NEST welcomes candidates from other Middle Eastern churches, as well as any person seeking to learn about Protestant theology and faith, irrespective of his or her religious affiliation. Students from beyond the Middle East, who have a special interest in biblical studies against the cultural background of the Middle East, Islamics or Oriental and Orthodox churches, are also welcome.
NEST is a member of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) and co-operates closely with the Fellowship of the Middle East Evangelical Churches (FMEEC) and the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC).