Why VYI NLU
Diploma from a leading law university
Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University is one of the most prestigious law schools in Ukraine. A bachelor's or master's degree in law together with the conferral of an officer's rank.
A unique specialization
Criminal, administrative, international humanitarian and military law — plus tactical training, marksmanship, and UAV operation. No such combination exists anywhere else in Ukraine.
A broad job market
Graduates serve in the legal departments of the AFU, the Ministry of Defense, the Military Law Enforcement Service, the SBU, the National Guard, the Border Guard Service and the State Special Transport Service.
International cooperation
Participation in the NATO Defense Education Enhancement Programme, cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), international internships and conferences.
Social protection for cadets
Full state support: free education, uniform, meals, dormitory and a monetary allowance. Upon graduation — the officer rank of lieutenant of justice.
Modern combat training
Beyond law — marksmanship and tactical training, UAV operation, L-1A and L-1B professional military education courses. Real skills at the level of a combat officer.
VYI NLU in numbers
A brief history
Unique in its kind.
The Military Law Institute of Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University is a unique institution with no equivalent in Ukraine. It combines two things that usually exist separately: quality legal education from one of the best law universities, and full-fledged officer military training.
Founded in 1996 by decree of the President of Ukraine, it went from a faculty to an independent institute in 2019. Over the years, VYI has trained thousands of officer-lawyers who today serve in all the key security agencies of the state — from AFU staffs to intelligence and the border guard agency.
During the full-scale invasion, VYI graduates have taken an active part in documenting war crimes, protecting the rights of service members, and providing legal support for AFU operations.
Departments and Educational Programmes
Department No. 1: General Military Disciplines
- Tactics and general tactics
- Statutes of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
- Small arms and fire training
- Military topography
- Communications and unit command and control
- Physical training
- CBRN protection and engineer training
- NATO tactical procedures
- Moral and psychological training
Department No. 2: National Security and Legal Work
- Legal work in the AFU
- National security of Ukraine
- Constitutional and administrative law
- Legal regulation in the field of defense
- Legal protection in armed conflicts
- Fundamentals of civil-law relations
Department No. 3: Military Law
- Criminal law and criminal procedure
- Administrative law and procedure
- International humanitarian law (IHL)
- Military law
- Legal documentation and legal drafting
- Judicial proceedings in the AFU
- Liability for war crimes
Department No. 4: Reserve Officer Training
- For NLU students of all faculties
- 2 years of study in parallel with the main programme
- Admission of documents: 1 May – 1 August
- Qualification exam + training camp
- Conferral of reserve officer rank
081 Law
- Bachelor's (4 years)
- Master's
- Lieutenant of Justice
262 Law Enforcement Activity
- Bachelor's (4 years)
- Master's
- Lieutenant of Justice
Where graduates serve
- Ministry of Defense of Ukraine — the MOD's legal department, legal support for decisions in the field of defense
- Armed Forces of Ukraine — legal services of formations, legal work in brigade and division staffs
- Military Law Enforcement Service — investigating crimes in the AFU, maintaining law and order in military units
- SBU and intelligence — the Security Service of Ukraine, the Foreign Intelligence Service — legal branch
- National Guard of Ukraine — the NGU's legal unit, legal support for operational activity
- Border Guard Service and SSTS — the State Border Guard Service and the State Special Transport Service of the MOD — legal units
Admission
Cadet status
Applicants are enrolled as cadets from day one. Study is funded by the state. In the 4th year of study, the rank of lieutenant of justice is conferred. The duration of study is 4 years (bachelor's) or 5 years (master's).
Applicant requirements
A citizen of Ukraine, aged 17–30, with complete general secondary education, fit by health condition, with an appropriate level of physical fitness.
Submission of documents
By 1 July — through the TCC and social support center at your place of residence, or directly to the admissions board of VYI NLU. Required: passport, school certificate, medical certificate.
Selection and entrance examinations
Psychological testing, a medical board, an assessment of physical fitness. Based on the results of the NMT/EIT or entrance examinations held directly at the institute.
Questions and Answers
Is VYI a separate educational institution?
No. VYI is a structural unit of Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University. Cadets study on the university's premises but hold the status of service members and receive corresponding support.
Is enrollment possible without prior service experience?
Yes. VYI accepts civilian youth from age 17 after 11th grade. Prior service experience is not required.
What diploma is awarded after graduation?
A state-issued diploma of higher education from Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University (bachelor's or master's), together with orders conferring officer rank.
Where is the institute located?
Kharkiv, 4 Dynamivska St. Study takes place on the premises of NLU — one of the oldest universities in Ukraine (founded 1804).
What is the Department of Reserve Officers?
A separate programme for civilian students of NLU from any faculty. Parallel study for 2 years with conferral of reserve officer rank — without transferring to cadet status.
How to contact the institute?
Phone: +380 (50) 583-34-71. Email: [email protected]. Telegram channel: t.me/military_law_institute. Applicant bot: t.me/vui_vstup_bot
