, eligible employment is at organizations approved under Central Bank Governor Decision No. 1/358 A of Aug. 28, 2026.
