The Estonian Military Academy (EMA) offers three applied higher education (basic course) military leadership programs for training army, air force and navy officers. The duration of study in the applied higher education programs at the Estonian Military Academy is three years. Graduates of applied higher education programs receive a bachelor’s degree in military science and the rank of Second Lieutenant.
The EMA applied higher education curricula in military leadership are divided into modules that combine essentially similar subjects and topics into wholes. The curricula thus consist of general and military leadership, technology, pedagogy and research, and specialization modules. In addition to military subjects, cadets gain an overview of the humanities and social sciences, natural and exact sciences, and learn languages.
The curricula are designed based on the main functions of an officer’s work environment, enabling graduates to perform the duties of a leader, administrator, educator, diplomat, and technician.
Benefits of studying at the Estonian Military Academy:
- Salary – each cadet is guaranteed a salary starting from €1,150 during their studies.
- Free accommodation – free shared accommodation in the center of Tartu.
- Free medical care – free medical and dental care during studies and in active duty.
- Guaranteed position – graduates of the Estonian Military Academy are guaranteed a position in the Estonian Defence Forces with a salary starting at €2,450.
- Sports – cadets are guaranteed a wide range of sports opportunities and specialized hobby groups.
The basic course of the Estonian Military Academy provides students with the basic skills of an army officer and an applied higher education in military leadership.
The aim of the land forces curriculum is to prepare students to serve as platoon and company/battery commanders in peacetime and wartime positions. During their studies, students can specialize in infantry, armored infantry, communications, engineering, air defence, artillery, or logistics, which will prepare them for Junior Officer positions in the respective branches of the military.
The curriculum comprises 180 ECTS credits.
At the Estonian Military Academy, you can study applied higher education in military leadership with a focus on the air force in cooperation with the Estonian Aviation Academy – subjects related to the military branch are taught by Air Force officers, and specialized subjects are taught by lecturers from the Estonian Aviation Academy. The basic course in the Air Force lasts three years, allowing students to specialize in Air Force operations or aircraft piloting.
The Air Force organizes defensive aviation and controls the country’s airspace in cooperation with allies. Air Force officers are familiar with the principles of organizing air defence and airfield operations and serve in one of five areas: Airfield Officer, Air Surveillance Officer, Aircraft Pilot, Air Operations Officer and Air Defence Officer.
The curriculum comprises 180 ECTS credits.
The basic course at the Estonian Military Academy provides students with the basic skills of a naval officer and applied higher education in military leadership. The course lasts three years and is run in cooperation with the Estonian Maritime Academy – military-specific subjects are taught by naval officers and general maritime subjects are taught by lecturers from the Estonian Maritime Academy. During the course, students undertake practical training on naval vessels.
The aim of the Navy curriculum is to prepare junior officers to serve in the Estonian Navy in peacetime and wartime positions. According to the curriculum, students can specialize in naval tactics or technology.
The curriculum comprises 180 ECTS credits.