Forty-seven of Russia’s 50 top universities are advertising Defense Ministry contracts to students, investigation finds

Forty-seven out of Russia's 50 leading universities are promoting Defense Ministry contracts to students, according to an investigation by the independent news outlet Novaya Gazeta Europe. Utilizing the RAEX's 2026 ranking of Russia's top 50 universities, the journalists examined the schools' websites and social media, student testimonials, and media reports.

Out of these, 44 universities directly advertise contract military service on their digital platforms. The Higher School of Economics, RANEPA, and Moscow Aviation Institute primarily promote enlistment in the Unmanned Systems Forces. Twelve universities orchestrated special recruitment events emphasizing the advantages of serving in the Unmanned Systems Forces.

Three institutions—Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Moscow Engineering Physics Institute, and Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas—introduced specialized drone classes. Meanwhile, 32 of the 50 top universities now offer programs related to drone development or operation. Reports of students being recruited to sign contracts with the Defense Ministry and deployed to combat in Ukraine's ongoing invasion emerged in late 2025.

University leaders were reportedly instructed by Science and Higher Education Minister Valery Falkov in early 2026 to ensure at least 2% of students signed such contracts. The Defense Ministry aims to enlist 78,800 individuals in the Unmanned Systems Forces by year-end, with 58,000 to be sourced from students, drone operation graduates, former aviation unit service members, and qualified female trainees.