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Studying at the National Defence University The National Defence University offers university classes to approximately 900 people annually and continuing training to approximately 1,000 people. This page brings together general information useful ...

Heritage Association The National Defence University's Heritage Association strives to upkeep and develop the traditions of officer education and to increase a sense of belonging among university personnel. The association also functions as an alu...

War College The War College is under the command of the Rector of the National Defence University and it is responsible for the General Staff Officer Course and its execution. It is also responsible for the planning, execution and development of t...

Tactical Command and Staff College The Tactical Command and Staff College (Taistelukoulu) is located in Santahamina, Helsinki. It was formerly known as Master's Degree Programme of the National Defence University (NDU), and prior to the establishm...

Impact of teaching Responsibility and interaction Impact of teaching The teaching at the National Defence University is based on responsible, networked and effective competence, within which future officers are trained, keeping up with the times. ...

Impact of research Responsibility and interaction Valitse kieli Suomi Välj språket Svenska Select language English Impact of teaching The teaching provided at the National Defence University is based on responsible, networked and effective compete...

Strategy 2025–2030(+) The main task of the National Defence University is to provide the future officers of the Finnish Defence Forces and the Border Guard with the skills they need. The skills combine the knowledge gained during studies with the ...

Professors and Assistant Professors Professors of the National Defence University (NDU) lead research in the chair they are holding and are in charge of implementing teaching together with other instructors in their departments. The National Defen...

Impact of research Responsibility and interaction Impact of teaching The teaching at the National Defence University is based on responsible, networked and effective competence, within which future officers are trained, keeping up with the times. ...

23.3.2026 | "Studying tactics" is a clear, instruction-oriented textbook with direct connections to the research process. The textbook is designed to support the teaching of operational art and tactics research, as well as the writing of a thesis.

26.8.2025 | The 109th Cadet Course and the 92st Midshipman Course graduate from the Bachelor of Military Sciences programme on 29 August 2025. The Supreme Commander of the Finnish Defence Forces, President of the Republic Alexander Stubb will promote the 173 graduates to the rank of Lieutenant in the Presidential Palace's Hall of State. The graduation day with its traditional ceremonies will be a memorable event for the young officers.

15.7.2025 | Swiss Mannerheim Fellow, Major Robin Gubler, visited Finland for three weeks at the turn of May and June. The purpose of the visit was to familiarize himself with Finland and the Finnish Defence Forces. The visit was part of the Mannerheim Fellowship Programme between the Finnish and Swiss Armed Forces. The fellowship programme began in 1949, offering Finnish officers the opportunity to spend ab...

11.8.2025 | The National Defence University will organize the third doctoral conferment ceremony in its history in Helsinki on 18-20 September. The event will celebrate the doctors and honorary doctors of military sciences to be conferred, as well as Finnish research in military sciences.

3.10.2025 | The third National Defence University conferment ceremony was held in Helsinki between 18 and 20 September 2025. At the conferment ceremony, 23 doctors of military sciences graduating after 2018 and 5 Honorary Doctors were conferred. Conferment grants them the right to use the doctoral hat and sword.

26.8.2024 | The 108th Cadet Course and the 91st Midshipman Course graduate from the Bachelor of Military Sciences programme on 30 August 2024. The Supreme Commander of the Finnish Defence Forces, President of the Republic Alexander Stubb will promote the 164 graduates to the rank of Lieutenant in the Presidential Palace's Hall of State. The graduation day with its traditional ceremonies will be a memorable event for the young officers.

10.5.2024 | Finland’s NATO membership contributes to the officer’s career becoming more international in nature, and international activities will be an increasingly central part of the Master of Military Sciences Degree as well. At the same time, the requirements set by NATO lend themselves to making the officer’s career and education increasingly versatile.

12.10.2020 | Eze, T, Speakman, L. & Onwubiko, C. (eds.) Proc. of the 19th European Conference on Cyber Warfare and Security ECCWS 2020, 25-26 June, 2020, pp. 278-283, ACPI 278 Young People and the Dark Side of Social Media — Possible Threats to National Securi...

Contact Information The facilities for the National Defense Courses are located in Kruununhaka, Helsinki. Address: Maneesikatu 6 (P.O. Box 266), 00171 Helsinki Course Leadership Director: Colonel Jussi Kosonen Deputy Director: Lieutenant Colonel O...

Practical information for requesting a visit to the National Defence University.

Interview requests, key figures and fact sheets.