Rakovski National Defence College
At a glance
| Bulgarian name | Военна академия „Георги Стойков Раковски“ |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1912 |
| City | Sofia |
| Type | State-funded military higher education institution |
| Head | Major General Stayko Prokopiev, appointed in 2024 |
| Faculties | National Security and Defence; Command and Staff |
| Training | 1,500 officers and civilians per year |
| Website | rndc.bg |
Source: Wikipedia: Georgi Rakovski Military Academy; Wikipedia (Bulgarian): Военна академия „Георги Раковски“; Official website: Rakovski National Defence College1,2,3
History
The National Assembly voted to establish a military academy on 1 March 1912, and the law was promulgated on 8 May. The institution was created to train military commanders and personnel. Its first class began studies on 4 January 1915, after the Balkan Wars delayed the opening. The academy was named after Georgi Rakovski in 1946.1,2
Its organisation and teaching provision changed over time. In the mid-1950s it merged with the existing Military Technical and Military Political Academies, and its faculties grew to include areas such as combined arms, armoured forces, artillery and the air force. Following political change in 1989, the academy established contacts with NATO military-scientific organisations.2
Faculties and academic units
The listed academic structure includes two faculties, an institute and a department:2
- Faculty of National Security and Defence
- Command and Staff Faculty
- Institute for Advanced Defence Studies
- Department of Distance Learning, Language Training and Qualification
Source: Wikipedia (Bulgarian): Военна академия „Георги Раковски“2
Training and research
The academy trains around 1,500 officers and civilian personnel each year and has 148 qualified lecturers. Its role includes education in military science and national security, as well as developing operational compatibility with NATO. The historical account records doctoral candidates from 1954 and the establishment of a three-month course in 1932 for officers who had graduated from higher technical schools abroad.1,2
Campus
The college is in central Sofia, near Eagle’s Bridge. Its main entrance is on Evlogi and Hristo Georgievi Boulevard, with the approach to the main building continuing from Shipka Street. The academy’s park has been open to the public since 2010, and the Sofia Opera and Ballet holds performances there annually in June.2
Sources
- Wikipedia: Georgi Rakovski Military Academy
- Wikipedia (Bulgarian): Военна академия „Георги Раковски“
- Official website: Rakovski National Defence College
Facts checked 13 October 2026. Prepared by InvestBulgaria for general information. Check admissions, fees and programmes with the university before applying or recruiting.
