Why NUDU
Strategic and operational art
Training at the highest command-and-staff level: operational planning, strategic leadership, and command of troops (forces) in contemporary armed conflicts.
All branches of the Armed Forces
Six institutes cover the Ground Forces, Air Force, Navy, Air Assault Forces, Special Operations Forces, Missile and Artillery Forces, logistics and support. The only center that trains officers of all branches.
NATO standards
Curricula are aligned with Alliance standards. Participation in NDC and NEC programmes, international exercises and experience exchange with NATO member states.
Science and doctoral studies
Training of Doctors of Philosophy in 10 specialties: 253, 254, 255, 256, 081 and others. Active research activity, the Center for Military-Strategic Studies.
Real combat experience
Instructors and students are participants of the ATO/JFO and the full-scale invasion. Curricula are continuously updated based on Ukraine's real combat experience.
Simulation Modelling Center
A modern simulation center with combat simulation systems, automated command posts, and operational- and strategic-level tactical games.
NUDU in numbers
From military schools to a higher school of strategy
Roots going back to 1913–1915, established in its current form in 1993.
The university traces its roots to military schools founded in Kyiv in 1913–1915, including the Second Kyiv Military Infantry School and the Nicholas Artillery School.
After Ukraine gained independence, the Academy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine — the first higher military school of the independent state — was established on 5 June 1993 by order of the Ministry of Defense. Since 2008 — the National University of Defense of Ukraine, the only higher military educational institution of strategic level in Ukraine.
Today the university trains more than a thousand graduates each year — operational- and strategic-level officers for all components of the security and defense sector.
Training institutes
Institute of State Military Administration (IDVU)
- K3 National Security
- 281 State Military Administration
- Master's + PhD
- Department of Troop Command and Control
- Department of Operational Art
- Department of National Security and Defense Strategy
Command and Staff Institute of Force Employment (KSI)
- K5/253 Military Management
- All branches of the AFU
- Master's
- Department of Ground Forces
- Department of Air Assault Forces
- Department of Special Operations Forces
- Department of Naval Forces Employment
- Department of Intelligence
- Department of Personnel Management and Force Training
Institute of Aviation and Air Defense (IAPPO)
- K5/253 Aviation
- K5/253 Air Defense
- Unmanned systems
- Department of Aviation
- Department of the Air Force
- Department of Radio-Technical and Special Troops
- Department of Air Force Logistics
Institute of Logistics and Force Support (IOZL)
- K6/254 Support
- Logistics · Rear Services · Engineering
- Master's + PhD
- Department of Rear Support
- Department of Engineer Support
- Department of Geospatial Support and Space Systems Employment
- Department of Economics and Financial Support
- Department of Information Technology and Information Security Application
Educational and Scientific Institute of Military History, Law and Social Sciences (GI)
- K6 Legal Support
- K6 Military History
- PhD 081 Law
- Department of Military History of Ukraine
- Department of Military Law and Law Enforcement
- Department of Social Sciences
- Department of the History of Wars and the Art of War
Educational and Scientific Institute of Physical Culture and Sports and Health Technologies (NNIFP)
- 017 Physical Culture and Sport
- Bachelor's + Master's
- PhD 017
- Department of Physical Education, Special Physical Training and Sport
Admission to NUDU
Admission requirement
NUDU is not an institution of initial military education. The university's students are career officers of the Armed Forces and other components of the security sector. Study is undertaken on referral from the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine or the relevant agency. Prior officer education and service experience are required for admission.
Referral from the Ministry of Defense
Candidates are selected and referred for study by the Ministry of Defense or the relevant agency. The requirement is officer rank and experience in command (staff) work.
Entrance examinations
Competitive selection based on an interview, a physical fitness assessment and a motivation letter. Knowledge of a foreign language is an advantage.
Study and diploma
The duration of master's study is 1–2 years (depending on the programme). Upon completion — a state-issued master's diploma and advancement in classification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a civilian enroll at NUDU?
The main master's programmes (K5, K6, K3) are for career officers only. Doctoral studies (PhD) and some programmes under specialty 281 may be open to civilian specialists in the defense and security field.
What is the form of study at the university?
Mostly full-time — students are seconded for study from their units. There are also correspondence programmes and advanced training courses (short courses) without leaving one's service.
Are NUDU's qualifications recognized by NATO?
Yes. The university has cooperation agreements with the U.S. National Defense University (NDU), the Bundeswehr Command and Staff College, and other allied educational institutions.
What is a 'student' as opposed to a 'cadet'?
A student is already a commissioned officer pursuing a higher level of education. A cadet is a student of initial military education (as at NASV or KhNUPS). NUDU trains students exclusively.
What research work does the university conduct?
The Center for Military-Strategic Studies publishes scientific journals and analytical papers for the General Staff. Departments conduct research in military strategy, operational art and support.
Where is the university located?
Kyiv, 28 Povitryanykh Syl Avenue. The main academic building stands on the former site of the 1914 artillery school. Nearby is the Simulation Modelling Center and training command posts.
Does NUDU have programmes for foreign officers?
Yes. The Educational and Scientific Center for International Peacekeeping Activity trains officers for participation in UN peacekeeping missions. The university accepts foreign students under international programmes.
How long does it take to earn a master's degree?
The research-oriented programme takes 2 years, the professional programme 1 year (for certain specializations). Advanced training courses — from 1 month. Doctoral studies (PhD) — 4 years.
