Military service deferment: Students forced into uniform at 25 – strong backlash over defense ministry plans
Strong reactions have been triggered by a draft bill from the Ministry of National Defense titled “Transition Map of the Armed Forces to the New Era”, as it significantly tightens the framework for granting deferments from compulsory military service. The proposed changes directly affect thousands of university students, PhD candidates, young professionals, and Greeks living abroad.
Under the new provisions, many students would be required to enlist even before completing their studies, marking a sharp departure from the flexibility that has applied until now.
What changes in study-related deferments
According to the bill, deferments for educational reasons would be limited as follows:
University students (AEI): deferment granted only up to n+2 years of study, meaning that in many faculties compulsory enlistment would occur as early as the age of 25
PhD candidates: deferment up to the age of 30, instead of up to 33 as previously allowed under certain conditions
Students of higher vocational training schools: deferment only until the age of 22
Medical students particularly affected
Medical students and graduates have reacted strongly to the abolition of the deferment up to the age of 33, which previously allowed them to complete their medical specialization before serving. Similar concerns have been raised by doctoral candidates, whose age limit for deferment would drop from 33 to 30.
Students also describe as highly problematic the provision requiring a mandatory interruption of studies during military service. According to student representatives, the removal of the right for conscripts to participate in examination periods is unacceptable, as it would inevitably delay graduation for those called to serve while still enrolled.
The draft legislation has sparked widespread criticism from student unions and academic circles, who warn that the measures undermine educational continuity and disproportionately burden young people pursuing long-term studies.
