Estonian Military Academy

The Estonian Military Academy (Kaitseväe Akadeemia, KVA; abbreviated EMA) is a public institution of professional higher education for national defence in Tartu, Estonia, founded in 1998. It is an element of the Estonian Defence Forces (EDF) and operates under the immediate command of the Commander of the EDF. The Academy's primary function is to prepare commanders for the EDF and develop military science. It offers three applied higher education programs (land, air force, navy) leading to a bachelor's degree in military science and the rank of Second Lieutenant, each comprising 180 ECTS over three years. It also offers a master's program in military leadership (120 ECTS, two years) with specializations in land, navy, or air forces. Cadets receive a salary from €1,150/month, free accommodation in central Tartu, free medical care, and a guaranteed position upon graduation. The Academy conducts R&D through its Department of Applied Research and publishes two open-access journals: Sõjateadlane (Estonian Journal of Military Studies) and EMA Occasional Papers. It holds institutional accreditation from the Estonian Quality Agency for Education (HAKA), valid until 2028.