noun
government-affiliated educational institution
Refers to specialized training schools established under the jurisdiction of a government ministry or agency, distinct from regular universities (大学). Examples include the National Defense Academy (防衛大学校) and the National Police Academy (警察大学校).
防衛大学校は防衛省が所管する大学校です。
The National Defense Academy is a government-affiliated educational institution under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defense.
大学 is a standard university, while 大学校 is a specialized training institution affiliated with a government agency.
Compound of 大学 (university) and 校 (school), literally 'university school', used to designate government-run specialized training institutions.