Russia's top film school offers free admission in exchange for one-year drone forces contract
Russia’s Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography (VGIK) has begun offering prospective students guaranteed admission to its cinematography department in exchange for signing a one-year contract with the Defence Ministry to serve in drone units, independent media outlet Echo has reported.
VGIK has announced the recruitment of a “special cinematography group”, with applications open from July through October 2026. Candidates must pass an interview, sign an agreement with the university, and sign a one-year contract to serve in the drone forces. The group is due to begin its studies in 2027.
In return, the institute is promising recruits a state-funded place with no entrance exams or competition, free dormitory housing, “combat veteran” status with its accompanying benefits, and what the announcement calls “expanded technical and financial opportunities” for student film projects.
“If you've dreamed of studying at the world's first film school — the legendary VGIK — this is your chance,” the announcement reads. The university has not said how many places are on offer.
VGIK is not the first to dangle free tuition for drone service: the Higher School of Economics and Irkutsk Polytechnic have made similar offers. Such deals have proliferated as the Defence Ministry has struggled to fill recruitment targets for its drone units.
A contract with the drone forces is, legally speaking, an ordinary military contract, which will remain in force until mobilisation ends. Lawyers note that even after the contract's stated term expires, military commanders are under no obligation to discharge the servicemember. In practice, they say, release from service generally requires “exceptional circumstances”.
