The mission of the College is to acquire, store, develop and grant the necessary knowledge, to mould and breed the necessary competences of leaders and experts, capable of managing the Armed Forces and the other elements of the defence and security systems in both national and union format.
Rakovski National Defence College is the oldest higher military institution in Bulgaria.
It was founded with an Act of the 15 th National Assembly of 1 st March, 1912. It is based in Sofia, and has its own flag, seal and official holiday on April 14. The Rakovski National Defence College has a unique contribution to the foundation of the Bulgarian Officers Corps, as well as to the establishment of the new Bulgarian State, and to the influence of the European values upon the Bulgarian nation. Today it is a national institution for higher education, qualification, and scientific research on issues of national security and Defence. Rakovski National Defence College is accredited as a high institution by the state authorities.
The Rakovski National Defence College is accredited by 11 doctoral majors in several fields of higher education.
The Rakovski National Defence College offers training in three professional areas: National Security, Military and Psychology
At the Rakovski National Defence College you can specialize in the new bachelor’s program in the field of National Security.
The Rakovski National Defence College has a Vocational Training Center, which offers qualification and validation in 16 professions.
The Military Alma Mater is not only a unique scientific and educational institution. As her graduate, I am proud to note that she is also a patriotic school. It is a natural impulse to preserve the flame of pride and love for the Motherland by keeping its symbols alive. In this connection the Academy becomes a tribune of patriotism and guardian of national values.
We, not only politicians, but also people like you – from the leadership, teaching and scientific staff of our higher education institutions, students and doctoral students, public figures – all of us today must strive to build on our character, to aim high, not to break easily and to have the energy to be the bearers of a leadership spirit, of public opinion, of a strong and proud temper, of traditions, patriotic values and a stance of Bulgarianness.
I think that anyone who crosses the portal, the entrance to the Rakovski National Defence College, has no way of not testing them. The buildings themselves, walking along the alleys, have preserved the spirit of our ancestors. So I think that anyone who is dedicated to this profession – to be an officer, there is no way not to test them, because they are not forced to become an officer. You have to want it, you have to be dedicated to the state.
In the course of its historical development, the Rakovski National Defence College has managed to establish itself as the most important institution for military education in the country. Its authority is recognized not only nationally, but also far beyond the borders of the country. I express my deep respect for the leadership and teaching staff of the Academy, who, through their dedication and consistency, indisputable professionalism and competence, train and educate highly qualified personnel for the needs of the armed forces.
