Objective: The present study was conducted with the aim of systematically combining qualitative studies of the development of higher education among selected armies of the world.
Methodology: The research method was qualitative, meta-synthesis type and the research population was all documents and academic reports conducted in the field of higher education development, in the period from 2014 to 2024. Accordingly, by referring to the documents and reports of students sent to doctoral and master's courses abroad, the databases of the Deputy for Education and Training and the Command and Staff University of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army were searched, and 52 scientific reports in the desired field were reviewed and finally 27 reports were purposefully selected as a sample and the Cohen's kappa coefficient tool was used to evaluate and confirm the quality of the content of the documents. The data obtained from document analysis were analyzed using the open and axial coding method. In total, 145 codes, 33 categories and 7 concepts were identified.
Findings: The most important concepts identified include “1- Core elements of education 2- University accommodation 3- Education approach, teaching method and student preparation 4- Supplementary educational programs 5- Organizational alignment 6- Infrastructure, support, management and 7- Evaluation process”.
Conclusion: The results of this research can help the trustees in this field to understand the dimensions of the development of military higher education especially in friendly and aligned countries, and to contribute to the development of military higher education by establishing strong defense diplomacy.