The Russian All-Russian State Institute of Cinematography named after S. A. Gerasimov (VGIK) has begun offering guaranteed admission to its operator faculty in exchange for signing a one-year contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense to serve in drone units, according to the independent publication Echo.
VGIK announced the recruitment of a “special cinematography group.” Applications for admission are being accepted from July to October 2026. Candidates must pass an interview, sign an agreement with the university, and commit to a one-year contract to serve in the drone forces. Studies for this group are set to begin in 2027.
Benefits for applicants and contract terms
In return for their service, the institute promises applicants a state-funded place without entrance exams or competition, free accommodation in a dormitory, “veteran of combat operations status” with corresponding benefits, and “expanded technical and financial opportunities” for student film projects. The announcement states: “If you dreamed of studying at the world’s first film school—the legendary VGIK—this is your chance.” The university did not specify how many places are available.
VGIK is not the first educational institution to offer free tuition in exchange for service in drone units. Similar offers have already been made by the Higher School of Economics and the Irkutsk Polytechnic Institute. Such agreements have emerged as the Russian Ministry of Defense faces challenges in meeting recruitment goals for its drone units.
Legally, the contract with the drone units is a standard military contract that will remain in effect until the end of mobilization. Lawyers note that even after the specified contract term expires, the military command is not obliged to discharge the serviceman. In practice, discharge from service typically requires “exceptional circumstances.”
Source: Novaya Gazeta
