An investigation by Novaya Gazeta Europe found that 47 of Russia's top 50 universities are actively recruiting students to sign contracts with the Defense Ministry. The outlet analyzed the 2026 ranking of Russia's best universities by Raex, along with university websites, social media posts, student reports, and media coverage.
Of these, 44 universities display recruitment ads directly on their websites and social media, with most targeting students for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) units. Twelve universities held special recruitment events. At three Moscow institutions — the Higher School of Economics (HSE), the Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA), and the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI) — students are invited to join the BARS 'Moscow' volunteer detachment, which specializes in counter-drone operations.
Bauman Moscow State Technical University, the Moscow Engineering Physics Institute (MEPhI), and the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas have introduced dedicated UAV training courses. Meanwhile, 32 of the top 50 universities offer educational programs related to drone development or operation, ranging from short courses to bachelor's and master's degrees. For example, Tomsk State University launched a five-year bachelor's program in 'Software and Hardware for Unmanned Aerial Systems,' and Southern Federal University offers a master's program in secure unmanned systems.
Recruitment tactics vary. HSE hosts drone festivals, St. Petersburg State University embeds recruitment questions into student satisfaction surveys, Kutafin Moscow State Law University (MSAL) organizes ceremonial send-offs for new recruits, and the Moscow State Linguistic University created a dedicated section on its website. Some universities promise students academic leave, stipends, or guaranteed budget-funded spots after service. Human rights advocates interviewed by the outlet warn that students are being promised 'just one year' of service, but this is a standard Defense Ministry contract that does not allow for early discharge and does not guarantee work as a drone operator.
Four universities have introduced mandatory recruitment quotas, according to Novaya Gazeta Europe: Plekhanov Russian University of Economics requires two students per month to sign contracts, Novosibirsk State Technical University plans to recruit 140 students, and the Russian State University for the Humanities aims for 200. Reports of student recruitment for Defense Ministry contracts first emerged in late 2025. The Faridaily project reported that in early 2026, Science and Higher Education Minister Valery Falkov told university rectors that at least 2% of students should sign contracts.