There are obvious differences between National Defense University and National University of Defense Technology in terms of historical evolution, headquarters location, enrollment sources, personnel training level, and institutional attributes.

National Defense University, the highest military institution in China, was founded in 1953. It is a comprehensive joint command university, which mainly trains senior military command talents. National Defense University does not enroll students for the college entrance examination, but recommends enrollment through internal selection of the military. The training level is mainly concentrated in the fields of senior commanding officers and military research. The main campus of National Defense University is located in Beijing, with a beautiful environment and many famous academic institutions and scenic spots nearby.

Founded in 1953, National University of Defense Technology is a comprehensive university focusing on science and engineering, enrolling students for the college entrance examination and training junior commanders and researchers. The main campus of National University of Defense Technology is located in Changsha, with branches in Nanjing, Wuhan, Hefei and other places to better meet local needs and development. National University of Defense Technology plays an important role in scientific research and military technology, and its students mainly involve military science, engineering technology and other fields.