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ND National Defense University logo

National Defense University

ยท Public University

Admissions open
Type
Public University
Founded
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Students
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International
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National Defense University: the applicant's brief

6 findings
  1. The short answer

    National Defense University is a public institution in Washington, D.C., focused on higher education, training, and professional development for national security leaders. It suits students who are looking for defense- and security-oriented study rather than a broad civilian university experience.

  2. What you can study

    National Defense University focuses on higher education, training, and professional development for national security leaders. The programme catalogue is still being compiled, so confirm the current study options on the official website before applying.

  3. Getting in

    International applicants should check the official website for entry requirements, available programmes, and any document or security-related conditions that may apply. Because the admissions process is not fully published here, confirm the current application steps with the university before you apply.

  4. What it costs

    The university does not publish a tuition fee range; confirm the current cost with its admissions office. Living costs in Washington, D.C. will depend on housing and daily expenses, so check your budget separately before applying.

  5. Coming from abroad

    The university is in the United States and is based in Washington, D.C. Check the language of instruction, application deadlines, visa requirements, and any programme-specific or security-related conditions on the official website before you submit an application.

  6. How it compares

    Among 2,515 universities in the United States, National Defense University stands out for its specific mission in national security education and professional development rather than a broad mix of civilian subjects. That makes it a better fit for applicants whose goals are tied to defense, policy, or strategic leadership.

Written from this university's catalogue entry and its cited encyclopedia summary. Figures are only shown where the institution or a cited source publishes them โ€” always confirm fees and entry requirements with the university itself before applying.

Questions about National Defense University

What kind of institution is National Defense University?

It is a public university in the United States.

Where is National Defense University located?

It is in Fort Lesley McNair, Washington, D.C.

What is National Defense Universityโ€™s focus?

It is aimed at higher education, training, and professional development of national security leaders.

Where should I confirm application details?

Check the official website at http://www.ndu.edu/ for current admissions and programme information.

Overview

The National Defense University (NDU) is an institution of higher education in Fort Lesley McNair, Washington, D.C., United States. It is funded by the United States Department of Defense aimed at facilitating high-level education, training, and professional development of national security leaders. As a chairman's Controlled Activity, NDU operates under the guidance of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), with Vice Admiral Peter Garvin, USN, as president. It is located near the White House and the US Congress.

Tuition fees & costs

Indicative annual tuition

On request

Indicative living cost

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Fees vary by programme and are indicative. Confirm exact fees with the university before applying.

Admission requirements

How to apply

  1. 1Check the entry requirements and intake dates for your chosen programme on the official university website.
  2. 2Confirm you meet the academic requirements (high-school certificate, bachelorโ€™s degree or equivalent) for the programme.
  3. 3Apply directly through the university admission portal, or via its official application platform.
  4. 4Submit your transcripts and English-proficiency scores (IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo English Test) and pay the application fee.
  5. 5On receiving your offer letter, accept it and begin your student-visa process for United States.

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Last updated 29 Aug 2026. Information is provided for guidance โ€” verify with official sources before applying.

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