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Royal College of Defence Studies: Overseas Students

Asked by James CartlidgeConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 13 October 2025UIN 77109

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many students attend the Royal College of Defence Studies from (a) Russia, (b) China, (c) Iran and (d) North Korea.

Answered by Al Carns

The provision of professional military education or training to a foreign Governments is dependent on a number of factors, including the nature of our partnerships and course availability, and is kept under regular review. Any decision is made on a case-by-case basis and is underpinned by a robust assessment as to the benefits, risks, and compliance with international human rights law. In the interests of national security and upholding trust and confidentiality in our international partnerships, it is not appropriate for the Government to comment on the current provision of training to individual countries or the numbers of individuals on specific courses.

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