Graduates of top-ranked universities will be exempt from mandatory military service if they work in Armenia for three years. Armenia’s National Assembly adopted amendments to the law “On Military Service and the Status of Servicemen” in the second reading and in full with 68 votes in favor, none against and 17 abstentions, Sputnik Armenia reported.

Under the new regulation, citizens who received a deferment to study at universities ranked within the top 50 of the Shanghai Ranking may be exempted from compulsory military service if they return to Armenia after completing their studies and work for at least three years in sectors determined by the Armenian government.

Education, Science, Culture and Sports Minister Zhanna Andreasyan said a study conducted among 57 young people who had already completed their studies showed the following results: only one served in the army after returning, four were engaged in research activities, 12 are currently wanted, and 40 citizens did not serve in the armed forces on various other grounds.

Under another draft initiative, the government has decided to support students admitted to the world’s top 50 universities by compensating tuition fees. Discussions are underway on providing assistance of up to 10 million drams.