Symposium · 17 July 2026
Strategic Leadership Development
Advanced education, research, and professional formation for Rwanda's defence and security leaders.
At a glance
One university. A national learning network
Defence, security, health, technology, and officer education connected across Kigali, Musanze, and Bugesera.
- Chancellor
- President Paul Kagame, Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force
- Founding law
- Law No. 015/2026 · 10 April 2026
- Constituent organs
- Eight colleges, institutes, and academies
- Locations
- Kigali · Musanze · Bugesera
About NDU-R
A university built for disciplined leadership and national resilience
National Defence University - Rwanda brings specialised public higher education into one coordinated system for defence, security, health sciences, technology, research, and officer formation.
- Vision
- A world-class institution for defence and security education, research, and training.
- Mission
- Educate defence and security professionals, senior officials, and international partners.
- Mandate
- Connect higher education, strategic research, innovation, and national problem-solving.
- Governance
- Guided through university leadership, academic governance, and senior management structures.
Partners
Connected across Rwanda's defence, security, and education community
Colleges & institutes
Eight constituent entities. One coordinated university
NDU-R brings together strategic education, professional military learning, health sciences, technology, policing, intelligence, and officer formation within one public university system.
National Defence College – Rwanda (NDC-R)
Develops strategic thinking for selected senior defence, security, public-sector, and international leaders through the Master of Science in Strategic Studies.
Learn moreInstitute for Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS)
Supports advanced study, professional development, research, publication, and policy dialogue in defence and strategic affairs.
Learn moreDefence College of Health Sciences (DCHS)
Delivers specialised higher education in health professions, including confirmed Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Nursing programmes.
Learn moreDefence Institute of Science and Technology (DIST)
Advances applied education and innovation across engineering, science, technology, applied sciences, and national capability.
Learn moreRwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College (RDF CSC)
Provides command and staff education for mid-career and senior officers, including the Master of Arts in Security Studies.
Learn moreNational Police College (NPC)
Advances police professional education and leadership development within NDU-R.
Learn moreNational Intelligence Academy (NIA)
Supports specialised intelligence education and professional formation.
Learn moreRwanda Military Academy (RMA)
Supports cadet and junior officer education with emphasis on discipline, academic excellence, leadership, and military professionalism.
Learn moreAdmission Eligibility
Start with the right pathway
Candidates are nominated through authorised institutions; this website provides eligibility guidance only.
Academics
Academic pathways for defence, security, and public service
Life at Campus
Community beyond the classroom
Wellbeing, teamwork, dialogue, events, and service activities help build a connected professional learning community across NDU-R.
Latest updates
News and events
Collaboration · 12 July 2026
RDF Command and Staff College welcomes a faculty and student delegation from a partner National Defence University
Professional Education · 8 July 2026
Senior Command and Staff Course graduation includes officers from Rwanda and partner nations
Contact
Get in touch with NDU-R
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