Higher military education can be acquired in Tartu Estonian Military Academy (EMA) in the form of professional higher education (basic course) and Master’s study (intermediate course).
In professional higher education it is possible to study military command with a concentration on the Army, Navy or Air Force. Nominal study time is three years and the curriculum consists of 180 ECTS credits. In the Air Force, learning takes place in cooperation with the Estonian Aviation Academy and in the Navy, with the Estonian Maritime Academy of TalTech.
During training, one learns to command smaller units, gets to know the weapon systems they require for combat power and how to organise cooperation between units. Learning in the basic course at the Estonian Military Academy is free. Cadets are also granted free housing in Tartu and uniforms intended for active servicemen. The Defence Forces concludes active service agreements with cadets that have been accepted to the Academy and cadets receive monthly remuneration for learning.
Graduates of the basic course will receive a Bachelor’s level degree and the rank of Second Lieutenant.
After a few years of successful service in the Defence Forces, studies may be continued via the two-year intermediate course, or Master’s study, at the Academy, where the knowledge required to serve in the staff of a battalion or brigade is acquired. Graduates receive a Master’s level degree in Military Science.
Similar to the basic course, learning in the intermediate course is also free for active servicemen and during the course of their studies the student’s active service relationship with the Defence Forces will continue.