Its presence is closely associated with the foundation and evolution of the Hellenic Navy, covering a period of 150 years of educational work.

In 1884, with the help of a French naval mission, the academy was officially reorganized by the Greek State and new facilities were built to house its operations.

Since then, during its 150 years of operation, the Hellenic Naval Cadets Academy has evolved into one of the most prestigious institutions in Greece.

The screening procedure for the selection of new cadets is based on the established system of national examinations, undertaken by all university candidates in Greece.

The Hellenic Naval Academy runs additional health, intelligence and athletic tests on its candidates.

Greek nationals are admitted to the Hellenic Naval Academy following both: successful participation to the preliminary examination that includes gymnastics, physical and psychological tests and, successful participation to the annual national examinations, operated by the Ministry of Education.

After the preparatory year, the foreign cadets join the full academic and military 4-year course, following the same program and obligations as their Greek colleagues.

Conditions for cadets to familiarize themselves with the profession and duties of an officer, are provided through instractions on professional matters, on board training and application of the theory taught, together with drills carried out during the cruise.

During the graduation ceremony the flag of the Hellenic Naval Academy, following tradition, is handed over by new Navy Officers to the 3rd year cadets.

These schools have as goal to enhance their expertise and make them familiar with the battle-ship operations and function during peace and war.

According to the department they choose (or are appointed according to Navy needs), they take a degree of specialization to one of the following subjects: gunnery, navigation, communications and electronic engineering.

Finally, officers ranked Lieutenant Junior Grade and Lieutenant, may be educated abroad (in Europe or in the United States) in schools such as NPS, MIT, the University of Michigan etc., thus becoming further specialized in fields such as electronics, weapon systems, computers, operation research, marine architecture etc.