About the University

Dr. Franjo Tuđman Defense and Security University (SOIS FT) is a public university in the Republic of Croatia, with campuses in Zagreb and Split. It is the leading higher education and scientific-research institution serving the national defense and homeland security system of the Republic of Croatia. The University delivers high-quality study programmes in the fields of military-defense and security-intelligence sciences and practices, thereby directly contributing to the development and strengthening of homeland security and defense institutions.

In line with its mission, vision, and objectives, the University’s motto is: Sapere Aude et Agere (Latin), meaning "Dare to think and act".

The University is focused on training personnel to operate within the homeland security and defense system, striving for excellence and global recognition through top-tier teaching processes and cooperation with international partners. Through such international cooperation, the University further enhances the capabilities of the homeland security and defense system, ensuring its readiness for the dynamic challenges of the 21st century.

It actively fosters and develops its scientific-research capacities, particularly through the work of the Institute for Security and Defense Studies, where research projects support strategic and defense planning.

The University was formally established in April 2021. It was founded by the Republic of Croatia, with the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Croatia assuming the associated rights and responsibilities.

A candidate enrolled in a military study programme at the Dr. Franjo Tuđman Defense and Security University becomes both a student of the University and a cadet within the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia.

Mission

The mission of the Dr. Franjo Tuđman Defense and Security University is to develop and implement high-quality study programmes in the fields of security and defense sciences, contributing to the advancement and strengthening of institutions and organisations within the homeland security and defense system of the Republic of Croatia. The University sets the highest standards in education, applies modern technologies, and continuously enhances its research capacities while actively expanding international cooperation with relevant universities, research centres, institutions, and organisations in the Republic of Croatia, the European Union, NATO, and globally.

Vision

The University is a unique and fully capable higher education institution providing essential educational and research services to the homeland security and defense system. High-quality study programmes are developed at undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels. In addition to university and professional programmes tailored for homeland security needs, lifelong learning programmes are also developed. Scientific research for homeland security is carried out through projects in cooperation with Croatian and international scientific institutions, ensuring effective knowledge transfer into components of the security and defense system. In implementing study programmes and research activities, the University relies on partners within NATO, the European Union, and the broader international community. All academic and non-academic organisational units are fully developed and effectively carry out their functions.

Objectives

The University’s short-term objectives focus on establishing a functional and modern educational system capable of delivering appropriate and high-quality training, education, and development of professional and highly qualified young personnel, ready to actively contribute to the homeland security and defense system of the Republic of Croatia and to strengthening the defensive shield of NATO and the European Union as a whole. Long-term objectives are oriented towards establishing, developing, and advancing a modern homeland security and defense system that is well-equipped and adaptable to address all future challenges and threats to national security and the collective security of the European Union and NATO.

Core Values of the University

• Patriotism – Emotional attachment and sense of belonging to one’s nation and/or state, rooted in its history, language, culture, politics, and tradition.
• Excellence – Achieving the highest standards in education and scientific research.
• Responsibility – Fulfilling all job-related and externally assigned tasks while taking accountability for one’s decisions.
• Teamwork – Collaborating with professionals from diverse fields to achieve common goals.
• Innovation – Transforming creative ideas into products, services, or processes of higher quality.

University Emblem

The University emblem features a stylised depiction of the Nehaj Fortress from the 16th century, symbolising defense. It also includes the first letter of the Glagolitic script and a traditional Croatian interlace, representing Croatian cultural and literary heritage. In the background, a Croatian coat of arms is depicted in the form of an open book, behind which lies a Carolingian, or "Old Croatian", sword from the 9th century. The emblem as a whole clearly reflects Croatian identity and history.