In 2000 NES admitted 80 students. Current year admission aims at recruiting 100 students. The minimum requirement is four years of university education in any discipline. The majority come with a background in mathematics, economics, computer science or natural sciences. Prospective students must pass the School’s stringent entrance examinations in English and Mathematics, and then be selected through an interview process. Competition to gain entry has been strong with the School attracting top students from the best universities of Russia and the now independent former Soviet republics. Given the increasing interest in pursuing a NES MA degree among applicants from specific regions of Russia and FSU and the financial burden for applicants to travel to Moscow, entrance exams in 2001 will take place not only in Moscow, but also in Novosibirsk and Alma Aty.

Despite the intense program of study, the student body in each of the classes proved very active socially and provided the School with a very pleasant and supportive atmosphere.