Note: two of the institutions below — NUDU and UVMA — train serving officers and medical postgraduates rather than first-time cadets.
Hetman Petro Sahaidachnyi National Army Academy
LvivThe oldest military educational institution in Ukraine, founded in 1899. A leading center for training officers for all branches of the Ukrainian Ground Forces.
- Institute of Infantry — command of mechanized and assault units
- Institute of Missile Troops and Artillery — artillery reconnaissance and missile systems
- Institute of Engineer Troops — engineering support and fortification
- Institute of Moral and Psychological Support — unit morale, psychological resilience and support of personnel
Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
KyivAn interagency, multidisciplinary military training institution within Kyiv National University. Traces its history to a military department established in 1933; has existed as a separate institute since 1998. Trains professionals for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Border Guard Service and the Ministry of Defense, integrating NATO standards.
- Military translation, political science, psychology and journalism
- Finance and military economics, law enforcement in the Armed Forces
- Civil-military cooperation and international relations
- Geoinformation systems, resistance operations and public relations
Odesa Military Academy
OdesaA cross-branch higher military educational institution. Trains officers capable of leading some of the best combat units of Ukraine's Defense Forces, including the Marine Corps, Air Assault Forces, reconnaissance and Special Operations Forces.
- Air Assault Forces and Marine Corps
- Military intelligence and Special Operations Forces
- Logistics — supply, maintenance and materiel
- Missile and artillery armament and operation of military equipment
Military Institute of Telecommunications and Information Technologies named after Heroes of Kruty
KyivA leading military-technical educational institution that trains signal corps officers, cybersecurity specialists, DevOps engineers and IT professionals for Ukraine's security and defense forces.
- Computer science — mathematical and software support for military information systems
- Cybersecurity — information protection, cyber defense and cyber warfare
- Information systems — automated troop and weapons control systems
- Military communications, cyber intelligence and special equipment
Zhytomyr Military Institute named after S. P. Korolov
ZhytomyrA state higher education institution, founded in 1919. Home to a strong research tradition in radio engineering and developer of military-purpose robotic systems.
- Radio engineering and systems engineering
- Information and cyber security
- Air defense and anti-aircraft systems
- Development of military-purpose robotic systems
Military Institute of Tank Troops of NTU "KhPI"
KharkivA structural unit of the National Technical University "Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute". The main training base for professional personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine's tank troops.
- Command of tank unit operations
- Operation and repair of armored vehicles
- Armament and military equipment
- Tactics of armored unit employment
Ivan Kozhedub Kharkiv National Air Force University
KharkivUkraine's leading higher military educational institution specializing in aviation. Trains specialists for the Air Force, air defense and Ukrainian military aviation.
- Flight Faculty — training of military pilots
- Aviation Engineering Faculty — aircraft, helicopters, aircraft engines and aviation weapons
- Anti-aircraft missile troops — short- and medium-range air defense systems
- Radio engineering troops — radar systems and automated control systems
Naval Forces Institute of the National University "Odesa Maritime Academy"
OdesaThe only higher education institution in Ukraine that trains specialists for the Ukrainian Naval Forces. Founded in 2005 on the basis of the Odesa Maritime Academy. In July 2026, the President instructed the Cabinet of Ministers to establish a Naval Academy on its base; the reorganization is scheduled to be completed by 2028.
- Command of Naval Forces unit operations and Marine Corps
- Navigation and shiphandling
- Radio-technical equipment of ships and vessels
- Operation of shipboard weapons systems
National Defense University of Ukraine
KyivUkraine's leading higher military educational institution. Traces its history to military schools founded in 1913–1915; established in its current form in 1993. Trains senior command officers for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations.
- Operational-strategic planning and defense management
- Training of senior command personnel
- Military intelligence and security
- Military logistics and rear services
Military Law Institute of Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University
KharkivThe only educational institution in Ukraine that trains military lawyers. Provides the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other security and defense agencies with qualified legal professionals versed in military law.
- Military law and legal support of the Armed Forces
- Military justice and military judicial proceedings
- Legal expertise of regulatory acts in the field of defense
- Human rights compliance in wartime
Ukrainian Military Medical Academy
KyivA higher multidisciplinary military-medical educational and scientific institution of postgraduate education. Trains medical personnel for the Ministry of Defense and other security and defense agencies.
- Military therapy and surgery
- Organization of medical support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine
- Military field medicine and tactical medicine
- Medical support of combat operations and evacuation of the wounded
How to Enroll
These steps apply to Ukrainian citizens (TCC registration, NMT, a Ukrainian passport and taxpayer ID are required). Foreign nationals: see our page for international applicants.
- Review the institution cards on this page and open the detailed page of your chosen institution
- Decide on the specialty and branch of service you want to serve in
- Check the admission requirements on the official website of the chosen institution
- Contact your local territorial recruitment center (TCC) — the district military enlistment office
- Undergo a medical examination and receive a fitness category — A (fully fit) or B (fit with minor limitations)
- Pass psychological testing for admission to higher military educational institutions
- Receive a referral from the recruitment center to the chosen institution
- An application addressed to the head of the institution
- A document confirming education (certificate or diploma)
- National Multi-Subject Test (NMT) certificate (depending on the institution)
- Passport and taxpayer identification number
- Medical certificate and psychological selection findings
- 3×4 cm photographs — check the required number with the institution
- Physical fitness assessment (pull-ups, 100 m run, 3 km run)
- NMT certificate competition or entrance exams (depending on the institution)
- Interview with admissions board representatives
- Track the merit lists published on the institution's website
Frequently Asked Questions
Is studying at a military institution free of charge?
Yes. All cadet places are fully funded by the state. There is no tuition fee.
What does the state provide for cadets?
Free dormitory accommodation, three meals a day, a military uniform, medical care and a monthly allowance.
How much are cadets paid?
From UAH 8,000 in the first year, rising to UAH 20,000 or more for top students and senior-year cadets.
How many years is the study period?
4 years for a bachelor's degree, plus 1–2 more years for a master's degree. Graduates are commissioned as lieutenants.
Can I enroll after 9th grade?
No. Higher military educational institutions accept applicants after 11th grade or college. Applicants after 9th grade can enroll in military high schools (lyceums).
Is service after graduation mandatory?
Yes. Graduates are required to serve a contract term in the Ukrainian Armed Forces or other security and defense agencies. The duration is specified in the agreement signed upon admission.
Are women admitted to military institutions?
Yes. Most institutions admit women on equal terms. Physical standards differ by specialty — check with the institution.
How to prepare for the physical standards?
The main exercises are pull-ups, 100 m and 3 km runs. Exact pass marks depend on your age and sex and are set by each institution — ask the admissions board for the current benchmark table before you apply.
