Defence Academy

Building your resilience, defending the future of Estonia.

📍 Tartu, Estonia 🇪🇪

Quick Facts about Defence Academy

  • Intakes: Fall

Information for International Students at Defence Academy

Defence Academy in Tartu, Estonia welcomes international students.

  • No visa support offered
  • No on-campus work
  • Student housing available

Programs at Defence Academy (12 programs)

Defence Academy offers 12 programs across Bachelor, Master levels.

Bachelor Programs (8)

  • Basic Officer Training Course (Sõjaväeline juhtimine) (BSc) — 36 months · Estonian
    This program prepares officers for leadership roles at the platoon and company levels in the Estonian Defence Forces and Defence League, providing a balanced education in military and civilian subjects. Graduates are guaranteed employment in the Defence Forces with a starting salary of €2450.
    Field: Military Leadership
    Career outcomes: Platoon Commander, Company Commander
    Deadline: January-March
  • Navy (Mereväe õppesuund) (BSc) — 36 months · Estonian
    This specialization within the Basic Officer Training Course prepares officers for roles within the navy. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in the Estonian Defence Forces.
    Field: Military Leadership (Navy)
    Career outcomes: Platoon Commander (Navy), Company Commander (Navy)
    Deadline: January-March
  • Land Forces (Maaväe õppesuund) (BSc) — 36 months · Estonian
    This specialization within the Basic Officer Training Course focuses on preparing officers for roles such as infantry, armored infantry, signals, pioneer, air defense, artillery, or logistics within the land forces. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in the Estonian Defence Forces.
    Field: Military Leadership (Land Forces)
    Career outcomes: Platoon Commander (Land Forces), Company Commander (Land Forces)
    Deadline: January-March
  • Air Force (Õhuväe õppesuund) (BSc) — 36 months · Estonian
    This specialization within the Basic Officer Training Course prepares officers for roles within the air force. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in the Estonian Defence Forces.
    Field: Military Leadership (Air Force)
    Career outcomes: Platoon Commander (Air Force), Company Commander (Air Force)
    Deadline: January-March
  • Basic Officer Training Course (Sõjaväeline juhtimine) (BSc) — 36 months · Estonian
    This program prepares officers for leadership roles at the platoon and company levels in the Estonian Defence Forces and Defence League, providing a balanced education in military and civilian subjects. Graduates are guaranteed employment in the Defence Forces with a starting salary of €2450.
    Field: Military Leadership
    Career outcomes: Platoon Commander, Company Commander
    Deadline: January-March
  • Navy (Mereväe õppesuund) (BSc) — 36 months · Estonian
    This specialization within the Basic Officer Training Course prepares officers for roles within the navy. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in the Estonian Defence Forces.
    Field: Military Leadership (Navy)
    Career outcomes: Platoon Commander (Navy), Company Commander (Navy)
    Deadline: January-March
  • Land Forces (Maaväe õppesuund) (BSc) — 36 months · Estonian
    This specialization within the Basic Officer Training Course focuses on preparing officers for roles such as infantry, armored infantry, signals, pioneer, air defense, artillery, or logistics within the land forces. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in the Estonian Defence Forces.
    Field: Military Leadership (Land Forces)
    Career outcomes: Platoon Commander (Land Forces), Company Commander (Land Forces)
    Deadline: January-March
  • Air Force (Õhuväe õppesuund) (BSc) — 36 months · Estonian
    This specialization within the Basic Officer Training Course prepares officers for roles within the air force. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in the Estonian Defence Forces.
    Field: Military Leadership (Air Force)
    Career outcomes: Platoon Commander (Air Force), Company Commander (Air Force)
    Deadline: January-March

Master Programs (2)

  • Advanced Officer Training Course (Master's degree in Military Science and Technology) (MSc) — 24 months · Estonian · $1,700/yr · STEM
    This two-year master's program deepens general and professional knowledge, providing specialized training for junior staff officers of an infantry battalion or brigade, or wartime battalion commanders. Graduates can continue to higher staff officers' training courses.
    Field: Military Science and Technology
    Career outcomes: Junior Staff Officer (Infantry Battalion), Junior Staff Officer (Brigade), Wartime Battalion Commander
  • Advanced Officer Training Course (Master's degree in Military Science and Technology) (MSc) — 24 months · Estonian · $1,700/yr · STEM
    This two-year master's program deepens general and professional knowledge, providing specialized training for junior staff officers of an infantry battalion or brigade, or wartime battalion commanders. Graduates can continue to higher staff officers' training courses.
    Field: Military Science and Technology
    Career outcomes: Junior Staff Officer (Infantry Battalion), Junior Staff Officer (Brigade), Wartime Battalion Commander

Scholarships & Tuition at Defence Academy

Visit the university's financial aid page for the latest scholarship information.

Campus & Facilities at Defence Academy

  • Student housing available
  • No sports facilities
  • No disability support info

Key Highlights

  • Higher education for military officers
  • NATO accredited staff officer training
  • Center for Applied Warfare Research
  • Modern military simulation and technology
  • Master’s degrees in military leadership
  • Officer training for all services

Fields of Study at Defence Academy

  • Military Science
  • Security Studies

Frequently Asked Questions about Defence Academy

What is Defence Academy?

Defence Academy is a university located in Tartu, Estonia. .

How many programs does Defence Academy offer?

Defence Academy offers 12 programs: 8 Bachelor's, 2 Master's, and 0 PhD programs across various fields of study.

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