The selectivity of NIS is quite high, particularly for students applying for places in classes with Kazakh language of instruction. In 2013, about 7 689 individuals applied for one of the 884 places available in Kazakh language of instruction for grade 7 and 2 864 individuals did so for one of the 884 places in Russian language of instruction, which means that the acceptance rate for those studying in Kazakh (12%) is much smaller than that of Russian (31%) (NIS Annual report, 2013). Fewer than 50% of all applicants met the requirements for a merit scholarship. The curriculum for NIS was developed in collaboration with international partners.