National defence education

According to the Defence Forces Organization Act, KVA is a structural unit of the Defence Forces and, at the same time, a higher education institution within the meaning of the Intitutions of Professional Higher Education Act. KVA is a promoter of military-related research and development in the Republic of Estonia and cooperates with various partners both from Estonia and abroad.

KVA's compliance with international standards in terms of management, operational organization, educational and research activities, and the learning and research environment is confirmed by the Estonian Quality Agency for Higher and Vocational Education (EKKA), which has accredited KVA.

Higher education
The KVA offers three applied higher education (undergraduate) military leadership programs for the preparation of officers in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The duration of the KVA Army program is three years, the Navy program is three years in cooperation with the Estonian Maritime Academy, and the Air Force program is three years in cooperation with the Estonian Aviation Academy. Graduates receive applied higher education in military leadership and the rank of Second Lieutenant.

The military leadership applied higher education programs at KVA are divided into modules, which group similar subjects and topics into comprehensive units. The curriculum consists of general and military leadership, technical subjects, pedagogy, research, and specialization modules. In addition to military subjects, cadets are introduced to the humanities and social sciences, natural and exact sciences, and study languages.

The curricula are designed based on the primary functions of an officer’s work environment, enabling graduates to perform tasks as leaders, administrators, educators, diplomats, and technicians.

Master's studies
The two-year master's program deepens the general and professional knowledge and skills acquired and offers more specialized studies.
The master's program allows further studies in the previously acquired specialty and prepares students for service in an infantry battalion and brigade staff, or as a wartime battalion commander or equivalent positions. Graduates receive a master's degree in military science and technology.
The master's degree program in military leadership at the Defence Forces Academy consists of three main parts: core and orientation modules, and specialization modules. The core and orientation courses provide cadets with a comprehensive and modern academic education that meets the requirements and challenges set for the defence forces and the state, in addition to military disciplines. In addition to mandatory courses, cadets have the option to choose electives from various subject areas.

The goal of the orientation studies is to specialize in the knowledge and skills required at the level of battalion commander and staff officer. Officers specializing in infantry acquire expertise in infantry battalion and brigade staff intelligence officers, operational officers, and battalion staff chief skills.

After completing the specialization course, officers carry out tasks during practical exercises based on their specialty. All officers also receive general staff training.
After completing the core and orientation courses, future officers can continue their studies in specific military fields, such as infantry, communications, engineering, air defence, artillery, or logistics.

After completing a mid-level course and exemplary service in the Defence Forces, officers can continue their studies at the Baltic Defence College, located in the same building as the Defence Forces Academy, to receive senior staff officer training.

The nominal duration of the master's program is two years, and the program is worth 120 ECTS (80 credit points).

Vocational education
The Defence Forces Academy’s Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) basic course is the foundational training for senior NCOs in the military career system. Graduates receive vocational education in military leadership, and the completion of the full program is a prerequisite for promotion to the rank of Junior Sergeant.

The aim of the Senior NCO Basic Course (VAPK), or Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Military Leadership program, is to:
 

• Provide foundational training for senior NCOs at all branches of the Estonian Defence Forces and the Defence League.
• Graduates of the program will be capable of serving as assistants and instructors at the level of squad/team/section commanders in peacetime and as unit commanders in wartime.

The curriculum allows specialization in the Army, Navy, or Air Force. In the Army specialization, it is possible to choose infantry, armored infantry, engineering, air defense, artillery, communications, logistics, or military police. The specialization module is worth 30 ECTS.

The Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL), located in Tartu, is a higher military educational institution founded by the Baltic States, aiming to provide professional military education at the operational and strategic levels. The college’s educational program includes four courses: the Senior Leaders' Course, the Higher Command Studies Course, the Joint Command and General Staff Course, and the Civil Servants' Course.

Since 2019, a new course, the Senior Enlisted Leaders' Course, has also been added. Additionally, the Baltic Defence College organises short-term refresher courses that are open to participation for allies and partners through the NATO course catalog.
The Baltic Defence College also hosts annual conferences on Russian and Baltic military history.

The college focuses on the analysis of modern military conflicts, planning of joint operations, and forecasting future trends, while being oriented towards the defense and security specifics of small countries.